December 1, 2009 – The Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort, located in Augusta, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Steward certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

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."

Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort has implemented several environmental initiatives at their facility.  For energy efficiency, they use Energy Star lights and are committed to replacing equipment with Energy Star models during future renovations.  They have also recently completed an energy audit to help identify other energy saving opportunities.  For solid waste reduction, they have a comprehensive recycling program available to both guests and staff.  For water conservation, they offer guests the option to participate in a linen and towel reuse program.  They also have several initiatives in place to attempt to reduce the amount of water needed for landscape watering.  Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort also has several environmentally preferred purchasing initiatives including: purchasing post-consumer recycled paper, low-phosphorous detergents, and locally grown foods.

"It's no longer enough to be environmentally conscious, we must be active participants in contributing to the sustainability of the environment," said Kimberly Wilkes, sales manager of the Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort.  "It is our duty to lead by example and provide opportunities for our guests and staff to participate in initiatives that promote environmental responsibility."

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.           

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