“We already knew that this program was perfect for us to adopt statewide,” said Bill Mish, president of the Tennessee Hospitality Association. “The announcement of this prestigious award confirms that decision.”

The program encourages hotels, bed and breakfasts and other lodging facilities and restaurants to be aware of their impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing the overall sustainability of their operations. “This voluntary program has been very successful in Chattanooga,” Mish said. “We look forward to advancing the environmental achievements of the statewide hospitality industry in the same manner.”

The program was conceived of and developed by Tom Cupo, general manager of The Chattanoogan, a Benchmark Hospitality International managed hotel. After being implemented by the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association in 2009, it gained rapid success. “The intent was for the Chattanooga community to become a greener destination for tourists and organizations that were considering bringing their business here, creating more opportunities for all of us,” Cupo said. “We wanted a program that was non-competitive among participating hotels, but that also would recognize individual accomplishments beyond the minimum requirements. We decided not to have a ‘tiered’ program, but to offer an opportunity for properties to provide a list of activities beyond the core requirements.”

For certification, hotels must have active programs in place for recycling and for reductions in energy, water and materials usage, must have an optional linen program, must be able to provide “green events,” and must have a plan for continued improvement. The certification for restaurants is similar except for the linen service requirement.

“We encouraged this program because it exemplifies our city’s special brand of environmental leadership,” said Jim Frierson, vice chair of the Chattanooga Green Committee. “This is a purely private sector initiative, not a government mandate, showing the potential for collaboration among competitors. The energy savings of each hotel are significant, rolling up into meaningful reductions that will help the most committed cities in Tennessee get closer to their greenhouse gas reduction targets.”

Tennessee Green differs from many other statewide hospitality programs elsewhere in that certification requires that an audit be conducted by an independent third party. “A third-party audit gives a level of credibility that self-certification cannot achieve,” said Dobbin Callahan, president of Skye Con, the environmental consulting company that administers the program and provides audit services. “Hotels and restaurants that become certified have made and will continue to make proven operational changes that are real, significant, and are having a positive impact on our communities.”

“Adoption of this program will be good for our industry, good for Tennessee, and most importantly, good for the environment,” Mish said.

For more, visit Tennessee Green Hospitality online.

Now, the company is taking it one step further; having announced a fundamental commitment to protect the environment by becoming an ENERGY STAR partner as a company-wide effort to improve energy efficiency and fight global warming.

Introduced by the EPA in 1992, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

Just saving the world

According to Scott Parisi, President of EcoGreenHotel, a strategic, corporate energy management program will help us enhance our financial health and aid in preserving the environment for future generations.

“The EcoGreenHotel team is excited to partner with the EPA and the DOE through their highly-regarded ENERGY STAR program, which is recognized worldwide for its excellence,” said Scott. “ENERGY STAR is among the most trusted and demanding certifying bodies there is, so earning partnership status with them means a great deal to us and the industry we serve.”

In partnership with ENERGY STAR, EcoGreenHotel has committed to:

• Measure and track the energy performance of its clients’ facilities
• Develop and implement a plan consistent with the ENERGY STAR Energy Management Guidelines to achieve energy savings
• Help spread the word about the importance of energy efficiency to our client’s staff and community
• Support the ENERGY STAR Challenge, a national call-to-action to help improve the energy efficiency of America’s commercial and industrial buildings by 10 percent or more
• Highlight clients’ achievements with recognition offered through ENERGY STAR

“Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility – and today I’m pleased EcoGreenHotel is taking this motto to heart,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “By making smart energy choices, EcoGreenHotel is helping improve our nation’s energy and environmental outlook.”

In 2009, the company launched an online marketplace for green products and services at www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com. In addition to the online offerings, EcoGreenHotel provides customized consulting services in the areas of energy efficiency and certifications (LEED, Green Seal and Energy Star), tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry.

For more information about EcoGreenHotel, visit www.EcoGreenHotel.com or call 1-888-229-0213 for program details.

Beginning in 2010, the prototype model will save hotel owners arpound $100,000 as well as six months of design time, while reducing energy and water use by almost 25%.

LEED, which if you don’t know by now stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the “gold standard” of environmental stewardship for the hospitality industry.

“Marriott’s’ commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale,” said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.

The green hotel prototype has initially been created for Marriott’s Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline across the globe.

The Courtyard Settler’s Ridge in Pittsburgh, Penn., scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, will be the first to be built based on the new green hotel prototype concept.

“We are very excited to have collaborated with Marriott on this significant initiative to help mold the Courtyard brand to be green for the future,” said Mark Laport, president and CEO, Concord Hospitality. “We are committed to green building designs which are now being incorporated at different levels in every building we develop. We expect to build many more LEED-certified hotels using this prototype in the future.”

More to love

Referred to by the USGBC as “volume build certification,” the green hotel prototype will let Marriott continue its strides in “greenability” in mass production.

The company already has 50 hotels registered for LEED, with 15 open or set to open by the end of 2010. The Inn & Conference Center by Marriott at the University of Maryland in College Park was the first LEED hotel in North America, and Marriott’s recently opened Portland Courtyard City Center in Oregon was just awarded LEED-Gold status.

Other green hotels are planned in the Caribbean and Latin America, in partnership with Caribe Hospitality. As a benchmark, there are only 31 LEED-certified hotels across the entire U.S. lodging industry.

