Pro-invest Group has achieved GreenKey certification for nine Australian hotels under its management, marking a new milestone in its sustainability journey.
Operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Green Key is a globally recognised standard that recognises excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the hotel and tourism industry.
Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point is the latest to be certified, with Kimpton Margot Sydney, Sebel Canberra Campbell and Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders expected to be certified soon.
The group is the first to secure this many GreenKey hotels in Australia and is aiming to have 15 hotels across Australia and New Zealand certified by the end of the year.
“As the demand for eco-friendly tourism continues to rise, Pro-invest is committed to achieving third-party certification that holds us accountable and pushes our hotels to continuously improve their operations in terms of sustainability,” said Pro-invest Group Deputy Chair and CEO APAC, Jan Smits.
“The hospitality industry has an obligation to protect the planet for future generations and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously.”
GreenKey certification is based on an assessment of energy conservation, water management, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and promoting environmental education for guests and staff.
Recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Standards (GSTC), GreenKey takes a tailored approach to the hospitality industry.
There are currently more than 6,000 Green Key certified establishments across more than 70 countries.
Scott Mitchell, Director of Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance, the national operator of Green Key in Australia, joined staff at Hotel Indigo Potts Point to present the certification.
At Hotel Indigo Potts Point, sustainability initiatives include donating 50 cents from every cocktail sold to Pro-invest Group’s RISE and CARE programs; using bamboo skewers and paper straws; installing Moda Still and Sparkling water systems to reduce single-use plastic water bottles; and using reusable linen napkins and eco-friendly packaging.
“Achieving Green Key accreditation is a significant achievement for any hotel,” said Mitchell.
“It is a testament to Pro-invest and IHG that they are committed to environmental stewardship and to offering guests an eco-friendly experience. The certification process is very thorough, meaning that hotels who achieve this status stand out as true leaders in the field of sustainable tourism.”
IHG Director of Operations Australasia and Pacific, Sam Davies, was also in attendance.
“IHG is committed to driving impactful progress toward sustainability goals as part of our Journey to Tomorrow plan and we congratulate to Pro-invest for their continual commitment to sustainability and the attainment of Green Key certification for these hotels,” Davies said.
Pro-invest Group hotels that have already achieved GreenKey certification include Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport; Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park; Holiday Inn Express Newcastle; Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank; Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins; Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central; Holiday Inn Express Sunshine Coast; and Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre.