January 24, 2008 - Kettunen Center, a conference and retreat facility owned and operated by the Michigan 4-H Foundation, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Partner certification from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG). Kettunen Center is located in Tustin, just south of Cadillac.

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. "Green Lodging Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of related hospitality jobs that stay in Michigan."

Kettunen Center has implemented several environmental initiatives at their facility such as installing Energy Star lighting, using low-flow faucets, showerheads and fixtures, and offering a comprehensive recycling program to staff and guests. Kettunen Center also attempts to reduce waste by asking vendors to reduce packaging, avoiding single use items, and purchasing items in bulk.

 "Kettunen Center has had a strong environmental ethic as one of its core values for many years. It's part of our mission," said John Grix, director of Kettunen Center. "It's not just a matter of an energy savings program. It's a policy shared with all staff on becoming aware of how we can decrease dependence on nonrenewable resources."

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 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.

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.