GREEN KEY GLOBAL

Sustainable programs designed specifically for the Hotel Industry, by the Hotel Industry.

Hotel Sustainability

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Canadian hotels, and Hotels Canada, aligning with our mission to contribute positively to people, communities, the economy, and the planet. Canada’s hotels are leaders and are recognized for their contributions to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and reduce carbon emissions, and mitigating their impact on the planet.

Hotels Canada is committed to empowering hotels to adopt sustainable practices and play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future for generations.

ABOUT GREEN KEY GLOBAL

Green Key Global is North America’s trusted sustainability certification for the hospitality industry, offering a comprehensive program designed to increase bookings, reduce costs, and lower your carbon footprint. In today’s evolving tourism landscape, sustainability certification is increasingly demanded by corporate and individual travellers, event planners, and attendees. Green Key Global certification validates your property’s sustainability claims and equips you with the tools needed to combat climate crises, target eco-conscious consumer and meet corporate and brand sustainability targets. Green Key Global outpaces industry standards, positioning you to welcome a new generation of planet-conscious visitors and attendees.

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GREEEN KEY GLOBAL ECO-RATING PROGRAM

Showcase your Sustainable Efforts

Certification with Green Key Eco-Rating demonstrates your hotel or lodging facility’s commitment to improving environmental and social performance, enabling you to compete more effectively.

Green Key Global is the sustainable certification program of choice for the Canada’s hotel industry. As the only environmental certification designed for the hotel and meeting industry, the program offers members valuable tools and individual guidance on how to manage and improve their property’s environmental performance.

With a Green Key Eco-Rating, you can reduce utility consumption, waste, and emissions, improve employee training, customer engagement, supply chain management, community involvement, and much more through environmental audits and performance reports.

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GREEN KEY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Host Green Events

The Green Key Meetings and Events Program is a comprehensive assessment tool for travel, meeting, and conference planners to implement and promote sustainable practices and policies, while gaining a competitive advantage as businesses and brands seek sustainable accommodations and venues.

Increase venue demands and demonstrate commitment to high performance and environmental operations as a member of the Green Key Meetings and Events program.

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RECENT NEWS

New EU Sustainability Rules Take Effect September 27: What Hotels Need to Know

On September 27, the European Union’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive comes into effect. Under the Directive, businesses will face increased scrutiny regarding environmental and sustainability claims made to European consumers, with greater emphasis on ensuring that such claims are credible, transparent, and appropriately substantiated. The Directive also restrict…

Hotels Canada and AHLA Foundation Formalize Partnership to Strengthen Industry Action Against Human Trafficking

Hotels Canada and the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalizing a strengthened partnership to a…

International Hotel Industry Coalition Calls for Long-Term United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Extension After Successful 2026 World Cup

OTTAWA, ON | CIUDAD DE MEXICO | WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2026 – Following the conclusion of the 2026 tri-national World Cup games, the American Hotel & …

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RESOURCES

Breaking down complex issues and key data into industry resources you can use to support workforce, housing and other hospitality needs.

2026 Spring Workforce Report

The 2026 Spring Workforce Report explores the workforce pressures affecting Canada’s hotel industry, including shortages and the impacts of immigration and policy changes. Drawing on feedback from hotels across the country, the report highlights regional workforce realities, operational impacts, and emerging trends shaping the industry in early 2026.

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Canada’s Hotel Industry: Business Intelligence Report (Updated May 2026)

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2026 Annual Workforce Report

A comprehensive analysis of workforce trends across Canada’s hotel sector, combining national data, industry insights, and policy context to support planning and inform decision-making.

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Short-term rentals and housing affordability in Ontario

This report analyzes short-term rentals (STRs) in the province of Ontario, and applies the results of a new Canada-wide study of the impact of STR activity on rents to Ontario communities. It estimates the amount of rent increases in Ontario caused by STRs, demonstrates the effectiveness of principal-residence requirements at driving down rents, and lays out a set of STR regulatory principles for Ontario, based on Canadian best practices.

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Short-term rental regulations in British Columbia

This report analyzes short-term rentals (STR) regulation in the province of British Columbia, and applies the results of a new Canada-wide study of the impact of STR regulations on rents to BC communities. It calculates the amount of rent decreases in BC attributable to municipal STR principal residence restrictions, caused by STRs, estimates the likely impact of the Province’s new STR rules on rents, and provides early evidence about host compliance with the new rules.

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National Survey: Majority of Canadians Support Limiting Commercial Short-Term Rentals

A national survey conducted by Nanos reveals that the majority of Canadians believe short-term rentals have negative impacts on and support limiting commercial short-term rentals.

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Fraudulent Hotel Bookings in Canada

In 2024, 84 percent of members reported being the victim of booking fraud where guests book weeks-long stays, often with fake credit cards, but cancel at the last minute. These fraudulent bookings have resulted in foregone revenue losses of around with $462 million to $603 million this year alone.

Hotel Workforce Action Plan

The Hotel Association of Canada Hotel Workforce Action Plan provides an overview of the key pressures faced by the sector as well as recommendations to address the industry’s workforce challenges at every phase of the talent lifecycle (Attraction, Recruitment, Retention, Development, & Separation).

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