April 28, 2009 -Grand Hotel, located on Mackinac Island, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Partner certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG). Grand Hotel is eligible for Leader certification (the highest possible level) pending a site visit which will be conducted once the hotel opens for the 2009 season.
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 DELEG Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss. "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 designation recognizes that Grand Hotel has implemented a number of significant environmental initiatives. These include: designing and installing a water-based air conditioning system; designing a special composting system that produces all the soil used in the hotel's signature flower beds; changing to energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the hotel; installing low flow faucets and showerheads to conserve water; and implementing a linen and towel reuse program. Grand Hotel reduces waste by recycling, encouraging their vendors to reduce packaging and avoiding single use items. The hotel has also installed Energy Star equipment and programmable thermostats to improve energy efficiency.
"We're honored by this recognition of our strong commitment to environmentally friendly practices at Grand Hotel," said Grand Hotel President R. D. Musser III. "We have always believed that our stewardship of this historic venue should include taking every step possible to preserve the pristine setting in which Grand Hotel has operated for more than 120 years. It is especially meaningful that our efforts to do this are being recognized through designation as a Green Lodging Michigan Partner."
Green Lodging Michigan is a joint effort between DELEG 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 Bureau of Energy Systems in DELEG to hoteliers at no charge. The Bureau of Energy Systems 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 Bureau of Energy Systems 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 releases from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
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