Ahead of the curve

“The green hotel prototype gives Marriott a competitive edge with guests who prefer a green hotel experience, and with the growing number of owners and franchisees who want to provide it,” said Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s President and Chief Operating Officer at the USGBC’s annual Green Build conference in Phoenix today.

While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms. These features are becoming even more important to travelers, who said that supporting environmentally-responsible travel service suppliers is a necessity, even in an economic downturn, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.

Marriott was recently ranked one of Newsweek’s “The Greenest Big Companies,” and has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists; the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org; and Travel + Leisure magazine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored Marriott with its Sustained Excellence Award for the third straight year, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR® label to approximately 275 Marriott hotels.

The company’s Spirit To Preserve environmental strategy calls for has also instituted the greening of its $10 billion supply chain by:

• Reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room
• Creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
• Educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment
• Inviting guests to add to the company’s $2 million commitment to help save the rainforest in Brazil.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/environment or www.marriott.com/savetherainforest.

The new www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com, launched last weekend, is a one-stop marketplace of over 1000 bulk products and services for the green hospitality industry; a place for property managers and supply-buyers to find environmentally sensitive amenities, earth-friendly cleaning supplies and sustainable furniture to biodegradable key cards and marketing services designed specifically for the green hotel industry.

“Over and over again, environmentally conscious hotel professionals have told us they wished they could simplify things and purchase their green supplies from one location…and so we set out to create the most comprehensive online source for environmentally friendly hospitality goods and services in the industry,” said Scott Parisi, President of EcoGreenHotel.

For about a year now, Parisi has been working with veteran specialty suppliers including Pineapple Hospitality, DeBlauw Purchasing, T2 Site Amenities, and Ecotek to assemble cost-effective eco hotel products available on the web.

Working with companies like Pineapple Hospitality, Parisi’s EcoGreenHotel store is able to identify products that let hotel owners and managers make the right choices for a more sustainable and more profitable future for the hospitality industry.

“We want the EcoGreenHotel Store to be the go-to source for quality, affordable eco hotel products and services,” he added.

The online store is just the latest addition to Parisi’s “Eco Green Hotel” brand – a resource for the hospitality industry that is dedicated to helping lodging facilities address environmental issues and implement environmentally sound initiatives.

The company’s online presence at www.EcoGreenHotel.com and www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com offers a well-rounded marketplace for green products and services designed to promote a more sustainable hospitality industry.

Hotels benefit by helping the environment

The advantages for the hospitality industry to “go green” are two-fold: not only does it attract a loyal customer base, it also helps save money while attracting new business. Putting into practice sustainable and responsible business and commerce methodologies allows hoteliers to cater to a new breed of customer – one who is willing to put their wallets toward something more meaningful than just another vacation.

The EcoGreenHotel Store allows hoteliers to access quality green products and services from numerous vendors while remaining competitive in price and cutting down on costs associated with labor and time-intensive effort required for researching, identifying, testing and acquiring new items.

This is important in today’s travel economy, as many properties are looking to responsible, earth-friendly purchasing to “green-up” without getting “green-washed”.

For more information or to browse through the store, visit www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com. If you represent a potential “green” vendor, you can contact Scott directly at sparisi@EcoGreenHotel.com.

The program is a joint effort between the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and South Carolina Hospitality Association.

“Each of us—government, business, industry and individuals—must do our part to help protect South Carolina’s environment,” said DHEC Commissioner Earl Hunter. “This program presents a unique opportunity for the hospitality industry to lead by example through the use of smart, sustainable, cost-effective practices that help conserve natural resources, save energy and reduce pollution.”

The South Carolina Green Hospitality Alliance is a free, voluntary program designed to help the hospitality industry reduce the environmental impact of its operations while recognizing and certifying facilities for environmentally friendly efforts with an annual certification.

According to Hunter, DHEC’s role in the partnership is to offer free, confidential assistance on a variety of issues such as waste reduction, recycling, composting, conserving energy and water, green cleaning, and environmentally preferred purchasing. DHEC’s assistance also includes site visits, workshops and a comprehensive series of best management practices fact sheets.

Tom Sponseller, president of the South Carolina Hospitality Assn., says that those hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars that participate in the Green Hospitality Alliance have all the tools available to help improve their environmental footprint, but also have a website to let consumers be aware of their efforts to sustain the environment.

“More consumers are looking to support businesses that exercise sustainable business practices to help protect our environment, and the Green Hospitality Alliance was designed to not only encourage hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars to be more earth friendly, but to let the consuming public be aware of those businesses that actually engage in green practices.”

The South Carolina Hospitality Association reviews all certification applications and rates facilities—from One Palmetto Tree to Three Palmetto Trees—based on a facility’s green practices. Already, 18 hotels, resorts and restaurants have been certified in the Alliance, two of which earned Two Palmetto certification.

For more information, visit www.GreenHospitalityAlliance.com.

A countless number of hotels have successfully instituted energy-use reduction and water conservation programs, as well as resource re-use and recycling. Linen and towel reuse policies, low-flow showers and toilets, programmable on/off light sensors, and occupancy sensor controls are just some advances in the “going green” arena.

However, a new study suggests that there is a significant difference in how people’s attitudes toward “green” lifestyles effect their actual travel purchases and behavior.

The study, conducted by a team of tourism and hospitality graduate students at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business, found that people who actively practice an eco-friendly lifestyle at home behave entirely different when “on the road” at a hotel.

