It seems you can’t turn around these days without bumping face-first into something “green.” Eat our farm’s organic berries! Buy our company’s hybrid car! Install our specially-designed low-flow toilet!
Heck, even oil companies are spending millions on ads to convince the public that they’re doing everything in their power to nurture the planet. And now, you can add supposedly-green lodging facilities to the mix.
But how can an eco-conscious traveler be sure that the environmentally-friendly claims of her chosen hotel are factual?
By checking for official certification, that’s how!
From Maine to California and from Florida to Michigan and everywhere in between, state agencies and hotel associations are launching green lodging certification programs. The programs encourage hoteliers to implement measures to save water and energy and protect air quality as well as practices like recycling that reduce contributions to the waste stream.
In exchange for the hotel’s efforts, the program certifies that the property has met – and continues to meet – a set of environmentally-friendly requirements. The program continually monitors the property’s energy and water usage and other factors that indicate responsible practices.
This certification allows the hotel to bill itself as a “green lodging facility,” thereby attracting a new and burgeoning market populated by eco-travelers and eco-meeting planners.
The hospitality industry’s response to these certification programs has been outstanding. Most hoteliers I’ve spoken with say that, although the certification process takes a little extra work, it’s absolutely worth it once you’ve factored in cost savings, increased marketing opportunities, and the property’s reduced environmental impact.
One resort manager expressed it this way: “It’s been worth the initial investment and effort to get certified. Being green means saving money in the long run, and it will make our planet a better place. The world is watching what we’re doing and I get goose bumps just thinking about it. We can do this – we have to do this.”
Want to know if there’s a green lodging certification program in your area? Contact us at info@EcoGreenHotel.com and we’ll find out for you!
For more information visit: www.EcoGreenHotel.com
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Here in Scotland, we have had a similar certification scheme for more than 5 years. There are 3 levels of qualification. At Burnbrae Holidays, we have held the top level, gold, for several years. Visit www.burnbraehol.co.uk to see something of what we do.
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