We try not to run those long press releases verbatim. And in that vein, we’ll digest one that came down the pike from the City of Chicago. Titled, Chicago Leads Nation in Green Seal Certified Hotels, the informational promo starts off mentioning the mayor, Richard M. Daley, and his pat on the back to 25 hotel properties (quite a few), that are working to achieve environmental designations under the Green Hotels Initiative. What in the heck is that and who cares? Well, it is an initiative that challenges hotels to obtain Green Seal certification, an environmental lodging standard with requirements in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation and waste water management, etc. Chicago now proudly claims to be the most eco-friendly tourist destination, with five hotels acquiring the coveted Green Seal certification. Hotel Monaco Chicago, Hotel Burnham, Hotel Allegro Chicago, InterContinental Chicago, and the Talbott Hotel all jumped through the ropes and earned their stripes recently. 20 more hotels in the windy city have met baseline requirements and are hoping to also acquire the ratings the first five have garnered.
Drake, Essex Inn, Fairmont, Four Points Hotel, Four Seasons, Hard Rock Hotel, Hilton Chicago, Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham, Hotel Monaco, Hyatt Regency, Intercontinental, Marriott Courtyard, Park Hyatt, Peninsula Hotel, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton Hotel & Tower, Silversmith, Sofitel, Swissotel, The Talbott, Westin Michigan Avenue and Westin River North are the 25 on their way to receiving certification. While such status doesn’t automatically bring savings to the properties, in the long run it does both financially and ecologically bring benefit by lessening the imprint. It’s just a responsible thing to do, if nothing more. But in the long haul, hotels are proven leaders and the modern traveler now can select hotels and cities to spend their dollars on during their travels.
