Connecticut Green Lodging Certifies 30th Hotel

Thirty hotels, motels and bed & breakfast locations in Connecticut are participating in the state’s Green lodging Program, according to Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT).

These lodging facilities have implemented business practices that have less impact on the environment, such as conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and using less toxic cleaning products, which have reduced operating costs and have given them a marketing edge. The number of facilities earning the certification has more than doubled in less than one year.

DEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said, “As a growing numbers of consumers, including families and conference planners, want to know if the hotel where they plan to stay is ‘green,’ the demand for the Connecticut Green Lodging certification continues to rise. Consumers expect the same environmental awareness when they travel as they have initiated in their own homes.

“Whether the hotel implements energy efficiency methods, water conservation strategies, provides renewable energy or have switched to less toxic cleaners, consumers feel confident knowing their hotel meets the criteria as a Green Lodging Certified Hotel,” he added. “This program also provides an opportunity for hotels to receive recognition and promotion in a variety of websites and magazines.”

Christopher Bergstrom, executive director of CCT, agrees.

“The tourism industry is fully supportive of the green initiatives — both for the good of the environment and for the good of guests and visitors, along with the people who work at each certified venue,” Mr Bergstrom said. “Educating our hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts on how to be green helps the industry to grow business while offering a great visit to their guests.”

In addition to listings on the state Department of Environmental Protection website and www.CTvisit.com, run by CCT, these certified properties enjoy “eco” listings on the AAA and Expedia websites. Certified properties can also use program logo on marketing materials.

The certification program began in May 2009, after environmentally progressive hotel owners contacted the Connecticut DEP and legislators requesting that Connecticut offer certification to state lodging facilities. The Connecticut program is based on a similar program operating in Maine. Currently, 26 states have certification programs for lodging.

 “No matter how green a facility is, there are always new ideas being added to the workbook and new goals for hotels to reach,” said Commissioner Esty. “A national network of green hoteliers provides updates on the latest in technology and practices. The best part is that most of the operations described in the workbook also provide monetary savings to the property owner. In a challenging economy, every step toward efficiency helps, and acquiring Connecticut Green Lodging Certification benefits both the hotel owner and consumer.” 

A workshop is being planned for this September to teach hotels additional practices that will help lodging facilities get certified. Green Weddings will be one of the featured topics

Connecticut Green Lodging is a self-certification program based on accumulating points associated with environmental practices at lodging facilities. The points are recorded in the Connecticut Green Lodging Self-Certification Workbook.

The workbook and more information about the program are available on www.ct.gov/dep/greenlodging.