Researchers tend to agree that the hospitality industry itself has the ability to educate consumers to develop a greater level of understanding and concern about their environmental impact as hotel guests. With more and more hotels increasingly adopting “green” business practices, no one has really delved into whether or not such initiatives truly effect consumer knowledge, attitudes and behavior.

Supervised by tourism management professor Pamela Weaver, two master’s students – Melissa Baker and Eric Davis – set out to find the answer.

“It has been argued that if individuals became more knowledgeable about environmental issues, they would become more aware of the problems and be more motivated to act in responsible ways,” they said. “Prior research, however, has not shown this assumption to be true.”

Truth in numbers

In an online survey of 881 students in four Virginia Tech classes, questions were crafted to carefully gauge knowledge and personal attitudes about eco-friendly travel as compared to home behavior. 322 responses (36.5%) were gathered and analyzed.

While over half of the respondents agreed that being environmentally conscious while in a hotel will have long-term environmental benefits, only 35% stated they would prefer to stay in a green hotel instead of a non-green hotel.

Nearly 75% stated that hotels should use energy-efficient or automatic lights, while 50% felt that automatic sink faucets should be installed to conserve water.

As for their home-versus-hotel behavior, 60% of respondents recycle paper products at home, but only 30% recycle them while at a hotel. And while 60% of respondents conserve water at home, less than 40% do so while at a hotel. 80% of respondents take measures to conserve energy at home, only 40% do so while at a hotel.

“Individuals might feel more obliged to behave in an environmentally friendly manner in their local community as opposed to the tourist destination,” say Baker and Davis.

While some hotels may perhaps lack the necessary infrastructure to be “green,” engaging in green behavior may detract from the whole experience of being a hotel guest.

The research by Baker and Davis cites a “a strong trade-off between participation and the sacrifice of comfort and luxury.”

Subsequent visits later, I have allowed myself to see and learn more and more about the city and its wonderful and colorful elements. However, regretfully I have never partaken in an actual tour of the city – I have always relied on my own too feet as well as the famous trolley ride to get me around.

I have passed the horse-drawn carriages a number of times along the southern outskirts of Jackson Square, but never opted to take the ride; I have always been more of a “go-it-alone” site seeker.

Which is why I am very excited to hear about the Maison St. Charles Hotel’s new bike tour package – touring the city in an eco-friendly way via the brisk pace of two wheels. What’s better than that?

The Maison St. Charles Quality Inn & Suites, which is located in the city’s historic Garden District, has just unveiled the new bike tour package that includes standard hotel accommodations for (2) nights, use up to (4) bicycles including helmets and locks, picnic backpacks with lunch, water, wine, and cheese, keepsake t-shirts, city map, and complimentary breakfast.

The hotel sits just a few blocks away from many things New Orleans has to offer – The French Quarter, the Superdome, the downtown business district, New Orleans River Walk, the Port of New Orleans for cruise ships, and the New Orleans Convention Center.

Made up of historic antebellum homes and completely renovated in late 2008/early 2009, this hotel features standard guest rooms and deluxe guest suites – some with two bathrooms. It has great historic charm with modern features – including free high-speed Internet, over 2,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, on-site parking, free continental and hot breakfast, pool and whirlpool, guest laundry, and a St. Charles Ave. Street Car stop directly at their front door.

“We wanted to be unique,” said spokesperson for the management company (Expotel Hospitality Services) Vice President Jeff Iavarone stated. “We feel there are travelers out there who want to experience New Orleans in a different way, a more intimate way. Here is a chance to bicycle in Audubon Park, and pedal through some of the area’s most historic neighborhoods including Magazine Street and St. Charles Ave. Biking is one of the best ways to see this city that a typical visitor may never experience. The bike paths along the Mississippi River are a must. ”

“Even if you are spending 2-3 days visiting our great city, spending a day or two biking around gives guests the freedom to leisurely explore different parts of the city,” added Jeff. “Our weekenders have more options now to enjoy New Orleans.”

According to online-booking website Hotels.com, world hotel prices have dropped significantly, with an average of a 17% decrease since last year. At the very top of this bell curve is Moscow, leading the way with a 33% decrease, while New York has seen one of the smallest changes with only a 6% decrease since 2008.

The Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI) suggests that there has never been a better time to travel. Interestingly enough, for travelers out of Europe, prices actually have risen to top destinations in the Middle East – as much as 20% in Tel Aviv, by 15% in Istanbul and by 15% in Abu Dhabi.

“Despite the relative weakness of sterling to the euro and the dollar, the Hotels.com HPI has shown that Britons can still enjoy some tremendous bargains abroad,” said Alison Couper, communications director of Hotels.com. “Hotel rates are down year on year across most destinations in Europe, and typically expensive places such as New York and Moscow have never been more affordable.”

The HPI tracks the real prices paid per hotel room (rather than advertised rates) for 78,000 hotels across 13,000 locations around the world. The latest HPI looks at prices from January to June 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.

Bad for business, or smart tactics?

As the global tourism business strives to make a significant headway toward a financial “restoration” of sorts, it is clear that the hospitality industry is struggling the most. The economy, climate change, social/political upheavals and natural disasters are just a few factors that are negatively effecting its bottom line.

With all this, it is only natural for the industry to adjust its pricing structure in order to gain new and returning (loyal) customers. Every major brand has virtually doubled its “membership” incentives, stoking the travel-shoppers’ flames with decreased rates, free nights and other goodies. The question remains: will this buying shift hurt the industry in the long-run, or will it be its savior?

