October 18, 2006 - Robert W.
Swanson, director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, today
announced a new program aimed at environmental conservation and a more
competitive lodging industry in Michigan. Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) encourages
hotels, resorts, motels, and bread & 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.
"It's like the Good Housekeeping
seal of approval of being green," Swanson said. "The mark of environmental
responsibility of hoteliers who show a commitment to "green" business practices
and can demonstrate that environmental and economic goals are a top
priority. GLM will help ensure the
viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of related hospitality
jobs that will never be outsourced."
GLM 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.
"It is imperative that we strive not only to
maintain but to enhance the quality of Michigan's environment," said Steven
Chester, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. "GLM is
a new way to involve hoteliers in the effort to help Michigan continue as the
leader in what it's famous for, environmental beauty and abundant natural
resources."
GLM 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 provides 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.
Six facilities were certified as
"green lodges" at the GLM program launch today at the Michigan Society of
Government Meeting Professionals' monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Express in
Okemos. Facilities achieving Partner
certification are: the Bayshore Resort, Traverse City, and the Wren's Nest,
West Bloomfield. Facilities achieving
Steward certification are: Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville; Livonia
Marriott, Livonia; Neahtawanta Inn, Old Mission Peninsula; and the Ralph A.
MacMullan Conference Center, Roscommon.
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