Launched by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 2002, Green Key is a label of international importance. With 2,100 certified facilities in 41 countries, it is the largest of its kind in the world. It is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

In Morocco, where it has been implemented by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection since 2008, the label is awarded annually for one year by an independent jury of experts and tourism and environmental professionals, based on 92 environmental criteria (see below).

The 2013 edition has also coincided with the introduction of a new set of criteria by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for the period from 2013 to 2015. Two types of grids were defined: one for large structures (hotels and similar establishments) and the other for small structures (guest houses, inns, cottages, etc.). The Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has adapted these two grids to the Moroccan context, on the basis of all experience accumulated in previous years.

The procedure for awarding the label has also strengthened in 2013. The new grid has defined a set of documents to be provided by the applicant institutions to support the implementation of certain criteria. The granting of the label is always preceded by an audit of first time label applicant institutions by external expertise.

The environmental approach in tourism is particularly important as the driving market forces, mainly European markets, are increasingly sensitive to these issues. Also, the Foundation is supported by the Moroccan National Office of Tourism (ONMT), which is aware of the advantage that the Green Key label provides these markets, and that it is a rapidly growing demand. The National Office of Water and Electricity (ONEE) provides its support for technical matters within its expertise: water and energy.

Through the Green Key label, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, aims to raise awareness among tourism stakeholders on the development of responsible and sustainable tourism as the only sustainable way for tourism in the Kingdom. Through this label, the Foundation offers them a clear approach and positive support.

The Foundation has shown the example at the 7th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) it organized from June 9 to 14, 2013 in Marrakech, where it advocated lodging of the 2,600 participants in certified Green Key establishments, or in nearby facilities to avoid carbon emissions related to transportation.

The 92 Green Key label criteria

The 92 criteria for awarding the Green Key label concern both environmental education and sustainable development. Facilities are judged on:

– Environmental policy (environmental management, action plan, training and employee involvement).

– Raising awareness and encouraging customers to participate: water and electricity conservation, respect of nature, etc.

– Water savings through resource management, sanitation, plumbing and irrigation.

– Energy savings through the management of energy resources, heat and air conditioning, household equipment and lighting.

– Waste management with selective collection and sorting, volume reduction at the source, etc.

– Responsible purchasing: use green cleaning products, source local foods, etc.

– Actions that respect the internal and external environment and are conducive to the conservation of natural resources, environmentally-friendly activities, etc.