Business & Tech
Connecticut Green Lodging Certifies 30th Hotel
What Does It Mean? They Are Conserving Energy And Water, Reducing Waste And Using Less Toxic Cleaning Products
A press release from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection:
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism announced today that 30 hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts are participating in the Connecticut Green Lodging program. These lodging facilities have implemented business practices that have less impact on the environment such as conserving energy and water, reducing waste and using less toxic cleaning products which have reduced operating costs and have given them a marketing edge. The number of facilities earning the certification has more than doubled in less than 1 year.
DEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said, “As a growing numbers of consumers, including families and conference planners, want to know if the hotel where they plan to stay is ‘green,’ the demand for the CT Green Lodging certification continues to rise. Consumers expect the same environmental awareness when they travel as they have initiated in their own homes. Whether the hotel implements energy efficiency methods, water conservation strategies, provides renewable energy or have switched to less toxic cleaners, consumers feel confident knowing their hotel meets the criteria as a Green Lodging Certified Hotel. This program also provides an opportunity for hotels to receive recognition and promotion in a variety of websites and magazines.”
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
Christopher Bergstrom, Executive Director of the CT Commission on Culture & Tourism agrees, “The tourism industry is fully supportive of the green initiatives – both for the good of the environment and for the good of guests and visitors along with the people who work at each certified venue. Educating our hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts on how to be green helps the industry to grow business while offering a great visit to their guests.”
In addition to listings on the CT Department of Environmental Protection website (www.ct.gov/dep/greenlodging ) and the www.CTvisit.com site run by the CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, these certified properties enjoy “eco” listings on the websites run by AAA and Expedia. Certified properties can also use program logo on marketing materials.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
The certification program began in May, 2009, after environmentally progressive hotel owners contacted the Connecticut DEP and legislators requesting that Connecticut offer certification to state lodging facilities. The Connecticut program is based on a similar program operating in Maine. Currently, 26 states have certification programs for lodging.
The Connecticut Green Lodging is a self-certification program based on accumulating points associated with environmental practices at lodging facilities. The points are recorded in the Connecticut Green Lodging Self-Certification Workbook. The workbook and more information about the program are available on www.ct.gov/dep/greenlodging.
Commissioner Esty added, “No matter how green a facility is, there are always new ideas being added to the workbook and new goals for hotels to reach. A national network of green hoteliers provides updates on the latest in technology and practices. The best part is that most of the operations described in the workbook also provide monetary savings to the property owner. In a challenging economy, every step towards efficiency helps, and acquiring Connecticut Green Lodging Certification benefits both the hotel owner and consumer.”
A workshop is being planned for September 2011 to teach hotels additional practices that will help lodging facilities get certified. Green Weddings will be one of the featured topics. The schedule will be posted on the DEP’s website when the details are finalized.
Most Recently Certified Facilities:
Lodging Facility
Contact Info
Certified
Comfort Inn
860-276-0736
February
2011
Inn at Woodstock Hill
94 Plaine Hill Road
Woodstock, CT 06281
Richard Naumann
860-928-0528
April
2011
2011
Other Certified Facilities:
Lodging Facility
Contact Info
860-728-5151
October
2010
Inn at Lower Farm Bed and Breakfast
119 Mystic Rd
North Stonington, CT 06359
Marriott Hartford Downtown
200 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
860-760-2288
860-462-4436
August
2009
625 North Rd
Groton, CT 06340
860-446-2600
November
2009
2 Proteus Ave
Groton, CT 06340
860-446-1160
October
2009
155 Temple St
New Haven, CT 06510
203-974-6820
July
2010
3 Long Wharf Dr
New Haven, CT 06511
203-777-5337
Februrary
2010
Residence Inn By Marriott
22 Segar St
Danbury, CT 06810
203-797-1256
November
2010
Residence Inn By Marriott
778 West St
Southington, CT 06489
860-621-4440
October
2010
1 Bradley International Dr
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
860-416-5886
November
2010
236 Kent Rd
New Milford, CT 06776
860-355-3208
March
2010
1157 Chapel St
New Haven, CT 06511
203-503-3936
August
2010
Saybrook Point Inn and Spa
2 Bridge St
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Andy Abels
860-395-3081
July
2009
401 North Frontage Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
860-439-0151
Ext. 360
October
2009
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.