NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

June 19, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 288

 For more information contact Crystal Nagyiski, Pollution Prevention Program, 302-739-9072 or  Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9073.

 Green Lodging kickoff highlights pollution prevention practices
Two hotels honored as first to join program

DOVER – “Delaware Green Lodging,” a new program that encourages Delaware hotels to implement pollution prevention practices, was unveiled today in a special ceremony held on Legislative Mall in Dover. The program, a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, will bring the “green” movement to the forefront of the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.

 “A healthy, sustainable environment is vital to Delaware’s tourism industry,” said DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes. “The Green Lodging program represents a giant step forward in meeting the challenges of a more environmentally-concerned planet by encouraging hotels to take steps to reduce their environmental impacts. Environmental responsibility is not only good for business, but it’s good for Delaware.”

 Two hotels were honored at the ceremony as the first hotels in the state to join the program.  Secretary Hughes presented hotel managers, Bill Sullivan, of the Courtyard Newark at the University of Delaware, and Brad Wegner, of the Hilton-Christiana, with Delaware Green Lodging certificates and thanked them for their commitment.

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 to take steps to reduce pollution, conserve energy and protect natural resources. To qualify, businesses must implement a minimum of five basic pollution prevention practices – recycling, energy conservation, optional linen service, water use reduction, and a “green events” package.

 Businesses that wish to participate in the program receive free technical assistance from DNREC’s Pollution Prevention program. Facilities that meet program requirements receive a Delaware Green Lodging 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.

 Bill Sullivan, chairman of the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, spoke on behalf of the industry. “The Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association is so pleased to partner with DNREC on the Delaware Green Lodging program. “Going Green" is not only the right thing to do for our environment; it makes business sense and is what our customers are asking us to do. We look forward to active participation of all lodging businesses in Delaware and a chance to welcome visitors to our state.” 

 “The average-sized hotel purchases more products in one week than 100 families purchase in a year,” said Crystal Nagyiski, program manager of DNREC’s Pollution Prevention Program. “Delaware hotels have a tremendous opportunity to reduce waste and pollution, and we hope businesses across the state will contact us and join the program.”

 DNREC’s website includes an overview of the Delaware Green Lodging program, the checklist businesses need to complete to qualify and other information. A list of participating businesses and environmentally-friendly practices implemented is also included. Visit
http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/p2/Pages/GreenLodging.aspx.

For more information on the Green Lodging or other Pollution Prevention programs, contact Crystal Nagyiski at (302)739-9909 or crystal.nagyiski@state.de.us