Green hotel certification program cancelled

The AHLA plans to coordinate efforts with the US Green Building Council (LEED) to create more hotel-friendly standards rather than deal with the investment and challenges surrounding a hospitality-focused program for the U.S, yet does not wish to “take sides” regarding the environment and potentially create conflicts between member hotels.

“We could figure out how to do it, but we thought it was the wrong thing for us to do,” said AH&LA President/CEO Joseph McInerney. “Focus groups told us we are not a disinterested third party and if people pay dues you’d have make sure they are happy. We said we wouldn’t do that, but it’s also a cumbersome and expensive process to do it right because you have to have follow-up and a certification system.“

The AH&LA plans to initially base its green/sustainable strategy on eleven minimum environmental guidelines, focusing on effective energy, water, and waste management. Moving forward, the next step would be to add more guidelines to address design and construction, materials and resources, chemicals and cleaning, and indoor air quality.

McInerney added that the association “researched this important topic to determine the best way the association can assist our members who want to create an environmentally friendly and sustainable hotel.”

“With so many certifications already out there – many of which are through the property’s state and a necessity for government business – the biggest feedback we received was the need for guidance on how to green properties effectively in various areas. Not all hotels will be able to achieve these guidelines, but we want to make sure we set a bar and goals now so hoteliers receive direction for immediate action. These guidelines – which address back-of-the-house and interfacing with guests – will be continuously added to in our ongoing effort to provide green resources in a broad spectrum of areas,” said McInerney.

LEED certification system for new and existing hotels is estimated to be completed by June 2009 – a set of standards that have yet to be widely adhered to by the hospitality industry. Thus far, only 13 hotels in the United States have LEED certification (out of approximately 48,000), with another 400 in the process of getting certified.