Green Key Global

Sustainable programs designed specifically for the Hotel Industry, by the Hotel Industry.

Hotel Sustainability

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Canadian hotels, and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), aligning with our mission to contribute positively to people, communities, the economy, and the planet.  Canada’s hotels are leaders and are recognized for their contributions to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and reduce carbon emissions, and mitigating their impact on the planet. 

HAC is committed to empowering hotels to adopt sustainable practices and play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future for generations.

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About Green Key Global

Green Key Global is North America’s trusted sustainability certification for the hospitality industry, offering a comprehensive program designed to increase bookings, reduce costs, and lower your carbon footprint. In today’s evolving tourism landscape, sustainability certification is increasingly demanded by corporate and individual travellers, event planners, and attendees. Green Key Global certification validates your property’s sustainability claims and equips you with the tools needed to combat climate crises, target eco-conscious consumer and meet corporate and brand sustainability targets. Green Key Global outpaces industry standards, positioning you to welcome a new generation of planet-conscious visitors and attendees.

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greenkey global plaque GREEEN KEY GLOBAL ECO-RATING PROGRAM

Showcase your
Sustainable Efforts

Certification with Green Key Eco-Rating demonstrates your hotel or lodging facility’s commitment to improving environmental and social performance, enabling you to compete more effectively.

Green Key Global is the sustainable certification program of choice for the Canada’s hotel industry. As the only environmental certification designed for the hotel and meeting industry, the program offers members valuable tools and individual guidance on how to manage and improve their property’s environmental performance.

With a Green Key Eco-Rating, you can reduce utility consumption, waste, and emissions, improve employee training, customer engagement, supply chain management, community involvement, and much more through environmental audits and performance reports.

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Stairs with greenery and glass windows GREEN KEY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Host Green Events

The Green Key Meetings and Events Program is a comprehensive assessment tool for travel, meeting, and conference planners to implement and promote sustainable practices and policies, while gaining a competitive advantage as businesses and brands seek sustainable accommodations and venues.

Increase venue demands and demonstrate commitment to high performance and environmental operations as a member of the Green Key Meetings and Events program.

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Recent News

Fraudulent Hotel Bookings in Canada: Report

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has released a comprehensive report on the rising issue of fraudulent hotel bookings in Canada. This alarming trend is significantly impacting our industry, some key findings from the report include:….

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Spotlight on Data: Farhina’s Insights on HAC Surveys and the Power of Member Feedback

Farhina Balayet is HAC’s Research and Data Visualization Manager, bringing nea….

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New survey: Canadians believe short-term rentals have negative impact on housing affordability, majority want increased regulations

According to a recent survey conducted by Nanos Research, a majority of Canadians think short-term rental properties have a negative or….

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Resources

Breaking down complex issues and key data into industry resources you can use to support workforce, housing and other hospitality needs.

Short-term rentals and housing affordability in Ontario

This report analyzes short-term rentals (STRs) in the province of Ontario, and applies the results of a new Canada-wide study of the impact of STR activity on rents to Ontario communities. It estimates the amount of rent increases in Ontario caused by STRs, demonstrates the effectiveness of principal-residence requirements at driving down rents, and lays out a set of STR regulatory principles for Ontario, based on Canadian best practices.

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Short-term rental regulations in British Columbia

This report analyzes short-term rentals (STR) regulation in the province of British Columbia, and applies the results of a new Canada-wide study of the impact of STR regulations on rents to BC communities. It calculates the amount of rent decreases in BC attributable to municipal STR principal residence restrictions, caused by STRs, estimates the likely impact of the Province’s new STR rules on rents, and provides early evidence about host compliance with the new rules.

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HAC Overview – Canada’s Hotel Industry

Canada’s hotel industry is a significant economic contributor, generating $22 billion in economic activity and employing over 148,000 people. The sector consists of 45% brand management companies and 55% independent hotels, with small businesses making up 75%. It supports various industries and offers meaningful employment, with advanced skills development and growth opportunities, particularly for Indigenous people, new Canadians, and women.

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National Survey: Majority of Canadians Support Limiting Commercial Short-Term Rentals

A national survey conducted by Nanos reveals that the majority of Canadians believe short-term rentals have negative impacts on and support limiting commercial short-term rentals.