I tend to think on the brighter-side – as the hospitality industry is forced to adjust in these economic times, the consumer public will certainly buy into the great deals and foster a new and loyal relationship between buyers and the worthy properties.

However, it is perhaps too soon to tell what the price adjustment will have on the smaller, “mom and pop” establishments which have for years counted on the price gap to encourage travelers to shop their way. As this gap closes more and more, could these players be threatened as the “big names” of the industry gain more customers?

Until now, lodging properties looking to improve their environmental impact and promote its green policies to guests relied on recycled and recyclable cardboard key cards – and they did not work too well. The cards did not hold up well to wear and tear and were rather squeamish when it came to water.

Pineapple’s Green Earth Green-Key cards deliver a much better solution, offering a range of recycled and biodegradable cards to hospitality managers that are both durable and affordable.

“The Green Earth Green-Key cards are great,” said Samuel Askew, Hotel Manager at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. “They are environmentally clean and sustainable – and they work. They perfectly fit the needs of our resort, and they are better for us in terms of both functionality and cost.”

“Hotel keycards are one of the first and most-prominent ways to make an impression on your guests,” says Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality. “Being so upfront with your guests about the importance of the environment can really help distinguish your property as an innovator and environmental leader. It gets guests thinking about what you do, and what they can do to be more eco-conscious – every time they open a door.”

Pineapple Hospitality is currently offfering three varieties of the Green Earth Green-Key cards:

• The Green Earth bioPVC – a thermoplastic polymer that biodegrades in only nine months to five years.
• The Green Earth Agri – made from earth friendly corn, 100% biodegradable and comes from renewable crops.
• The Green Earth reNew – a 100% recycled PVC keycard with a front surface coated with white soy-based ink to accommodate design requirements.

“Our Green-Key cards have sparked a lot of discussion from our guests, and prompted us to keep literature readily available on the ways we are being environmentally responsible,” Askew continued. “Most of our guests recognize the keycards are a sustainable product, so we decided not to brand the cards as ours. They are beautiful cards, and make a lot of sense for who we are and what we do. We let them stand on their own.”

Pineapple is also offering coordinating Green Earth Key Packets and Key Sleeves, all made from recycled paper and soy-based inks. The Key Sleeves protect the key cards. And the Key Packets give you further room to promote and inform guests about your hotel’s environmental policies.

“Our guests have become more conscious of our actions, and often not only comment on what we are currently doing to become more green, but also on how we could be doing better,” said Steve Mannik, General Manager for the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel & Conference Center in Bartlett, N.H.. “So much of what we do is behind the scenes, so it’s great to have an opportunity like this to put a green product right in guests’ hands.”

“As the ‘going green’ phenomenon developed, for us it began as a push to use our efforts as a marketing tool with the expectation of gaining more market share,” continued Mannik. “But as we attend conferences, read articles, and listen closely to our guests, we now have a true desire to lessen our impact on our beautiful mountain environment.”

Jody L. Hughes, Rooms Division Manager for the Sheraton Iowa City Hotel & hotelVetro, adds that her hotel also chose Green Earth key products to reduce the property’s environmental footprint and attract eco-conscious travelers. The property also has added pens made from recycled plastic and uses natural and organic bathroom amenities.

“After seeing our keycards, guests keep telling us, ‘Wow – that’s cool,’ and ‘Great idea!’” Hughes says. “The eco-conscious traveler is reducing, reusing and recycling at home, and now we’re letting them know they can do the same thing at hotelVetro, adding value to their stays.”

“Every person creates trash and waste every day. For our resort, that’s multiplied by 85 people or more occupying our 85 guestrooms,” says Askew. “That’s why it is so important to do what we can to cut down on waste.”

“In my experience with Pineapple, I’ve found they are the No. 1 vendor in terms of sustainability. That’s why I trust Pineapple to provide wonderful new products that our guests like, and that contribute to both a greener future and greener bottom lines.”

For more information, visit www.pineapplehospitality.net.

“The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is the only one of its kind that addresses the specific needs of hotel operators,” said Arthur Hall Adams, a LEED Accredited Professional and CEO of the environmental architecture and design firm AHAdams & Company. “This program is sound environmentally and fiscally and is an exciting addition to the ‘green’ movement.”

Green Key is also listed in the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Green Resource Center.

“Our research indicated that a robust third-party audit verification process was crucial to transition the program to the United States,” explained Tony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). “LRA Worldwide was a natural partner for this function based on the firm’s stellar global reputation for hotel quality assurance inspections.”

Recent studies show that nearly 60% of potential hotel guests consider a property’s environmental program prior to booking. Green Key-rated hotels can benefit financially from increased bookings and reduced operating costs, as well as fulfill a widespread corporate responsibility mandate throughout the hospitality industry to lessen one’s environmental footprint.

Fairmont and Hyatt in on the action

“As a true leader in environmental stewardship, Fairmont sees value in working with like-minded partners to reduce its environmental impact and promote operational sustainability,” said Sarah Dayboll, Fairmont’s manager of environmental affairs. “Expanding the Green Key program to our U.S.-based properties supports Fairmont’s brandwide commitment to minimizing its impact on the planet, as it provides our hotels with another tool to audit, benchmark and also enhance their environmental activity.”

The partnership between Green Key and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, an environmentally progressive hotel group with close to two decades of experience greening its operations, dates back to the original development of the program in the mid-1990s.

“As a recognized leader in Canada and globally in terms of sustainable hotel practices, we are very pleased that Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has made this commitment as we launch Green Key in the United States,” explained Tony Pollard, president of Green Key Global.

