7/7/2013 4:15:03 PM

July 2, 2013

Live Green Toronto Membership Card and Green Key Global partner to promote green accommodations in Toronto

Today the City of Toronto announced a strategic partnership with Green Key Global to promote green hotels, motels and other tourist accommodations in Toronto. Through the partnership, the Live Green Toronto Membership Card program will promote and offer exclusive deals on accommodations that have been recognized for their sustainability efforts by Green Key Global.

The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system that rates hotels and motels on their environmental and fiscal performance. Properties undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment and are awarded a rating from one to five keys, with five being the highest rating. To qualify for the program, accommodation providers must achieve a rating of three keys or higher. The Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel is the first Toronto-area hotel to qualify and be featured in the Live Green Toronto Membership Card program.

"The tourism industry is an important part of Toronto's economic engine," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "We're excited to work with Green Key Global to help green the industry and increase the green options available to residents and visitors."

Live Green Toronto Membership cardholders will now be able to access exclusive deals that range from discounts at in-house restaurants to room rate reductions simply by showing their membership card at a participating hotel or motel.

“Eco-friendly options are of growing importance to business and leisure travellers and the Live Green Toronto Membership Card Program will encourage travellers to shop and save at local businesses,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “In addition, the Green Key Global program allows lodging industry leaders to be recognized for their environmentally conscious business practices."

“Tourism Toronto is delighted to see the City and Green Key Global working together on this initiative," said Christopher Barry, Special Projects and Business Development at Toronto Tourism. "It is our pleasure to promote these programs to Tourism Toronto members and our international audience, which will enhance the global profile of Toronto as a leader in sustainability."

With more than 28,000 cardholders and over 450 Toronto businesses already participating in the program, the Live Green Toronto Membership Card motivates consumers to choose green products and services, and helps promote green business practices and a greener economy. The Membership Card is available free of charge to anyone who lives, works or shops in the City of Toronto. Registration and a list of all of the participating businesses and hotels are available at http://www.livegreencard.ca.

About Live Green Toronto
Live Green Toronto promotes and supports the greening of our city through programs, events, grants and a one-stop website with resources, tips and tools to help residents and businesses reduce emissions, protect our climate and clean our air. For more information, visit http://www.livegreentoronto.ca

About Green Key Global
Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification body with over 3,000 members offering a suite of sustainability programs designed specifically for the lodging industry. For more than 15 years its flagship program, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, has been evaluating, inspecting, and certifying hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable green operations. Visit http://www.greenkeyglobal.com for more information.