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Hotel Association of Canada Strategic Plan (2023-25)

HAC’s 2023-25 Strategic Plan outlines its vision, mission, and strategic objectives.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Winnipeg, MB

This CBRE study analyzes Airbnb’s impact on Winnipeg’s accommodation market, highlighting the dominance of entire-home rentals and significant revenue from multi-unit hosts. The report contrasts Airbnb’s limited job creation and tax contributions with the hotel sector’s substantial economic impact and investments in new developments.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Victoria, BC

CBRE’s analysis of Airbnb’s effect on Victoria reveals the dominance of entire-home rentals and the significant revenue generated by multi-unit hosts. The study highlights the stark contrast between Airbnb’s limited job creation and tax contributions versus the hotel sector’s considerable economic impact and investments in new properties.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Vancouver, BC

This CBRE study explores Airbnb’s impact on Vancouver’s accommodation market. Entire-home rentals dominate the Airbnb sector, with multi-unit hosts contributing a large portion of the revenue. The report emphasizes the hotel sector’s substantial economic contributions, job creation, and significant investments compared to the minimal impact of Airbnb.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Toronto, ON

This study by CBRE for the Hotel Association of Canada examines the impact of Airbnb in Toronto. It highlights the significant role of entire-home rentals, with multi-unit hosts generating substantial revenue. The report contrasts the minimal job creation and tax contributions of Airbnb with the hotel sector’s robust economic impact and investment in new developments.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Regina, SK

CBRE’s analysis of Airbnb in Regina highlights the dominance of entire-home rentals and the revenue generated by multi-unit hosts. The study contrasts Airbnb’s limited economic impact with the hotel sector’s significant contributions to job creation, tax revenue, and property development.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Quebec City, QC

In Quebec City, CBRE’s study reveals the prevalence of entire-home rentals within Airbnb and the significant revenue from multi-unit hosts. The report emphasizes the hotel sector’s robust economic contributions, job creation, and substantial investments compared to Airbnb’s minimal impact.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Ottawa, ON and Gatineau, QC

This CBRE study evaluates Airbnb’s impact on the accommodation market in Ottawa and Gatineau. Entire-home rentals and multi-unit hosts play a significant role, while the report highlights the contrast between Airbnb’s limited contributions and the hotel sector’s substantial economic impact and investments.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Montreal, QC

CBRE’s analysis of Airbnb’s presence in Montreal shows the dominance of entire-home rentals and the substantial revenue from multi-unit hosts. The study underscores the differences in economic impact, job creation, and investments between Airbnb and the traditional hotel industry.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Halifax and Dartmouth, NS

The CBRE study on Airbnb in Halifax and Dartmouth highlights the significant role of entire-home rentals and the revenue generated by multi-unit hosts. The report compares Airbnb’s minimal economic contributions with the hotel sector’s robust job creation, tax revenue, and investments in new developments.

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HAC Overview – CBRE Study – Edmonton, AB

CBRE’s examination of Airbnb in Edmonton reveals a heavy reliance on entire-home rentals, with substantial revenue from multi-unit hosts. The study contrasts Airbnb’s limited economic impact with the hotel sector’s significant contributions to job creation, tax revenue, and property development.

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HAC Report – Short-term Rentals in a Digital Economy

Explore HAC’s framework designed for Canadian regulators to effectively manage the dynamic short-term rental market. These strategies safeguard affordable housing, ensure community safety, promote fair competition, and streamline tax collection. Innovative steps include host and platform registration, usage caps, health standards, and robust enforcement, all aimed at creating a balanced and thriving rental ecosystem.

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HAC Overview – Short-term Rentals in a Digital Economy

Explore a transformative framework for Canadian regulators to effectively manage the booming short-term rental market. Discover how modern regulations can protect affordable housing, ensure public safety, foster fair competition, and streamline tax collection. Strategic steps include host and platform registration, usage caps, health standards, and robust enforcement to create a balanced and thriving rental ecosystem.

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HAC Report – Airbnb and the Hotel Sector in Canada

This report by CBRE for the Hotel Association of Canada analyzes the growth and impact of Airbnb on the Canadian hotel industry. It highlights the substantial differences in job creation, revenue generation, and capital investments between the sectors, emphasizing Airbnb’s rapid expansion and potential tax contributions.

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HAC Overview – Airbnb and the Hotel Sector in Canada

Airbnb’s presence in Canada has significantly grown, with 70,000 hosts and over 100,500 listings generating half a billion in revenue from April 2016 to March 2017. Multi-unit hosts, though only 7% of all hosts, contribute 30% of the revenue. While the hotel sector invested $6 billion in new developments, Airbnb mainly repurposes existing properties. Despite the surge, Airbnb’s job creation is minimal compared to the hotel sector, which supports 191,600 jobs.

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HAC Housing – Canadians Concerned about Airbnb’s Impact

A study by the Hotel Association of Canada reveals that most Canadians are worried about the impact of Airbnb on their communities. Only 1% believe Airbnb has a positive effect on their neighborhood’s quality of life. Many Canadians feel less safe with nearby short-term rentals, leading to a call for stricter regulations and limits on rental durations.

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Become A HAC Member

Join Canada’s network of hoteliers. Access exclusive content, research and events to grow your business.

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