Khardomah Lodge earns its 'green'

Thu, May 15, 2008    to del.icio.us

Khardomah Lodge of Grand Haven has earned a Green Lodging Michigan Steward certification from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Green Lodging Michigan encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed and 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 Cooley. "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."

Khardomah Lodge, 1365 Lake Ave., has implemented several environmental initiatives, such as offering a linen and towel reuse program to guests on extended stays. They also have a comprehensive waste management program to avoid single-serve and single-use items, purchase post-consumer recycled products, and recycle most of their own waste materials.

Khardomah Lodge has also recently had an energy audit done on the property to help discover ways to improve energy efficiency and cut utility costs.

"Attaining Michigan Green Lodging certification is a great source of pride for Khardomah's owners, management, staff and guests," said the lodge's general manager, Gayle Gerig. "I encourage other establishments to investigate how close they may already be to attaining certification, and go for the 'green.'"

Green Lodging Michigan is a joint effort between the DLEG and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect the state's natural resources while increasing marketability and lowering utility costs. It is a voluntary and non-regulatory certification program offered through the Michigan Energy Office to hoteliers at no charge. 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.

On the Net:

www.michigan.gov/greenlodging

www.khardomahlodge.com