“Grand Hyatt New York has been a Green Key member since December and in that time we have been able to improve our environmental management by actively working on recommendations received from the audit,” explained Diana Beltran, Environmental Development Manager for Grand Hyatt New York.

“We are excited to continue our involvement with the Green Key program, as we share the same values: improving in the three P’s – Planet, People and Profit,” added Beltran.

Armed with a new website, www.greenkeyglobal.com, the program offers a comprehensive evaluation for lodging properties -  a 140-question audit that is self-administered by the staff at the participating property, with answers configured to award the property a ranking of 1 to 5 “Green Keys.” The property also receives a comprehensive report that includes recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings.

Green Key also enforces random, on-site verification of audit results, mitigating the risk of score inflation.

The initial audit covers the following operational areas and sustainable practices:

• Corporate Environmental Management
• Housekeeping
• Food & Beverage Operations
• Conference & Meeting Facilities
• Engineering
• Energy conservation
• Water conservation
• Solid waste management
• Hazardous waste management
• Indoor air quality
• Community outreach
• Building infrastructure
• Land use
• Environmental management

For more information visit www.greenkeyglobal.com.

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.

“We launched Destination Earth over a year ago and our Green Teams continually challenge themselves to look for new and unique ways in which we can improve our operations and support our local communities through sustainability efforts,” said Mark Hickey, senior vice president of U.S. Hospitality operations. “Our teams identified that travelers constantly were leaving reading materials at our properties, so we developed a program to recycle these books while supporting local schools, libraries and other organizations.”

This is no small task, but an organization the size of Destinations can certainly make a positive impact. They are the seventh largest independent hospitality management company in the country with more than 30 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers. To protect and preserve the unique communities in which the company operates, Destination launched Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program in 2008.

“Read & Reuse is just one way we can continually elevate our ‘recycling’ message with travelers on a regular basis,” commented Hickey. “By launching this in October during National Book Month we hope to educate our guests on this new program and donate thousands of books throughout the year in our local communities.”

Destination Earth creates a baseline standard of sustainable practices for the company’s hotels, resorts, conference centers and condominium properties while encouraging individual properties to be innovative in their operations. As properties reach various stages in their implementation of sustainable practices, new levels of green business practices are identified and outlined for the collection. All properties are encouraged to be resourceful in indentifying and implementing green practices that are relevant to their operation and community.

Destination Earth was developed in recognition of the need to preserve the world in which Destination Hotels & Resorts operates and serves its guests. The company is dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to and lessen its footprint on the changing environment. Destination Hotels & Resorts recognizes that its customers, owners and associates all benefit from and desire a healthy, sustainable environment. As the company continues on the journey of environmental stewardship, it is committed to maintaining the superior guest experience that customers have come to expect while reducing impact on the earth’s natural resources.

So, if you plan on staying at a Destination Hotels & Resorts property during the month of October, or know of anyone who might, be sure to inquire about Read & Reuse activities at their local Destination property or when staying at a property in the collection.

For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com.

The Sonoma Soap Company amenity collection is formulated to nurture the hair and body – while protecting the environment. All formulations contain natural and organic ingredients and are free of those ingredients identified as dangerous or threatening to the environment.

Products available through Pineapple Hospitality include the eco friendly Citrus Medley shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and hand soaps, offered in both daily and gallon sizes.

“Sonoma is particularly unique because both the fragrance and colorants are natural and the fragrance is created through a special distillation process,” explains Cynthia Guy, Brand Manager for Marietta Corporation, the developer and manufacturer of the Sonoma Soap Company amenity line. “In addition, the soaps and liquids are 100% biodegradable and the packaging features Post-Consumer Recycled materials (PCR) and water-based inks.”

The Sonoma Soap amenities are a match for those in the hospitality industry looking to reach health-conscious consumers, but doesn’t skimp on quality. The products contain natural and organic ingredients and leave guests with a clean body, hair and conscience.

“Sonoma Soap products can help hotels maintain a greener business because each product is made domestically using natural, organic and environmentally sensitive ingredients,” she adds.

“It’s important to make amenity lines that benefit the customer and environment. We want to reduce our carbon footprint by focusing on how we manufacture, transport and conduct business.”

Sonoma’s soaps and liquids are 100% biodegradable, using a vegetable base and containing all-natural fragrances at subtle levels to reduce potential for irritants. All formulations are free of harmful chemicals such as Paraben, Phthalate, Mineral Oil, DMDM Hydantoin Preservative, Artificial colorant, Diethanolamine and Formaldehyde.

All of Sonoma’s products are “cruelty free” – utilizing absolutely no animal testing at all.

Reducing waste with branded dispensers

To go along with the gallon-sized Sonoma amenities, Pineapple offers three styles of Sonoma’s three-chamber dispensers. They are available in satin silver, solid white and translucent white to match any bathroom décor.

“Hotels have found they can cut their amenity costs by up to 70 percent by providing amenities in dispensers,” says Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality. “They are also more convenient for your staff to maintain, plus you don’t get all the excess waste from throwing away hundreds of little bottles each day.”

“Using Sonoma Soap amenities combined with the dispensers is a great way for hotels to show their guests their commitment to both luxury and socially responsible travel,” Burger adds.

The decision to offer Sonoma’s uniquely natural products in gallons was made to support a dispenser option that would further reduce the use of wasted packaging. The dispensers can be refilled directly from gallons, thus eliminating the need for separate bottles of shampoo, conditioner or lotion. The gallon products are made with the same natural and organic ingredients as the amenity line.

