What Is The Green Key Eco-rating Program For Resorts?
In the Ontario tourism and travel industry, the fastest growing market is eco-tourism and resort properties that promote green practices and are eco-friendly, according to the International Eco-tourism Society. Today, more than ever before, people are concerned about the health of our planet and are aware of how our actions have a direct effect on the environment. As a result of these concerns, many consumers are making choices that reflect their desire to be environmentally responsible. Whether choosing a hybrid car or an eco-friendly vacation, consumers are demonstrating their commitment to the environment with their wallets.
Some Canadian resorts are striving to achieve the Green Key Eco-Rating by demonstrating their dedication to the environment and by consistently meeting environmental standards in housekeeping, grounds keeping, and energy use. In recognition of their commitment in maintaining an environmentally friendly resort, some of these resorts have been awarded four or five green keys by the Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-rating Program.
In establishing a rating for a hotel or resort, the Green Key Eco-rating Program evaluates the property in five different sections: Corporate Environmental Management, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Operations, Conference & Meeting Facilities, and Engineering. Each of these sections is separately accessed in relation to nine areas of sustainable hotel operations: energy conservation, Water Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Indoor Air Quality, Community Outreach, Building Infrastructure, Land Use, and Environmental Management.
In order to be awarded a Four Green Key Rating, a hotel or resort must show national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide-ranging policies and practices. Additionally, the resort would have mature programs in place that involve management, employees, guests, and the public where each program is able to show substantial and measurable results.
When a resort achieves a Green Key Rating, it is often because they have been environmentally conscientious for years, respectful of the natural wilderness, and consistently offer guests quality services while at the same time minimizing the overall impact on the environment. However, the most successful resorts view a recognition such as the Green Key Eco Rating as ongoing program, where with each season, the resort owners look at new and innovative ways to reduce their impact on the environment and become increasingly eco-friendly.
Algonquin Lakeside Inn is a full service Ontario resort located five minutes west of Algonquin Provincial Park that has recently been awarded the ranking of Four Green Keys by the Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-rating Program. For more information, visit Algonquin Lakeside Inn or call 1-800-387-2244.
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