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New York launches green hotel certification program

By Joe Ascanio

September 28th, 2009

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As part of a large initiative to support sustainable tourism in New York, a new program to officially certify hotels and other types of travel-lodging as being “green” throughout the state has finally gone into practice.

Being a native New Yorker, I am always excited to promote green initiatives that positively impact close to home.

As part of a large initiative to support sustainable tourism in New York, a new program to officially certify hotels and other types of travel-lodging as being “green” throughout the state has finally gone into practice.

New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has already initiated the program with the induction of 43 hotels and inns for their eco-friendly, sustainable practices, including energy efficiency, environmental management, pollution prevention and resource conservation.

The new certification program places a large emphasis on the state’s diverse natural resources as tourism destinations, connecting travelers to green businesses and assisting New York’s tourism businesses to “go green,” while allowing hoteliers to focus on saving energy, trimming waste disposal, using water efficiently and conserving resources – all while effectively improving their bottom line.

The New York State Green Hospitality and Tourism Partnership – a combination of state agencies, business associations, and academia – joined forces to initiate the certification program. Green credentials are certified by the Audubon GreenLeaf program. Based on environmental performance, a hotel could be assigned one to five green leaves.

“Green tourism is good for our economy and good for our environment,” said NY Governor David A. Paterson. “The new Green Lodging Certification program will certify and assist New York’s hoteliers in the transition to environmental sustainability, helping them remain competitive and protect our environment at the same time. I am pleased that New York will soon have 43 new green hotels, providing travelers with green lodging options while they enjoy all of the natural beauty and tourism opportunities that New York has to offer.”

Acording to DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, any hotel or inn can participate in the program.

“The Green Lodging program recognizes hoteliers’ environmental best practices,” said Grannis. “Whether they have been incorporating green practices for years or are just starting out, hotels and inns of any size can participate in this program. Technical support and marketing assistance are available to help them. The bottom line is that environmentally sound management practices lead to greater profitability, keeping New York’s businesses competitive and saving jobs.”

Making good business sense

“Tourism is a vital and growing component of New York State’s economy as visitors and residents enjoy all this great state has to offer,” said Empire State Development Corp. chairman and CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen. “The Green Lodging program will take it a step further. By promoting sustainable tourism, we are helping to keep the industry ahead of the curve, ultimately saving money and jobs, while protecting our most valuable resources and securing a healthier, more environmentally friendly future—a true win-win for everyone.”

“The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association is excited to be a part of Governor Paterson’s statewide program to assist hoteliers in obtaining green certification,” said Association president Daniel C. Murphy. “I know that the partnerships that will be formed between our hoteliers and Audubon GreenLeaf during this project will have a long-lasting impact on New York State’s green movement and serve as a shining example for how New York State hotels can become more environmentally friendly.”

“Every person, every organization, and every community—from New York City to the High Peaks to the Finger Lakes—has a role to play in fostering a more sustainable future and a healthier natural environment,” said Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audubon International. “We’re proud to be helping the hotel and lodging sector throughout New York State play its role to become better stewards of the environment.”

“The Green Lodging Certification program will assist hotels and motels in reducing their environmental footprint, decrease overhead costs and improve their overall competitiveness,” said Anahita Williamson, director of the NYS P2I. “P2I is proud to assist the DEC in this effort, which will ultimately enhance New York’s hotel industry, reduce pollution and improve environmental quality throughout the state.”

For more information, visit www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58045.html.

Tagged as:

Green Hotel Certification, green hotels, Green Lodging Program, green tourism, hospitality, jobs, marketing, New York, New York City, sustainable tourism

About the Author

Joe is a full time web designer, developer and marketing guy working in the online travel technology marketplace. TerraCurve.com is his personal project - an avenue of creativity that combines his beliefs in social responsibility with both professional and personal experience.

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