“Dispensers and gallons offer a different vehicle to deliver the same amenity to guests,” continued Guy. “As an alternative to bottles, gallons and dispensers offer a reduction to waste of both product and packaging. It eliminates disposing of partially used bottles or soaps and the need to recycle the bottles and caps. The product is dispensed and used as needed and the dispenser refilled only when needed.”

The dispensers are also made out of PET plastic, which is 100% recyclable.

Green style

The Sonoma amenity packaging uses the latest in environmentally friendly materials and its casual-yet-sophisticated style complements any room décor. Bottles contain post-consumer recycled materials and water-based inks are used for printing.

The company uses recycled paper, water-based inks and wind power in production of product literature. Plus all bottles and soaps in the Sonoma amenity program are made in the USA, reducing fuel consumption during transport.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer Sonoma amenities to our customers, who are leading the hospitality industry toward a greener, sustainable and more profitable future for all of us,” says Burger.

In it commitment as a Slow Foods member, the resort is setting an example in sustainability by procuring and serving locally grown, organic foods to guests.

“Our culture is so used to fast—fast production, shipping and eating—that we sometimes forget about the integral beauty of freshly grown and prepared foods,” said Pahk. “Our guests truly appreciate having a wide array of menu choices using locally harvested food.”

Pahk has been instrumental in a number of successful eco-programs at the resort, including an initiative to recycle food scraps and grass clippings in addition to traditional recyclables. The Silverado food scrap recycling program was a first in Napa Valley, a destination that is normally an environmental leader.

“I believe the hospitality industry was a little slow out of the starting gate when it comes to sustainability, but the industry as a whole has made up for that delay by now taking giant green steps in numerous areas,” continued Pahk. “Recycling food scraps should be a no-brainer for an industry that produces an abundance of the stuff. Turns out, it is incredibly difficult to accomplish, and it takes the commitment of a service provider as well as hotel management and an entire staff to pull it off.”

“We do everything we can to reduce waste, from buying products from local producers to offering meat and seafood that is harvested using the most sustainable practices available.”

The Silverado Resort has also implemented a Foodservice Energy Awareness Program to educate its foodservice employees to participate in energy conservation, green procurement and waste reduction. In 2001, the resort introduced an aggressive seafood policy that promoted the use of sustainable seafood and discontinued serving four species of threatened seafood.

“It didn’t happen overnight, but clearly our efforts are working,” Pahk said. “We have become more successful than I would have imagined when we started truly emphasizing sustainability years ago.”

Silverado Resort was the first resort in Napa Valley to become a member of the Chef’s Collaborative, a national network of more than 1,000 members of the food community who promote sustainable cuisine. Chef Pak also sits on the board for Sustainable Napa County, an organization that promotes sustainable business practices in the Napa Valley hospitality industry. And the resort’s operator, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, was the first U.S. hospitality company to be granted the “Chain of Custody” certification from the Marine Stewardship Council. This important certification guarantees all wild Alaska salmon menu items can be traced to their source, assuring customers that fisheries have met the Marine Stewardship Council’s stringent environmental standards.

The resort’s environmental programs extend far beyond foodservice operations. For example, guestrooms are supplied with rapidly renewable paper products, and housekeepers use sustainable cleaning solutions and separate and recycle all guestroom garbage. Additionally, the resort uses a state-of-the-art water-saving irrigation system to maintain its two championship golf courses.

For more information, visit www.silveradoresort.com.

Pull up a chair, my friend. Have I got some news for you!

A recently released report by those studious folks over at J.D. Power and Associates contained a big shot in the arm for eco hoteliers. The 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study showed, among other things, that green hotels made great strides in awareness, guest satisfaction and participation in sustainable programs since the previous reporting period in 2008.

For their report, J.D. Power surveyed over 66,000 guests who stayed in North American hotels between May of 2008 and June of 2009. Here are some notable findings about green lodging taken directly from the release:

Guest awareness of their hotel’s green programs increased significantly in 2009. Sixty-six percent of guests said they were aware of their hotel’s conservation efforts, up from 57 percent last year. Good job getting the word out!

A high percentage of guests took part in their hotel’s sustainability efforts. Among those guests who were aware of the green program, 72 percent said they participated in their hotel’s conservation programs during their stay, meaning they recycled or participated in the property’s linen reuse program, for example. Way to go… you and your staff are doing a terrific job of rallying the troops!

Awareness of green programs had a strong impact on overall guest satisfaction. On average, satisfaction is more than 160 points higher among guests who report being aware of their hotel’s green programs, compared with guests who are unaware of them. Awesome! You and your team have proven that implementing a green initiative doesn’t mean that the guest experience has to suffer… in fact, it’s just the opposite!

In a nutshell, this study shows that green hospitality has finally taken a firm hold in the industry, and that overall it is being done well. Your eco hotel’s efforts are starting to reap dividends, not only for the environment but also for your property’s bottom line.

So stop feeling blue. Send this document to your green team members today, and share this good green news!

Has your hotel received good guest feedback about your eco hotel’s green initiative? Tell us about it at info@EcoGreenHotel.com and we may feature it on our website or in our newsletter!

EcoGreenHotel.com offers a marketplace for green hotel products and services and provides a one- stop venue for green hotel news, basic environmental overviews and other tools like green hotel checklists, project ideas, book lists, and valuable links designed to promote a more sustainable hospitality industry.

