Home Energy Management Econo Lodge Celebrates First Year of Room to be Green Program

Econo Lodge Celebrates First Year of Room to be Green Program

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ROCKVILLE, MD.—Econo Lodge is celebrating the one year mark of its Room to be Green program. A first of its kind initiative executed across the entire lodging portfolio, Room to be Green is designed to reduce environmental impact and waste, meet the changing expectations of today’s environmentally conscious guests and potentially lower operational expenses, (including energy and water costs) at the property level.

The Econo Lodge brand, which is fully franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, is a leader among economy hotel brands for implementing mandatory green initiatives throughout all its properties. As a result of its program, in the past year more than 830 Econo Lodge hotels helped reduce annual water usage by an estimated 6 million gallons and energy usage by an estimated 12 million kWh. Additionally, in tandem with American Forests, an organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of forests around the world, Econo Lodge planted one tree for each Econo Lodge currently open.

“One year ago, this was just an idea and an announcement,” said Craig Mustard, head of domestic brand management for Econo Lodge. “I am so energized by the enthusiasm with which Econo Lodge operators have rallied around our Room to be Green project as we celebrate this brand milestone. Their actions demonstrate that caring for the environment can be done at any level. You just have to start somewhere and we are eager to continue building on this program moving forward.”

Three Mandatory Elements of Initiative

The Econo Lodge brand required every hotel to implement the Room to be Green program by December 31, 2013. The program outlines three mandatory elements of its initiative:

•    Energy Conservation: Hotels must use energy efficient indoor lighting solutions, such as compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED bulbs in all guest fixtures, excluding ceiling lights;
•    Water Conservation: Hotels must offer all guests a towel/linen reuse program; and
•    Recycling and Waste Reduction: Hotels must also provide a recycling program for staff and guest use.

“We take great pride in knowing that we are doing what we can to make a difference in our communities and in the environment,” said Don Neuharth, owner of the Econo Lodge hotel in Osage Beach, Mo. “By taking these small steps, Econo Lodge can make a real difference and is setting great examples for others.”

In addition, the Room to be Green program offers extended green options that each property may undertake, such as use of ozone washing machines, light dimmers, double-pained or thermapane windows, and rain water collection systems for exterior irrigation.

For more information about Econo Lodge, visit www.EconoLodge.com.

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