Pro-invest Hotels Achieve Green Key Certification, continue to set new benchmarks in sustainable tourism

Pro-invest Group continues to put sustainability at the heart of its operations with the announcement of its most recent ESG initiative - achieving the Green Key certification for 9 Australian hotels under their management. Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point has been most recently certified and will soon be joined by the Kimpton Margot Sydney, Sebel Canberra Campbell, and Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders, bringing the total number of certified properties to 12. The group aims to have15 hotels across Australia and New Zealand certified by year’s end.

Operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Green Key is the globally recognised eco-label for the tourism and hospitality industry, awarded to hotels that put active efforts into reducing their environmental footprint, advancing social impact through a rigorous framework and demonstrating environmental responsibility and stewardship.

The certification is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including energy conservation, water management, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and promoting environmental education for guests and staff. The Green Key certification is awarded only to hotels that consistently meet these high standards, ensuring they are leaders in sustainable hospitality.

After a comprehensive vetting process, Green Key was chosen due to its global recognition, with more than 6,000 Green Key certified establishments in more than 70 countries. Its alignment with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Standards (GSTC) and its tailored approach to the hospitality industry made it the ideal choice. Pro-invest has been the first to certify such a large portfolio of hotels in Australia, embodying their "One Earth, Countless Experiences" ethos by committing to sustainable practices that benefit both the planet and their guests.

“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 Jan Smits, Deputy Chair and CEO APAC at Pro-invest Group. “The hospitality industry has an obligation to protect the planet for future generations and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously.”

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. Some of the initiatives at the hotel 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,” Scott said. “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.”

Sam Davies,  Director of Operations Australasia and Pacific said, “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.

Green Key serves as a trusted benchmark in sustainability, ensuring that guests who stay at Green Key certified properties can be assured the hotels are playing their part in the protecting the planet and people.

CERTIFIED HOTELS

• Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point
• 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
• Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre

SOON TO BE CERTIFIED

• #Sebel Canberra Campbell
• # Kimpton Margot Sydney
• # Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders

ProInvest-Group, 17^th March 2025