A recently completed six-month pilot program by Gaia demonstrated showed that the towels did in fact provide substantial energy savings.

“Obviously we were a bit intrigued by Cypress’ claims, so we were very stringent in assessing the results,” stated Janice Alpeche, guest services manager of Gaia Napa Valley Resort & Spa. “The results proved conclusively that we could reduce our costs and still provide linens that meet the standard of luxury our guests expect. In fact, many have asked where they can buy the towels.”

As clients continue to grow and real-world tests continue to show, the Green Earth towel will become synonymous with sustainable hospitality.

Models of sustainability

The 132 guestroom Gaia property is the perhaps the most visible example of sustainable hospitality in the world. Opened in 2006, using wood from sustainable forests, recycled materials for carpets and bath tiles, and solar panels that provide 12% of the electricity, the ability to reduce their laundry expenses through the use of Cypress’ Green Earth towel was invaluable.

“Loosely translated as Greek for ‘Mother Earth,’ Gaia is truly a special property, and a property founded on a vision of sustainability,” stated Gene Faul, Cypress founder and CEO. “It is great to have the extensive R&D that went into our Green Earth towel validated through measurable results that will benefit hotels worldwide, as well as the environment. California hotels are on the forefront of sustainable hospitality, so we look forward to a great future with Gaia, and hope other properties will adopt the same commitment to resource conservation and energy savings.”

Located on four, naturally-landscaped acres in American Canyon, California (the Southern gateway to Napa Valley), Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa is a 132-room, cutting-edge, eco-operational hotel offering guests the ultimate experience of a luxury hotel in harmony with nature.

“Sustainable hospitality, in all of our industry’s sectors, is the future, continued Alpeche. “The risks and costs are there, but as the results continue to prove, the this is a long-term investment that works, is profitable and is attractive to guests.”

For more information, visit www.gaianapavalleyhotel.com as well as www.cypressbathrobes.com.

Fairmont’s new Green IT works to address its technology infrastructure and information technology (IT) operations. It includes the introduction of a workstation power down schedule, electronic waste diversion in markets where programs exist and the development of donation standards aligning with qualified and respected recycling companies and charities.

Powering down to power up

Green IT is the latest component of the Fairmont award winning Green Partnership program – a program started in 1990 that focuses on minimizing the impact of hotel operations on the environment -  and will be rolled out property-wide throughout 2009 with full implementation expected by the end of the year.

“Whether it’s technology, environmental sustainability, or any other aspect of the hotel environment, Fairmont continues to roll out pioneering programs and services that are reflective of our vision: to be a true leader in the global hospitality industry,” says Vineet Gupta, Fairmont’s senior vice president, technology.

”With technology still evolving rapidly and e-waste on the rise, this is an area where we can make a tangible impact in addition to lowering our overall CO2 footprint. Furthermore, our industry-leading environmental practices are the benchmark by which many other hotel companies measure against, so we’re pleased to expand our green programming into another distinct area of our business.”

The hotel company is also optimizing purchasing efficiencies, including crafting a green procurement policy to ensure the brand uses technology products that are either EPA Energy Star or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)-rated as well as services that address Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) programs.
In support of the new Green IT initiative, power settings on all Fairmont workstations and laptops, which are centrally managed by the brand, will be set to automatically power down after one hour of inactivity. By adopting this power management principle, Fairmont expects to reduce its energy consumption by 2,692,683 KwH per year, resulting in a savings of 1,356 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of avoiding the burning of 3,155 barrels of oil annually.

Green IT is the latest piece of environmental news from the company following a March announcement in which Fairmont became a member of WWF’s Climate Savers Program and pledged to proactively cut its overall carbon emissions by 20% below 2006 levels by 2013.

For more information on Fairmont’s Green Partnership program, visit www.fairmont.com/environment.

The statewide partnership between the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (VHTA) offers “green” certification to tourism businesses that commit to waste-reducing activities such as recycling, optional linen service, water and energy conservation, green cleaning, purchasing eco-friendly products and other steps that help reduce harmful environmental impacts.

“We support Governor Kaine and our state tourism office’s efforts to keep Virginia Green,” said CACVB Executive Director, Kurt Burkhart.

“Tourism partners will be surprised by how easy the process to become certified really is,” said Bill Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s at First and Main, “[Partners] took our suggestions to heart, filled out the Virginia Green application and received notice of Virginia Green certified in less than ten days! We hope other partners will follow suit.”

Launched as a pilot in 2006, The Virginia Green program currently has over 500 Virginia Green certified tourism partners statewide. Virginia Green participants ’self-certify’ that they are meeting the program’s requirements and it encourages active consumer feedback to ensure that Virginia Green facilities live up to their commitments and become even ‘greener’ over time.

Virginia is only one of ten states that have a green lodging certification program, and the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of eight destination marketing organizations in Virginia that is designated, Virginia Green.

“We encourage our many local establishments to participate in the Virginia Green initiative, become important partners in our effort to be a green city, and be recognized for their leadership,” said Kristel Riddervold, Environmental Administrator for the City of Charlottesville.

A history of bringing green to the community

In July 2006, then-mayor and now City of Charlottesville Councilor, David Brown, joined with hundreds of other mayors throughout the United States to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

On Tuesday, June 16th, Governor Kaine and locally elected officials announced Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s participation in SmartGrid, a program initiated by Dominion Power to promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility by providing digital meters to users. Charlottesville is only second to Boulder, Colorado to launch such an initiative.

