Green Lodging Certification Program

The number of tourists visiting Maine has grown over the past few years and with each additional overnight stay the potential environmental impact of tourism increases. With more and more visitors in Maine, it would be beneficial to work with the hospitality sector to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Maine would be better prepared to handle increased growth in the future and avoid the negative impacts of more visitors.

Currently, Maine DEP is considering implementing a lodging certification program. The steps that are being considered for implementation of the program are:

-Research the hospitality sector and determine best management practices for waste minimization, water and energy efficiency, cleaners and other chemicals, and environmentally preferable purchasing. -Develop standards for a two tiered green certification based on best management practices.

-Contact lodging properties through trade organizations, such as the Maine Innkeepers Association, and partner with other government agencies, such as the Maine Office of Tourism, and the State Planning Office.

-Seek governor sponsorship of the program.

-Determine two or three industry leaders with environmental programs already in place willing to be models and mentors for others in the program. The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport has already won numerous environmental awards.

-Conduct environmental assessments of lodging properties, including energy audits and waste stream analysis.

-Work with properties on project implementation.

-Conduct a certification evaluation for lodging properties that have completed eight environmental projects.