Foundation for Environmental Education appoints Audit Independer Group as Green Key International's Certification Body

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has appointed Audit Independer Group as the new independent Certification Body for the Green Key International programme, marking an important milestone in strengthening the integrity and future development of one of the world's leading sustainability certifications for the tourism and hospitality industry.

The partnership takes effect from 1 October 2026 and establishes a globally coordinated certification structure that responds to the changing regulatory environment while maintaining the high standards expected from Green Key.

Under the new model, Audit Independer Group will independently manage auditor approval and certification decisions, while FEE will continue to own and develop the Green Key programme and its criteria and certification scheme. The partnership has been designed around internationally recognised principles of impartiality, independence, and competence, reflecting ISO/IEC 17065 certification principles.

"This partnership helps us steer Green Key towards a future of strong compliance, transparency, and programme integrity. It allows FEE to focus on what we do best, supporting our National Operators, and advancing sustainability education, while leaving independent certification to a trusted expert. We have been impressed by Audit Independer Group's professionalism and international experience, and we see this as the beginning of a long-term partnership that will strengthen sustainability certification across the hospitality industry. Together with the ongoing Green Key scheme approval process with DANAK, this partnership is another key building block in creating the robust governance framework required by the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive and securing the future credibility of Green Key," said Daniel Schaffer, CEO of FEE.

"We are honoured that FEE has entrusted Audit Independer Group with this responsibility. Green Key has built an outstanding international reputation over the past three decades, and our role is to strengthen the independent certification process while respecting the programme's values and global network. We look forward to working closely with FEE, National Operators and auditors around the world to deliver a consistent, impartial, and efficient certification process that supports both programme integrity and the environmental commitments of the hospitality sector," said Michael van der Klugt, CEO at Audit Independer Group.

The transition will take place in close cooperation with Green Key National Operators worldwide. Existing auditors will continue to play a role in the programme, while Audit Independer Group will coordinate auditor approval, certification activities, and operational delivery under the new certification framework.

The appointment reflects Green Key's continued commitment to maintaining an internationally credible certification system as sustainability assurance expectations continue to evolve.