ALBANY, N.Y.—New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the launch of a new initiative to certify lodging establishments as “green” for employing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Forty-three hotels and inns—spread across every region of New York—are the first to sign on for the certification process.
“Green tourism is good for our economy and good for our environment,” Governor David A. Paterson said. “The new Green Lodging Certification program will certify and assist New York’s hoteliers in the transition to environmental sustainability, helping them remain competitive and protect our environment at the same time. I am pleased that New York will soon have 43 new green hotels, providing travelers with green lodging options while they enjoy all of the natural beauty and tourism opportunities that New York has to offer.”
The Green Lodging Certification program combines environmentally sound business practices with financially feasible solutions. Under the program, hoteliers focus on saving energy, trimming waste disposal, using water efficiently and conserving resources, while improving their bottom line. Candidates will be evaluated in energy efficiency, environmental management, pollution prevention and resource conservation. Green credentials will be certified by the Audubon GreenLeaf program. Based on environmental performance, a hotel could be assigned one to five green leaves.
Any Hotel, Inn Can Participate
“The Green Lodging program recognizes hoteliers’ environmental best practices,” said Commissioner Grannis. “Whether they have been incorporating green practices for years or are just starting out, hotels and inns of any size can participate in this program. Technical support and marketing assistance are available to help them. The bottom line is that environmentally sound management practices lead to greater profitability, keeping New York’s businesses competitive and saving jobs.”
“Tourism is a vital and growing component of New York State’s economy as visitors and residents enjoy all this great state has to offer,” said Empire State Development Corp. chairman and CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen. “The Green Lodging program will take it a step further. By promoting sustainable tourism, we are helping to keep the industry ahead of the curve, ultimately saving money and jobs, while protecting our most valuable resources and securing a healthier, more environmentally friendly future—a true win-win for everyone.”
The certification program is part of a larger initiative to support and market sustainable tourism throughout New York, highlighting the state’s diverse natural resources as tourism destinations, connecting travelers to green businesses and assisting New York’s tourism businesses to go green. The New York State Green Hospitality and Tourism Partnership, a combination of state agencies, business associations, and academia, worked together to initiate the certification program. Earlier this year, the partnership helped launch the “Green Restaurant Certification” process.
The Partnership offers technical assistance to targeted industries and works to establish green benchmarking in the various areas including hospitality, restaurants, outfitters and transportation. The Partnership also recognizes other comparable third-party certification organizations for hotels and restaurants, including Green Seal, a not-for-profit certifier.
Endorsed by State’s Hospitality, Tourism Group
“The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association is excited to be a part of Governor Paterson’s statewide program to assist hoteliers in obtaining green certification,” said Association president Daniel C. Murphy. “I know that the partnerships that will be formed between our hoteliers and Audubon GreenLeaf during this project will have a long-lasting impact on New York State’s green movement and serve as a shining example for how New York State hotels can become more environmentally friendly.”
“Every person, every organization, and every community—from New York City to the High Peaks to the Finger Lakes—has a role to play in fostering a more sustainable future and a healthier natural environment,” said Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audubon International. “We’re proud to be helping the hotel and lodging sector throughout New York State play its role to become better stewards of the environment.”
The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYS P2I, www.nysp2i.rit.edu) will conduct the program in conjunction with the Partnership, providing technical assistance and site visits. NYS P2I provides direct assistance to state businesses and organizations to green their operations and enhance their bottom line.
“The Green Lodging Certification program will assist hotels and motels in reducing their environmental footprint, decrease overhead costs and improve their overall competitiveness,” said Anahita Williamson, director of the NYS P2I. “P2I is proud to assist the DEC in this effort, which will ultimately enhance New York’s hotel industry, reduce pollution and improve environmental quality throughout the state.”
For more information about green hotel certification, go to www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58045.html.
