March 12, 2007 - Rita Canady, deputy director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, today announced that the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, has earned Green Lodging Michigan certification.

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 important accreditation is like the Good Housekeeping seal of environmental responsibility," said Canady.  "It validates the hotelier's commitment to 'green' business practices and that environmental and economic goals are a top priority. GLM is also helping to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of related hospitality jobs that stay in Michigan."

The Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center implemented several environmental initiatives at the facility such as using occupancy sensors to control lighting, using Energy Star light bulbs, and offering towel/linen reuse programs to guests.  The Kellogg Center also works hard to communicate environmental initiatives to staff, and conduct employee training on environmental initiatives.

"We are very pleased to receive partner certification in the Green Lodging program," said Rick Gierman, Engineering Supervisor at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. "We are committed to efforts to keep a sustainable environment, as is the entire University. And we are devoted to supporting the University's mission to be a leader in environmental initiatives."

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.

"GLM is a relatively new way to involve 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.

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.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.