Meeting venues in Flanders working towards obtaining The Green Key label

Have a Green Meeting: from now on this is possible in all the venues that meet the criteria of the international The Green Key ecolabel. At the initiative of the Flemish Art Cities of Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen meeting venues can now obtain the independent The Green Key ecolabel as part of the Tourism Action Plan for the Flemish Art Cities and in close cooperation with the meeting venues and Tourism Flanders. Since 2007 Bond Beter Leefmilieu (the Federation for a Better Environment) and Tourism Flanders have been promoting ecological tourist destinations, with increasing success. After campsites, youth hostels, tourist attractions, hotels, guesthouses and holiday resorts, meeting venues have now also been added to the list.

The meeting industry is also paying more attention to the environmental impact of its activities. Organising meetings while contributing to a better environment in beautiful, green quality venues which focus on sustainable catering, energy management, accessibility, etc. creates a win-win situation for all the parties involved. And potentially this may also encourage businesses and organisations to organise more structurally sustainable meetings in the future.

The Green Key (www.green-key.org) is a programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). In Flanders The Green Key is awarded by Bond Beter Leefmilieu with the support of Tourism Flanders.

The Green Key is awarded for a period of one year only. Candidate businesses must meet the criteria that were set in order to demonstrate that they implement a balanced environmental policy and are careful with water, energy and waste. Entrepreneurs can sign up for an intensive assistance programme in which they receive personal and intensive coaching to adapt their business to the programme's standards. Environmentally-friendly business management is a process, not a one-off activity.

And the investment pays off. The environmental gains usually also yield cost savings in the long run: less water, waste and energy costs. In addition, the label also contributes to a better working environment and increases the venue's appeal, creating a better image for customers and visitors alike. Meeting venues have an international target audience. So the message is: Have a green meeting!

The Green Key is an international label for the tourism industry created by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Flanders The Green Key is managed by Bond Beter Leefmilieu with the support of Tourism Flanders.