"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."

Holiday Inn Express - Ludington has implemented several environmental initiatives such as installing Energy Star exit signs, using low VOC cleaning products, and offering a towel and linen reuse program to guests. Holiday Inn Express also purchases in bulk and avoids single-serve packaging for food, while giving preference to local products.

"The trend toward green initiatives in lodging prompted us to take a deeper look into our hotel operations, expand on programs we already had in place, and implement new programs to lessen our impact on the environment," said John Merchant, director of sales and marketing at Holiday Inn Express. "Green Lodging Michigan made it easy for us to evaluate our operations, locate areas for improvement, and earn our partner level status. The (Green Lodging Michigan) program is truly a partnership with our hotel and a relationship we plan to continue."

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.