October 31, 2007 - The Silent Sport Lodge Bed & Breakfast in Wolverine 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. "GLM also helps to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of related hospitality jobs in Michigan that will never be outsourced."

Silent Sport Lodge implemented several environmental initiatives at the facility such as installing a wood-fired boiler; using a rain water collection system for watering plants; and using low-flow faucets, showerheads, and fixtures to conserve water. Silent Sport Lodge also grows many of the fresh, organic vegetables served at the B&B in a greenhouse located on site.

"It was just natural for us to participate in the Green Lodging Michigan program since being green has been a way of life for us," said owners Rhonda and John Smit. "We have always grown our own organic vegetables, gathered wild fruits, recycled in many ways, and have strived to be energy efficient."

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.

"This program has given Michigan's hotels and resorts the opportunity to play a valuable role in our efforts to protect and preserve Michigan's environment," said Steven E. Chester, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

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 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.

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