Another Green Lodging Certification Program - Enough Already?

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. April 15, 2009

APRIL 15, 2009 - The buzz around Washington D.C. is that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is laying the groundwork for a federal green lodging certification program for U.S. hotels.

The EPA plans to roll out its sustainability guidelines by the end of the year, with the goal of giving facilities an outline of the standards necessary to win federal meeting and convention business in the future.

Is there a need for yet another green lodging certification program? Well, that depends. If the EPA's program turns out to be a meaningful method for recognizing genuine accomplishments in sustainable lodging, then we're all for it. But if it's just another pay-to-play, rubber stamp mechanism for properties to drum up business on the ruse of operating a watered-down green lodge, then we're wholeheartedly against it.

In other words, only time will tell if there's really 'room at the inn' for a new federal green lodging program. We'll just have to see it before we can believe in it.

Indications are, however, that this program might actually be a worthwhile addition to the green lodging certification mix. An EPA spokesman said it will be modeled after excellent state-sponsored programs like the ones in Florida and California, and will eventually become as highly regarded and recognizable as the Energy Star ratings for appliances.

Plus, word on the street is that these new guidelines will eventually be the measure by which all federal agencies and departments will award their meeting and convention business in the future - along with price and past performance considerations, of course.

And one can't help but wonder if a highly publicized, well-funded federal green hotel certification program will eclipse others of questionable quality - especially those in the pay-to-play arena.

So our recommendation is for hospitality properties to watch this process closely, and to plan to apply just as soon as the EPA opens the floodgates. There's likely to be a stampede of facilities scrambling to align with the federal program and you want yours to be in front of the pack.

Are you satisfied with your facility's sustainability program? Could your staff use some professional guidance in positioning your property to earn the upcoming federal certification? Send a message to [email protected] today, and we'll have you on the road to a meaningful green certification before you know it!