October 31, 2008 – The Townsend Hotel, located in Birmingham, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Steward certification from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfast facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving "green" practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste, and participate in environmentally preferred purchasing.

"This accreditation is the mark of environmental responsibility of hoteliers who are committed to 'green' business practices that make environmental and economic goals their top priority," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley. "Green Lodging Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of jobs related to Michigan's hospitality industry."

The Townsend Hotel has implemented several environmental initiatives at their facility.  They have a linen and towel reuse program and also have a comprehensive recycling program available to both guests and staff. The Townsend Hotel also recently completed an energy audit on the property to help discover ways to improve energy efficiency and cut utility costs.

"Based on our energy audit we made several changes, including changing our light bulbs to fluorescents, that have helped save the hotel money which can be used for additional green initiatives," said Peter Wilde, managing director of The Townsend Hotel. "These small incremental changes allow The Townsend to continue making the environment a top priority."

Green Lodging Michigan is a joint effort between DLEG and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect the state's natural resources while increasing marketability and lowering utility costs.

"Green Lodging Michigan has been an effective way of including hoteliers in the effort to help Michigan continue as the leader in environmental beauty and abundant natural resources," said Steven E. Chester, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Green Lodging Michigan is a voluntary and non-regulatory certification program offered through the Michigan Energy Office in DLEG to hoteliers at no charge. The Michigan Energy Office and the DEQ provide technical assistance to those who are interested in implementing ?green' strategies and earning certification. The GLM program certifies facilities based on environmental initiatives such as air quality, energy efficiency, solid waste reduction, toxic waste management, water conservation, purchasing and communication. There are three levels of certification: Partner, Steward, and Leader, which can be earned by completing a self-assessment checklist and achieving a minimum number of requirements and points.

The Michigan Energy Office promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development to Michigan's residents, businesses, and public institutions. For more information about the Green Lodging Michigan program and to download the GLM application packet and self-assessment checklist, visit the website at www.michigan.gov/greenlodging.                        

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.