What is Green Key?

Green Key is the most widely used environmental label in the tourism sector, available to hotels, hostels, and conference and training venues that meet a comprehensive set of strict environmental requirements.

In Denmark, more than 200 businesses hold the certification, while globally around 4,000 businesses are certified. Green Key is administered by HORESTA, which also oversees its sister labels for campsites, restaurants, tourist organisations, sports facilities, and attractions – each with criteria tailored to the specific type of business.

How can we help?

In addition to assisting businesses in achieving Green Key certification, Norion is also an official auditor for the scheme on behalf of HORESTA. Each year, we conduct approximately 50 compliance visits as part of our role.

What is Green Attraction

Green Attraction is a Green Key certification tailored specifically for attractions rather than accommodation providers. It is based on Green Key’s core criteria but includes specific requirements designed for attractions such as museums, science and activity centres, amusement parks, and zoos.

The certification is awarded to attractions that go the extra mile to promote sustainability and protect the environment. To achieve certification, attractions must meet a wide range of criteria related to environmentally friendly operations.

How can we help?

In addition to helping businesses achieve Green Attraction certification, Norion is also an official auditor for the scheme on behalf of HORESTA. Each year, we carry out several compliance visits to certified attractions.

What is the Nordic Swan Ecolabel?

Since 1989, the Nordic Swan has been the official environmental label of the Nordic countries. Products and services across more than 50 specific product categories can be certified if they meet a set of criteria related to environmental parameters such as recycling and resource efficiency, reduction of chemicals and harmful substances, and limitation of energy, water, and heat consumption, as well as biodiversity.

How can we help?

Norion has in-depth knowledge of the certification process and the various sets of criteria. We have helped businesses obtain the Swan label for a wide range of products and services – from T-shirts and furniture to cleaning services and grocery shops.

What is the EU Ecolabel? 

The EU Ecolabel, also known as the EU Flower, has been the official environmental label of the European Union since 1992. Today, products and services across 25 different categories can obtain the certification. There are currently around 14,000 EU Ecolabelled products and services in Denmark and approximately 95,000 across the EU. Products and services certified with the EU Ecolabel are recognised for their lower environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle – from resource extraction and production to use and disposal. 

How can we help? 

Norion has extensive knowledge of the EU Ecolabel criteria and can support your company in navigating the certification process as smoothly as possible.

Forest products are increasingly regulated to curb deforestation and the degradation of forest ecosystems. Documentation requirements are tightening – both from legislators and within specific sectors. Such documentation is highly relevant for ESG efforts, including CSRD, the EU Taxonomy, certified construction, public procurement requirements, and industry-specific standards.

Forest-derived products are widely covered by the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which presents challenges for many companies in terms of traceability and accountability within their value chains. Certification of forest products is a well-established approach and can play a significant role in meeting documentation requirements. ​

Certification schemes for forest-based goods, such as wood and paper, often include FSC® and PEFC™, both globally recognised and widely adopted. These schemes are based on forestry standards that require responsible forest management. For manufacturing and trading companies, Chain of Custody (CoC) standards ensure that products can be traced from forest to final product, complying with sustainability requirements throughout the value chain.​

Certification requires a deep understanding of the standards, and companies must establish procedures for compliance. At Norion, we support businesses by upskilling key personnel, developing the necessary internal procedures, and ensuring efficient implementation through training activities. We also advise on proper product labelling and marketing, as certification schemes include strict requirements in these areas.​

How can we help?

• Training of key personnel: We offer targeted training programmes that equip staff to understand and implement FSC® and PEFC™ requirements, along with ongoing support.​
• Procedure development: We assist in creating internal procedures to ensure compliance with certification standards.​
• Implementation support: We guide you in integrating certification requirements into daily operations and prepare your organisation for certification.​
• Marketing and labelling guidance: We advise on correct use of trademarks such as certification labels and support your sustainability communications with credible claims.
• Audit preparation: We help you get ready for the final certification audit through document reviews, internal checks, and staff training.
• Alignment with EUDR and ESG reporting: We connect your due diligence on forest products with the requirements of the EUDR and your ESG reporting in this area.

What is B Corp? 

B Corp is a global certification for companies that meet high standards of sustainability and social responsibility. Worldwide, there are more than 9,000 certified B Corp businesses, with around 100 in Denmark. The certification sets rigorous requirements for corporate responsibility, transparency, and social and environmental impact. To become certified, companies must complete the B Impact Assessment, which evaluates performance across five categories: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. The documentation is then reviewed and verified by B Lab, the non-profit organisation that manages the certification. 

The B Corp movement also connects like-minded companies, fostering opportunities to learn from and inspire one another.

How can we help?  

Our advisor, Lea Kress, is a trained B Leader and has hands-on experience guiding companies through the B Corp application and documentation process.

We offer specialised consultancy for businesses interested in B Corp certification and/or those wishing to adopt the B Corp framework as a structured way to assess and improve their social and environmental impact.

What is EcoVadis? 

EcoVadis is a global certification that assesses companies against ambitious criteria across four key areas: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. To become certified, companies must complete a detailed questionnaire and provide documentation of their sustainability efforts, supported by extensive analysis of both internal and external data sources. EcoVadis then evaluates the company’s sustainability performance and practices on a global scale, awarding a gold, silver, or bronze rating based on the results. The number of Danish companies joining EcoVadis is rapidly increasing, among both large corporations and SMEs.  

How can we help? 

Norion has experience supporting particularly small and medium-sized enterprises with facilitating the documentation process required for the self-assessment prior to certification.