I am in the middle of a two-week stretch without a break thanks to the Third Annual Green Lodging and Hospitality Conference which wrapped up this past week and the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show taking place from November 12 to 15. As reported on Green Lodging News, the Green Lodging and Hospitality Conference drew 135 attendees (including exhibitors) from 16 states and had an excellent lineup of speakers. (See article.) The event was hosted by the University of Florida/TREEO Center. The American Green Lodging and Hospitality Assn. and the Green Meeting Industry Council’s Florida/Caribbean Chapter also were involved in the conference’s planning. (At the end of this year’s event, the dates for next year’s conference were not announced.)
There was news that broke during the conference. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Central Florida Chapter announced the launch of Green Destination Orlando. (See article.) The purpose of the program is to accelerate the greening of every part of the Orlando vacation experience—not only the hotels but also the transportation and meeting sites, retail stores, restaurants, and theme parks.
Green Destination Orlando will include a four-level rating system for its participating businesses. The system is not a certification program; it allows a business to earn a designation. A total of 100 points are available based on scores earned on two checklists, plus five bonus points for innovations in operations. Green Destination Orlando program levels, ranking lowest to highest are: Blue (40-49 points); Teal (50-59 points); Green (60-69 points); and Evergreen (70-100 points). The objective of the program is to show continuous improvement each year until the business has achieved the Evergreen designation.
Marketing Advantages
Those who continue to earn the designation will be provided with a Green Destination Orlando logo for marketing use. The Green Destination Orlando program is a multi-year process that can prepare a facility to apply for the USGBC LEED Existing Building Certification.
Congratulations to the following organizations for putting together Green Destination Orlando: USGBC Central Florida Hospitality Advocacy Committee, Florida Green Lodging, Central Florida Hotel Lodging Association, Green Meeting Industry Council, I-Drive Chamber of Commerce, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and Visit Orlando.
A market the size of Orlando packs one hefty carbon footprint. It is exciting to see the different stakeholders in travel beginning to come together to address this.
Clean the World Visit
While in Orlando I also had an opportunity to visit the headquarters of Clean the World, the organization that collects partially used soaps, shampoos and conditioner for distribution to those in need. I will be writing about my visit in a future column. Be sure to watch for it.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
GLNs Adds The Green Garmento as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes The Green Garmento as a Product & Service Directory partner. The Green Garmento is a laundry bag that transforms into a hanging garment bag, eliminating hotel employees’ needs to use single-use plastic and paper. The Green Garmento also replaces the single-use drycleaning plastic when used in guestrooms; allowing guests to use it there or take them home, creating a profit center. The new KangerHanger pouch bag (with a pouch for hangers) is an IHMRS 2011 Editor’s Choice Finalist. Call (866) 681-5569, e-mail rick@thegreengarmento.com, or go to www.thegreengarmento.com for more information.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2012?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2012. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2012 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Social Networking Sites
Green Lodging News now has 1,007 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 138 Facebook followers.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
