More questions about GreenSign

The certification process is divided into the following 3 steps:

• Submit certification application
• Log in to the GreenSign tool & complete the self-evaluation
• Audit & award with GreenSign.

The GreenSign certification is valid for three years. During this time, the company has the opportunity to make the operation even more sustainable in order to obtain a higher GreenSign level during re-certification.

Yes, after filling out the certification catalog, an independent audit takes place on site at the company, during which the information in the criteria catalog is discussed and checked. This audit can be carried out by the GreenSign Institute directly or by an external auditor.

Certification with GreenSign offers the following benefits:

• Environmental management system as a guideline for structured, green corporate management
• Marketing with a positive green image
• Effective conservation of resources and cost savings
• Customer loyalty & acquisition of new target groups
• Raising awareness of sustainability among guests, employees, suppliers & partners
• Strengthening employee satisfaction and loyalty
• Reduced staff turnover
• Membership in the GreenCommunity for exchange with sustainable partners
• Opportunity to participate in networking events and to join climate protection actions
• Increased online presence through integration in press releases, newsletters and social media

Each company certified with GreenSign receives, in addition to the certificate naming the GreenSign level achieved, a bar chart on which the progress in the individual core areas of certification is transparently displayed. The more sustainable the company acts in an area, the further the bar extends in the respective area. This transparency allows customers and guests an open and credible insight into the company’s sustainability activities. The GreenSign logo, the barometer, an attractive and honest mission statement and an informative sustainability report can be presented on the company’s website and on all social media channels. Sustainability should always be communicated in a positive way and not associated with doing without. A carbon footprint also helps communicate the hotel’s conservation of resources. GreenSign offers the CO2 footprint and water footprint additionally and issues a corresponding certificate for it.

Sustainability does not have to be expensive! The first step is to strive for effective resource conservation, i.e. to use less water and energy and produce smaller amounts of waste. The costs saved in this way can, if desired, be invested in environmentally friendly products such as food, cleaning products or cosmetics in the next step. In the GreenCommunity you will also find many sustainable partners who offer special conditions for GreenSign certified companies. This way, you can still save a little on sustainable products.

Every GreenSign certified company automatically becomes part of the GreenCommunity. It has access to the sustainable partner network and can contact interesting suppliers directly. Sustainable suppliers can inquire about the current partner program by contacting the GreenSign Institute.

Sustainability is the basis of a healthy, successful and long-lasting business. Cooperation with GreenSign Hotel ensures preparation for the European Green Deal, increases attractiveness on the employee market and retains guests.

GreenSign Hotel implements practical standards from EMAS, ISO 14001and ISO 26000 in its certification catalog. In addition, GreenSign Hotel is recommended by the Federal Office for the Environment and is recognized by the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council).

The goal is to improve at each re-certification, however, much can improve within one level. There is no obligation to improve to the next higher level during recertification. Through an environmental program, which is prepared by the company after the self-evaluation, the entrepreneurs commit themselves to continuously implement sustainability activities.

There are 20 mandatory criteria with GreenSign that must be met by every hotel. These mandatory criteria include:

• Creation of a corporate mission statement
• Consideration of human rights and environmental protection
• Publication of the mission statement
• Appointment of a CSR representative
• Creation of an environmental program
• Stakeholders are informed about sustainability activities
• Preparation of an annual environmental report
• Continuous improvement of sustainability to be documented
• Legal regulations are complied with Systematic survey of energy consumption for electricity, heating, water and waste
• Compliance with wastewater disposal regulations Water risks are assessed and documented
• Regular maintenance of water installations Water risks are documented
• Drinking quality of water is checked regularly
• Regular training (internal stakeholders) is provided in the area of corporate ecology
• Employees receive information on the hotel’s sustainability concept during onboarding
• Support for social / cultural projects

GreenSign claims to be a holistic certificate, i.e. it refers equally to the topics of ecology, economy and social issues. Sustainability is recorded transparently in the form of a level system and a bar chart.

The barometer presents 8 areas of sustainability in a very concrete and transparent way! Detailed information can be requested from the hotel or company or can be viewed through extensive information on the company’s website.

To do this, we first need to conduct an analysis of the current situation so that we can develop and implement a sustainability strategy. What always applies: saving electricity, reducing waste, digitizing paper processes, reducing water consumption and avoiding environmentally harmful emissions.

This is possible by installing various decentralized, environmentally friendly power generators, e.g. photovoltaic system, solar system, wood chip system, …

The unique bar chart gives the stakeholder a transparent and  insight into the company’s sustainability activities. For more detailed information, anyone interested can contact the hotel’s CSR officer, who can release the detailed audit report at their discretion. The best thing is always an open presentation of the sustainability measures on the website and an authentic look inside – via social media & Co.

During the audit, there are various possibilities to check the information provided by the hotelier. In addition to technical and process questions, the auditor can also inspect the warehouse, gain insight into delivery bills and also spontaneously question employees. This is done in compliance with the data protection.

Since an audit requires approx. 4 hours and also preparation, as well as a representative of the hotel,  an audit appointment must be agreed upon and prepared. An incorrect statement on the part of the hotelier is not only self-damaging, but also unfavorable to guests and GreenSign.

We are the market leader in the hotel industry in Germany. We are currently working on expansion in Austria and Switzerland.

We have a total of over 750 hotels (as of October 2023) in our portfolio and are constantly growing. Among them are 3* hotels up to 5* hotels. We have just certified all hotels of the Victor’s chain. Well-known hotels are Öschberghof, Grand Elysee Hotel in Hamburg, Papa Rhein, Europäischer Hof Heidelberg, Lindenberg, Forestis, Orania Berlin, Bachmair Weissach.