COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO—Six months into its GEM Program for green B&Bs, the Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association (IBBA) now has seven properties participating. The GEM Program consists of a basic Green Lodging Program and an “Inspected GEM” Program. Whereas the basic Green Lodging Program does not include an inspection component, the Inspected GEM Program does.
Brian Scott, president of IBBA, who started the association and the GEM Program along with his wife Shar, says the GEM Program is being funded through a state grant that is funded through a 2 percent state bed tax. Nonprofits are eligible to apply for the grant money. “We get some of the money back that we pay for the 2 percent bed tax,” says Brian, who also owns and operates the American Country Bed & Breakfast with his wife in Coeur d’Alene.
Brian says there are approximately 200 B&Bs in Idaho, 60 of which are IBBA members. Those members interested in participating in the Green Lodging Program are asked to complete a simple worksheet. To gain certification, B&Bs must comply with 27 of 38 items in categories including: Administrative, Office, Plumbing, General Cleaning, Amenities, Electrical, Structure, Landscape, and Optional/Additional Green Practices.
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Those properties that gain certification receive a certificate to post at their B&B. They are also noted with an IBBA green gem icon on the IBBA website. Those properties that go through an inspection and pass are noted with an additional gem icon on the website.
While there is no fee for those B&Bs going through the basic Green Lodging Program, there is one for those who go through the inspection—just enough to cover inspection-related expenses (travel, etc.). Inspections are conducted by an IBBA board member.
Brian says that his goal is to make the IBBA’s green initiative as simple and user-friendly as possible. In the future he hopes to build upon the program and strengthen certification requirements.
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Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
