Mercure Kyoto Station earns Green Key first for Kyoto prefecture

Mercure Kyoto Station has become the first accommodation facility in Kyoto Prefecture to receive the Green Key certification, an international eco-label for the hospitality industry. The hotel belongs to Accor, and achieved the status in December 2025 following a rigorous audit of its operations.

The Green Key programme is a voluntary eco-certification managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). To obtain the label, facilities must satisfy 75 mandatory criteria and 75 guideline criteria across 13 themes, including energy conservation, waste management, and water preservation.

The certification recognises a comprehensive suite of environmental measures implemented at the hotel. Mercure Kyoto Station has transitioned all guest room lighting to LEDs and installed water-saving showerheads and toilets. The facility has also eliminated single-use plastic products, replacing guest room amenities with items made from bamboo or paper packaging. To further reduce resource consumption, the hotel offers guests the option to decline daily cleaning or towel changes.

Waste management and circularity form a core part of the hotel’s operations. Staff perform thorough waste sorting into four categories and ensure the recycling of used cooking oil and cardboard. The hotel also measures food loss and promotes the use of local ingredients in its restaurant to support the regional economy and reduce transport-related emissions. In the dining area, portion adjustments and takeaway options are provided to minimise food waste from buffets.

Beyond internal operations, the hotel engages in community-based environmental initiatives. These include the cultivation and conservation of native plant species, regular environmental training for staff, and participation in local cleaning activities. The hotel also hosts internal events during environmental awareness months to educate guests and employees on sustainability.

Mercure Kyoto Station, which opened in September 2020, is designed around the concept of “Heian-kyo, Noble Play,” reflecting the aesthetics of Japan’s ancient capital.