Green lodging translates into healthy accommodations
By Glenn Hasek, Green Lodging News
Days two and three of the West Coast Green Lodging Conference, held at the Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe Hotel & Ski Resort, were highlighted by presentations by the following: Kelly May, who is with the California Department of General Services’ California Green Lodging Program; Janine Chicourrat, general manager, Portola Hotel & Spa; and Sara Schoen, LEED AP, commercial real estate associate, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
In her presentation, May described how more than 200 hotels in California are benefiting from participating in that state’s Green Lodging Program—a program focused on minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, green purchasing, improving indoor air quality, and hazardous materials management. The state program currently has 150 hotels waiting to be certified at either the Participation (one palm) or Leadership (two palm) level. Those properties earning a point total of from 250 to 299 join the program at the Participation level; those earning 300 points or more earn Leadership status. May said the program eventually will have a third and fourth certification level.
Why green your hotel? In addition to increasing your property’s value and reducing energy and water costs, May said, “Being green means your staff and guests are healthier.”
