WASHINGTON (March 31, 2025) – One year after the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) united to co-own and operate Green Key Global to advance sustainability in the hospitality industry, Green Key Global, a leading sustainability certification body for hotels, is proud to announce the launch of Green Key Ready. This new entry-level solution provides hotels with a structured, accessible and cost-effective first step toward full Green Key Eco-Rating certification.

Green Key Ready is tailored to hotel properties in the early stages of their sustainability journey or with limited resources. The solution consists of a questionnaire based on sustainability fundamentals and resources to help prepare properties for certification. Green Key Ready serves as a stepping stone to the full Green Key Eco-Rating certification, making sustainability more accessible and achievable.

“Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s an expectation,” said Anick Levesque, managing director of Green Key Global. “A year ago, AHLA and HAC strengthened their commitment to Green Key Global, marking a new chapter for sustainability in the hospitality industry. Since then, we’ve grown, evolved, and expanded our programs to better serve hotels at every stage of their sustainability journey. The launch of Green Key Ready is a direct result of that momentum—an accessible and impactful solution that ensures more properties can take meaningful steps toward sustainability. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

Supporting the Hospitality Industry’s ESG Commitments

Green Key Ready was developed in collaboration with hospitality leaders, industry partners, and sustainability experts to address the need for a structured yet accessible and affordable sustainability framework for properties that are just beginning their environmental journey with resource constraints.

“On the one year anniversary of our partnership, AHLA is reaffirming its strong commitment to answering our guests’ needs with the launch of Green Key Ready,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). “Green Key Ready is an essential tool that helps hotels of all sizes integrate sustainability into their operations, ensuring they meet guest expectations while driving industry-wide progress aligning with our Responsible Stay initiative.”

“Green Key Ready is a game-changer for sustainability certification,” said Beth McMahon, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). “It removes barriers for hotels that are ready to take action by providing a structured, affordable, and accessible starting point. This program will fast-track the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry and establish a new benchmark for responsible hospitality.”

The program is also designed to support hotel brands and management companies looking to scale sustainability initiatives across their portfolios. With Green Key Ready, brands can simplify sustainability onboarding for properties, drive greater ESG engagement, and establish a clear pathway to full Green Key Eco-Rating Certification.

Get Started with Green Key Ready    

Enrollment in Green Key Ready is now open. Hotels with resource and financial constraints looking to embark on their sustainability journey can sign up today to receive resources, recognition, and a clear roadmap to full certification.

To learn more and enroll, visit Green Key Ready or go to: www.greenkeyglobal.com.

About Green Key Global

Green Key Global, owned by the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), is a leading certification body empowering hospitality businesses in North America to achieve excellence in sustainability. Our globally recognized best-in-class solutions ensure that our members meet high international standards, leveraging corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG), gaining a competitive edge in the eco-conscious market. By aligning with all 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Green Key Global sets a comprehensive standard for sustainability practices. Join us as we lead the way towards a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry:  www.greenkeyglobal.com
 

CONTACT: media@ahla.com