HASTINGS, MINN.—The Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association has launched a green lodging self-certification program for its members. The program, called Green Journey, was introduced at the organization’s recent conference in Minneapolis. Green Journey is the result of a two-year planning process and was put together by a committee of innkeepers representing B&Bs from around the state. According to Peter Torkelson, owner of The Scandinavian Inn in Lanesboro, Minn., innkeepers will have an opportunity to earn from one to five green leaves for their environmental accomplishments. The leaves will appear in each property’s profile on the association’s website. “The more steps you take, the more leaves you get,” Torkelson says.
To get one green leaf, a property must have a green policy and post it on-site. To earn two green leaves, an owner must implement five programs from a checklist. Some of the options include: recycling program, food waste composting, use of fluorescent lighting, and purchase of organic fertilizers and phosphate-free detergents. To earn a third leaf, an owner must have an energy audit conducted and track energy consumption and waste. At the four green leaves level, one must do things such as purchase non-heating-related electricity as green power or spend from $500 to $1,000 on insulation. To earn five green leaves, one must invest in a geothermal or solar system, insulate the entire home, or take one of a number of other significant steps.
Torkelson says there are four good reasons to participate in Green Journey:
1. It is the right thing to do.
2. It is good for the environment and the community.
3. It may reduce operating costs.
4. It is good for public relations.
Green Journey is at least the second green lodging certification program in the United States for B&Bs. Oregon also has a program. The committee putting together Green Journey looked at Oregon’s program as well as Wisconsin’s Travel Green Wisconsin program.
According to the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association website, there are currently more than 100 properties throughout Minnesota that are eligible to participate in Green Journey.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
