CHICAGO—The green hotel wheels are spinning in Illinois as that state’s hotel and lodging association steps up its efforts to encourage properties to purchase renewable energy, recycle and much more. According to Marc Gordon, president of the state association, hotels that participate in such programs would be recognized with special icons in the association’s print directory and on its website. A hotel that purchases 60 percent of its electricity from renewable sources of energy, for example, would be recognized.
The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association is currently working with an energy provider to develop a program for hotels. It is also working with USA Today as part of an effort to encourage newspaper recycling. An overall guestroom recycling program is also in the works. Hotels that participate in multiple programs would be eligible for recognition with a certificate and plaque. While details have not been finalized for any of the programs, Gordon expects them to be ready by the second quarter of this year.
“Our hope is to do it as soon as possible,” says Gordon, who emphasized that his association does not intend to launch its own green lodging certification program like other states.
“These programs are to get hotels moving in the right direction,” Gordon says. “Hotels that wish to can take it to another level.”
Gordon says his state’s association also intends to work with the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Institute to develop a training program for hotels wishing to green their operations. Hotels that participate would be recognized in the association’s directory.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
