GURNEE, ILL.—KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort has been honored with the StayGreen designation from the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) for its continued efforts to proactively use eco-friendly products and services to reduce its impact on the environment.
IHLA’s StayGreen designation standards are extensive and specific. Environmentally friendly efforts outlined in the StayGreen questionnaire include efforts such as recycling and waste management programs, the use of Energy Star products throughout guestrooms and hotel, the use of only non-phosphate, nontoxic, biodegradable concentrated cleaning products and laundry detergent, and consumable paper products made from recycled fibers, such as tissue, napkins, paper towels and toilet paper.
KeyLime Cove’s energy saving practices exceeded those standards, and many more. A short list of the many environmentally friendly practices KeyLime Cove performs includes giving preference to product suppliers who provide and take back reusable packaging and shipping pallets. Environmentally-friendly lighting is used throughout the hotel, waterpark and parking lot, including back-of-house offices and housekeeping, and each of the 414 guestrooms has a master light switch to encourage guests to turn out the lights when not in their room. In-room signage also persuades guests to reuse their towels and linens during their stay. Additionally, KeyLime Cove repurposes sheets and towels, donating regularly to The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation to support their efforts to raise revenue to administer veteran’s programs.
“We are always looking ahead to new ways to be more environmentally sensitive while providing guests with a safe and fun experience,” said Dale McFarland, president and CEO of Veracity Hospitality, management company for KeyLime Cove. “Being green also means a healthier environment for our guests and staff, and that is particularly important since the majority of our guests are young children.”
“IHLA applauds the efforts KeyLime Cove has made to put substantial green initiatives in place at their resort and take the necessary steps to be considered a StayGreen Hotel,” said Marc Gordon, IHLA President and CEO. “The StayGreen Program was created to recognize our hotels that make eco-friendly practices a priority, and KeyLime Cove has certainly distinguished itself as a property that takes environmental improvements seriously.”
