I would have liked to have gotten into more depth with my article on state green lodging certification/recognition programs—I posted the article this past week—but things can get a little unwieldy when trying to chat with 27 people. Twenty-seven is the number of states with certification/recognition programs, down from 28 last year. For my article I asked for an update on the number of lodging participants in each state’s program, what changes were made to the program in 2013, and what changes are in store in 2014.
Within the state programs I counted 2,605 properties that have earned official certification or recognition for their green efforts. I learned that some state programs are practically dormant or in a “set it and forget it” mode. Some are suffering from a lack of funding. Some are entirely reliant on volunteers. Some are aggressive when it comes to continuous improvement—updating applications, etc.—while others are not. Some are open to all types of hospitality-related businesses, including attractions, while others are for lodgings only. Some do a great job updating their websites while others do a poor job.
Florida is the state with the most certified properties—698, followed by Virginia with 535. Alaska is the state with the fewest certified lodging establishments—five. Virginia, with Virginia Green, is perhaps the state that is getting the most mileage out of its certification program. It is open to other tourism businesses and has a total of 1,415 program partners. A 2013 Virginia Green progress report was produced, a conference was held last fall for Virginia Green participants, and those running the program are even tracking the cost savings of Virginia Green members—about $25 million in 2013. This includes water savings, energy savings, and reduction in waste sent to landfill. Pretty impressive.
During the writing of my article I often found myself questioning the value of some state programs. If your property is participating in a state program, what are your expectations in regard to a return on the time (or money) invested in it? More room nights booked? A more efficient operation? Part of me wonders why hoteliers and innkeepers don’t demand more of their state programs. Another part of me wonders why programs struggling to make it don’t start over with a more sustainable business plan—instead of just lingering.
Sometime soon I will take a look at those programs that certify or recognize green properties at the city or regional level. As always, your comments are welcome. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com, or by phone at (813) 510-3868.
Green Lodging News Adds Cicero’s Development as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Cicero’s Development as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Cicero’s Development, established in 1970, is a full service contractor specializing in hotel renovations. The company works with owners/operators, architects and designers in a collaborative team effort to craft the “Best Value Approach” for its clients. With its “Renovationomix” program, Cicero’s Development generates accurate scopes of work, aggressive budgets and realistic timelines while devising creative solutions to keep properties operating with minimal impact and maintaining a “good guest experience,” even during high occupancy periods. Call (630) 417-0927, e-mail sjcicero@cicerosdev.com, or go to www.cicerosdev.com.
Green Lodging News Adds EverGlow as Founding Sponsor
Green Lodging News welcomes EverGlow NA, Inc. as a Founding Sponsor. EverGlow manufactures code approved photoluminescent exit signs and egress path markings. High performance glow in the dark signs and markings can help one reduce inspection and maintenance costs. Without compromising the life safety of guests and staff, EverGlow (non-electrical) photoluminescent exit signs can be used to replace electrical exit signs. EverGlow (non-electrical) photoluminescent exit path markings are typically used to supplement electrical emergency lighting in the exit stairs of high rise buildings. EverGlow offers a complete system of egress path marking system components—stair nosings, handrail and obstacle tapes, aluminum guidance strips with a durable ceramic wear layer, and custom signs and markings. Call (866) 744-4706, e-mail info@everglow.us, or go to www.everglow.us for more information.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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 (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2014?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2014. 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 2014 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
