LOUISVILLE, KY.—The Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky has become the first lodging organization in Kentucky and one of the first in the nation to introduce a Green Lodging Certification Program. Launched in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2010, BBAK’s Green Lodging Certification Program (GLCP) is being run in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KDEP) that reviews, designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Kentucky’s natural resources. The program’s environmental guidelines allow lodging facilities to evaluate their operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve environmental performance. BBAK members will benefit from ongoing “Green Practices” education and training, Green Vendor Resources and Relationships, and a Green Lodging marketing program to support a growing and critically important trend in the hospitality industry. B&B travelers will be provided with a comprehensive list of Green Lodging Inns which have been certified by the state organization.
B&Bs participating in the program are required to conduct a thorough property assessment and implement a specified number of environmental practices in seven key areas of sustainable operations: Communication and Education (Customers, Employees and Public); Waste Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling; Water Conservation; Energy Efficiency; Indoor Air Quality; Hazardous Substances; and Environmentally-Sensitive Purchasing.
Good for Business & Environment
“It is wonderful to see B&B businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Kentucky’s environment,” says BBAK’s Green Lodging Certification Committee Chairperson, Todd Allen. “Consumers are seeking more green-friendly businesses and we want to satisfy that need with a program that helps to educate and promote our involvement and support.”
B&B establishments pursuing certification as part of BBAK’s Green Lodging Certification Program are required to have an on-site audit which validates and provides credibility. “A third-party audit gives a level of credibility that self-certification cannot achieve,” said Allen. “B&Bs that become certified have already made and will continue to make proven operational changes that are real, significant, and have a positive environmental impact across the state, for our member inns and for the tourists that seek out Green Lodging establishments.”
BBAK’s Green Lodging Certification Program enables its members to be certified at three different levels of achievement: a single leaf entry level recognizes those with a strong foundation of sustainable practices; a double leaf level for those that have substantially reduced their environmental impact and practice at the leadership level of sustainable practices; and a triple leaf level to recognize those who are moving the bar of leadership and practicing the top levels of sustainability.
Green Getaway Sweepstakes
The BBAK is celebrating its green certification with a $2,500 Green Getaway Sweepstakes. Each month a $150 BBAK Gift Certificate, redeemable at any BBAK member inn, will be given away. The grand prize, a $500 Green Lodging Getaway Grand Prize, will be drawn on December 23, 2010. There are five ways to win: Make a reservation at a BBAK member inn; sign up for BBAK’s e-newsletter; purchase a BBAK Gift Certificate or the BBAK’s cookbook, Room at the Table; visit the BBAK website; or refer a friend to the sweepstakes. Go to www.KentuckyBB.com.
Continuing the green theme, many BBAK members have posted green lodging specials and packages on www.kentuckybb.com. At the Snug Hollow Farm B&B, a 300-acre farm with two comfortable cabins, a farmhouse with featherbeds and handmade quilts and peaceful porches, one can take advantage of organic gardens and vegetarian cuisine. Guests staying during the week receive a free cookbook. Guests driving a hybrid to the Simple Pleasure Retreat with Meek House will receive a $10 discount per night, Sunday through Thursday.