The U.S. Green Building Council, in 2008, presented Charlottesville with the first LEED Gold municipal designation in Virginia for the Downtown Transit Station, which is located at 610 E. Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia. The Visitors Bureau has both its administrative offices and visitor center in this building. The CACVB will soon begin work to overhaul its current website, and businesses that are identified as Virginia Green will get special positioning on the bureau’s home page.

Green Goes First!

Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $19 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia communities. In 2007, tourism businesses in the Greater Charlottesville region supported nearly 5,000 jobs and produced $435 million of direct economic impact.

The new campaign, of which a website will “go live” in Fall 2009,  will provide the CACVB with a great opportunity to showcase online, what is expected to be, a growing list of business establishments that have signed on to Virginia Green.

“It’s all about getting the word out by articulating the features and benefits,” Burkhart said.

“We expect to see more public attention and business going to those destinations that meet these environmentally sensitive requirements,” added Burkhart. “Destinations like the Greater Charlottesville region are well positioned to take full advantage of going Green. Our office will do whatever we can to assist local businesses that want to get hard-wired for this next wave of economic prosperity.”

“As the consuming public becomes more discerning as to where they will ultimately make the spend on such things as lodging, restaurants, attractions and more, going Green fits perfectly with our community’s landscape.”

For more informatrion, visit http://www.virginiagreentravel.org.

Situated 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, the 144-room modern and residential-style hotel offers “urban sophistication in a suburban setting,” balancing contemporary amenities and design with eco-friendliness.

“We are thrilled to have accomplished this certification, which not only demonstrates that being environmentally friendly is how we were constructed from the ground up, but also as the way we operate and the very core of what Hotel Arista stands for,” says Jeff Wardlaw, general manager, Hotel Arista.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System, established and managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green building design, construction and operations. LEED continually transforms the marketplace, both directly and indirectly, by providing a nationally recognized certification system to promote integrated, whole-building design practices in the building industry.

Green from the ground up

While being built, Hotel Arista established its initial promise to sustainabilty with its commitment to recycling 70% of construction waste. Now, while open tot he public, the hotel uses 30% less water and 21% less energy than hotels of comparable size by adhering to LEED standards and to operational practices designed to conserve energy and reduce waste consumption.

“Hotel Arista’s LEED certification not only marks a first for the state of Illinois, but is a leading example for how the retail and hospitality industries can and should be invested in environmental well-being and social responsibility,” said CEO and President Rick Fedrizzi of the U.S. Green Building Council. “Furthermore, consuming less energy and fewer resources will equate to great fiscal savings throughout the lifecycle of the property.”

All cleaning products at the hotel are completely free of all chemicals , while abundant natural lighting contributes to the hotel’s energy savings.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, SugarToad, also utilizes many organic and locally-sourced products, in addition to an on-site garden. Each guestroom also offers a “Nosh Box” which is stocked with local, regional and organic food items.

For more, check out Hotel Arista online.

Earth Simple and Earth Perfect eco-friendly bath amenity products are designed to promote sustainability of the environment while allowing hoteliers to boost their eco-credibility and differentiate themselves within a crowded market.

“Guests are going to remember the products they use during their stays – and often those products they take home with them when they check out,” says Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality. “It’s a great way to build brand awareness and keep your guests happy and eager to book again.”

“What sets Power Brands apart is not just the quality of their products, but their commitment to providing a product that is good for the body and good for the earth. Earth Simple and Earth Perfect are two lines that demonstrate how hotels can combine elements of luxury and a commitment to the environment.”

“Consumers and beauty companies are really looking closer at the ingredients they are using everyday, and now so is the hotel industry,” says Mary Ann Pettorini, Executive Vice President for Power Brands Corp. “Hotels are looking at what they can do to reduce their environmental footprint. This means everything from reducing water used, look at what fabrics are used in guestrooms, the chemicals they use to clean, to the amenities they stock bathrooms with.”

“Hotels want their guests to know about the steps they are taking to be good corporate citizens, and because they are such a key part of the guest experience, earth-friendly amenities are a really great way to translate that message.”

Made from the purest things on earth

Earth Simple is created with one goal in mind: to develop skin care luxuries from the purest, most natural ingredients found on Earth. Shampoos, conditioners, body washes and balms that refresh, renew and revive for simply beautiful hair and skin. Earth Simple is available in 30 and 50 ml sizes.

The Earth Simple Collection includes a complete selection of In-Room Essentials, including Dental Kits, Sewing Kits, Shaving Kits, Shower Caps, Loofahs and Shoe Care.

Perfect skin and body care from mother nature

The Earth Perfect line lives up to its name in every way. Perfectly free of sulfates, parbens and ureas. Perfectly free of harsh preservatives and dyes. Perfectly balanced formulations created from renewable, organic plant based sources for perfectly beautiful hair and skin. Earth Perfect is available in 30 and 59 ml sizes.

The Earth Perfect Collection includes a complete selection of In-Room Essentials, including Dental Kits, Sewing Kits, Shaving Kits, Shower Caps, Loofahs and Shoe Care.

Every luxurious, Earth Perfect amenity product is packaged in fully recyclable materials and available in 30 ml/1oz and 59 ml/2oz sizes. Cartons are manufactured with 30 percent post-consumer recycled cardboard.

“Using organic products and going green isn’t just a trend,” continued Pettorini. “It’s a fundamental shift in the way that business is going to be done.”