Green Key-ի չափանիշներ և բացատրական նշումներ
Green Key-ի չափանիշները հիմք են հանդիսանում Green Key հավաստագրմանն ուղղված հաստատությունների համար և աջակցում են նրանց իրենց գործունեության բոլոր ոլորտներում բովանդակալից և չափելի կայունության գործելակերպեր ներդնելու հարցում։
For the certification period 1 October 2026 – 31 December 2031, Green Key criteria and accompanying explanatory notes have been developed for the six Green Key categories and are organised into seven key criteria areas. Together, these areas cover the main aspects of sustainable management and responsible environmental practices relevant to participating establishments.
Սահմանված չափանիշներ
The criteria set out the requirements that an establishment must fulfil in order to obtain Green Key certification. They provide a clear and consistent framework for assessing an establishment's sustainability efforts and for identifying areas where further improvements may be needed.
The explanatory notes complement the criteria by providing additional information, clarification and practical guidance. They are intended to help establishments understand what is expected under each criterion and how the requirements can be implemented in practice. Where relevant, the explanatory notes also provide examples and further context to support establishments in preparing for the certification process.
Establishments are encouraged to use the criteria and explanatory notes as a practical reference throughout their Green Key journey — from preparing an application and implementing sustainability measures to maintaining and continuously improving their environmental performance.
The Green Key criteria and explanatory notes for 2026–2031 are available to download as PDF documents below.
All six categories
Additional Green Key Guidance Documents
In addition to the Green Key Criteria and Explanatory Notes and the Green Key Toolbox, which is available to applicant and participating establishments, two additional documents provide important guidance on how the Green Key requirements apply to your establishment.
These documents are designed to support you throughout the certification process and help ensure that the criteria are interpreted and applied consistently.
Scope of Certification
The Scope of Certification document explains which services, facilities and areas of your establishment are included within the scope of Green Key certification. It helps you understand which parts of your operation are covered by Green Key criteria and clarifies the boundaries of the certification.
Download documentThe Glossary
The Glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms, concepts and terminology used throughout the Green Key criteria and explanatory notes. It is a useful reference when reviewing the requirements and can help ensure that the criteria are understood and interpreted correctly.
Download documentImperative and Guideline Criteria
The Green Key criteria catalogue consists of two types of criteria: imperative criteria and guideline criteria. Together, they provide a structured framework for establishments to implement and continuously strengthen their sustainability practices.
Imperative criteria are mandatory requirements. An applicant establishment must fulfil all applicable imperative criteria in order to achieve Green Key certification.
Guideline criteria represent additional sustainability measures that establishments are expected to implement progressively. The number of guideline criteria that must be fulfilled increases over successive certification and re-certification periods, encouraging establishments to continuously develop and improve their sustainability performance.
This approach allows establishments to build on their sustainability efforts over time, moving beyond the initial certification requirements and progressively implementing a broader range of environmental and sustainability measures.
Depending on the year of certification, the requirements for the criteria are provided below.
| Year | Percentage of total imperative criteria | Percentage of total guideline criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 100% | 0% |
| 3–4 | 100% | 10% |
| 5–6 | 100% | 20% |
| 7–8 | 100% | 30% |
| 9–10 | 100% | 40% |
| 11+ | 100% | 50% |
Transition of Guideline Criteria Requirements
Establishments that are already certified under the Green Key Criteria 2022–2026 will follow specific transition arrangements when moving to the Green Key Criteria 2026–2031.
During the transition period, the required percentage of guideline criteria is determined by the percentage that the establishment would have been required to fulfil under the previous criteria, based on its certification year.
When transitioning to the Green Key Criteria 2026–2031, the establishment will be required to fulfil the next lower percentage available under the new criteria system. This approach ensures a clear and manageable transition between the two criteria periods.
Examples of the Transition Requirements
For example:
An establishment entering its 4th certification year would have been required to fulfil 15% of the guideline criteria under the previous system. During the transition to the 2026–2031 criteria, the establishment will instead be required to fulfil at least 10% of the guideline criteria.
An establishment entering its 5th certification year would have been required to fulfil 20% of the guideline criteria under the previous system. During the transition, the establishment will likewise be required to fulfil at least 10% of the guideline criteria.
The transition arrangements are intended to provide establishments with a clear and practical pathway from the previous criteria system to the new 2026–2031 requirements.
Dispensation During the Transition
If an establishment is unable to achieve the required percentage of guideline criteria during the transition period, it may apply for a dispensation for one certification period.
To be considered for a dispensation, the establishment must demonstrate that it has made all reasonable efforts to meet the required percentage of guideline criteria. Any dispensation must be reviewed and confirmed by the relevant Certification Body.
Evidence Requirements During the Transition Period
Specific arrangements also apply to evidence requirements during the transition period.
During the defined transition period, establishments applying for re-certification are required to provide a minimum of six months of data for requirements that would normally require evidence covering the last two full calendar years.
Once the transition period has ended, re-applicant establishments must provide evidence covering the last two full calendar years, where required. At that point, all establishments will be assessed and certified fully in accordance with the Green Key Criteria 2026–2031.