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In a special ceremony, the Clarion Hotel – the Belle – was recognized as the newest hotel to receive Delaware Green Lodging certification for implementing pollution prevention practices that will have significant and positive impacts on Delaware’s environment.
“We are pleased to welcome Clarion Hotel to our list of green hotels that have committed to practices that will reduce pollution, conserve energy and protect our natural resources,” said Crystal Nagyiski, DNREC pollution prevention manager. “It is fitting that we make the announcement during National Pollution Prevention Week to highlight the tourism and hospitality industry as a leader in the state’s “green movement.”
The Delaware Green Lodging Program is a voluntary, self-certifying program that encourages hotels, resorts and other hospitality facilities to understand their impacts on the environment and implement pollution prevention practices. To qualify, businesses must implement a minimum of five basic practices – recycling, water conservation, optional linen service, energy conservation, and a “green events” package. The program is a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association.
Sarah Willioughby, executive director of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented Clarion Hotel manager Paul Rada with the Delaware Green Lodging certificate and praised the hotel for its commitment to green practices. “Today, "going green" in the hospitality industry is a must! Whether it is for an individual traveler, a family or a meeting – they all have this expectation. It is becoming more commonplace,” said Willioughby.
More people understand the benefits of environmental responsibility and pollution prevention. Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality facilities that promote and offer sustainable, pollution prevention practices will meet customer demand and improve their bottom line.
The Clarion Hotel is the fourth hotel in Delaware to receive Green Lodging certification. On June 19, DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes presented certificates to the Courtyard Newark at the University of Delaware and the Hilton-Christiana at the program’s kick-off event. On June 26, the Mainstay Suites in Dover received Delaware Green Lodging certification.
According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the average-sized hotel purchases more products in one week than 100 families do in a year, and a typical hotel uses 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room. Recycling, purchasing environmentally-friendly products, and reducing water use by installing water-efficient fixtures are some of the ways hotels can prevent pollution at the source before it is generated. In addition, electricity use accounts for 60-70 percent of the utility costs of a typical hotel. Energy-efficiency appliances and lighting will reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs.
Facilities that meet Delaware Green Lodging requirements receive a certificate and window decals and can display the Delaware Green Lodging logo on marketing materials. In addition, Green Lodging hotels are listed on the program website and are eligible to participate in grant opportunities.
Visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/p2/Pages/GreenLodging.aspx