Traveling Green With Green Seal Certified Hotels

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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These days, everyone is thinking about how to save our environment. People recycle, buy recycled products, and look for items that are environmentally friendly. But, how many people think of traveling green? There are many Green Seal certified hotels whose standards are at the top of environmental sustainability within the industry.

What is Green Seal Certification?

Green Seal Certification is a standard of sustainability that attests to a company's dedication to helping the environment and conserving natural resources.

The standards encompass energy conservation and management, fresh water resource management, pollution prevention, waste minimization, waste water management, and the overall commitment of the company to implement and adhere to these environmentally friendly policies and procedures. These standards have been used by many companies who want to begin improving their operation and develop an environmental initiative within their organization.

Because of the strict standards set forth, those companies who qualify for Green Seal Certification are considered environmental leaders.

How ...
... Do Hotels Become Green Seal Certified?

To become a Green Seal certified hotel, you must follow several steps:

1. Review the Green Seal Standards and determine if the hotel meets the standards listed. If it qualifies, the Preliminary Certification Request is then completed and submitted.

2. If Green Seal determines that the hotel is within the scope of their standards, an Application for Certification, Confidentiality Agreement, and Fee Schedule will be sent to the hotel. Once the application and agreement are signed, they are returned to Green Seal with the appropriate fee.

3. A Project Manager will then contact the hotel to start the evaluation process. Information will be requested and reviewed to determine if the various products or services meet the Green Seal standards. This process usually takes six months or more, depending on the amount of information supplied or testing needed.

4. If the information gathered seems to meet standards, then an on-site audit will be conducted.

5. If the hotel is awarded certification, they are required to continuously comply with the standards. Periodic audits will be conducted to insure compliance by the hotel.

How Can I Find a Green Seal Certified Hotel?

Green Seal certified hotel are allowed to use the Green Seal certification mark on pre-approved materials, so you can look for these marks at the hotel where you are staying.

If you care a lot about the environment, Green Seal certified hotels are the ones especially made for you. A Green Seal certified hotel can be easily identified with the Green Seal certification mark.