Three states have added or will soon add green lodging certification programs. The Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut and the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism just launched its program. The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism is expected to roll out its program as early as the end of June. As reported here on Green Lodging News more than a week ago (see article), the South Carolina Hospitality Association, in partnership with the Division of Waste Management of that state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, is hammering out the final details of its green hotel and restaurant program. That self-certification program is expected to launch in July.
It is exciting to see so much new certification activity at the state level. The programs are good for the environment, encourage properties ranging from B&Bs to resorts to start environmental programs, and are good promotional vehicles for the states and individual properties. There may be some who would say, “Just what our industry needs, more certification programs.” I disagree with that thinking. At the state level, certification programs are a great idea. Whereas most national certification programs don’t make sense for smaller properties such as inns and B&Bs, state programs fit any size property. State programs are also affordable. In fact, they are typically free. While there most certainly is a need for national programs in our industry, there is just as great a need for state-level programs.
Connecticut and Massachusetts have modeled their programs after Maine’s. In Connecticut, for example, a property is asked to complete a workbook which includes a list of environmental practices. The practices are assigned points. A property must achieve 100 points to qualify for certification. While Connecticut’s program involves self-certification, properties do face the possibility of a scheduled on-site inspection. Certification is good for two years, after which a business must increase its point total to 130 points to earn recertification. South Carolina’s program will be for Hospitality Association members only and will include four levels of certification.
According to my count, there are now 20 states with some form of program in place—or pending—to help hotels reduce their environmental impact while cutting costs at the same time. Not all of the 20 states offer complete certification programs. If your state is planning a program or already has one but it is not on my list, please be sure to contact me at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Click here to access the current list.
Boston Visit Planned
I will be speaking about green hotel certification at an event in Boston on Tuesday, June 9 at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, Mass. The meeting’s theme: Saving Money Through Greening Hospitality: Reducing Costs and Attracting Customers Through Water and Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction, and Toxics Use Reduction. Thank you to Massachusett’s Office of Technical Assistance and Technology for inviting me to speak at this event.
Green Lodging News Welcomes Onity as Directory Partner
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