Room to be Green from Choice Hotels®
Last year Choice Hotels Europe™ launched the ‘Room to be Green’ property level programme designed to reduce environmental impact and waste and meet the changing expectations of today’s environmentally conscious guest. The programme is optional for all Choice properties throughout Europe; those that do participate and meet all requirements will receive an online designation from Choice as a hotel that “Supports Green Practices”.
Programme Requirements
Participation begins with the online submission of a self administered programme audit where properties provide a record of current “green” practices. The following three elements are required of participating properties.
Requirement #1 – Energy Conservation
Hotel uses energy efficient indoor lighting solutions, such as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and LED exit signs. Addressable areas include common space, corridors, guest rooms, or back office.
Minimum Requirement:
CFL bulbs in all guest room lamps and light fixtures (excluding ceiling-mounted lighting).
Requirement #2 – Water Conservation
Hotel offers all guests a towel and/or linen re-use programme (both are encouraged) via approved in-room collateral and/or signage.
Minimum Requirement:
Hotel must offer at least one programme (towels or linens). In-bathroom collateral is to be in the form of a card presented alongside bathroom towels on rack, or shelf. Cards should clearly indicate the towel re-use policy (only towels on the floor will be changed). Guest room collateral is to be in the form of a card clearly indicating the procedures of the programme. The total number of towel/linen collateral pieces must be limited to no more than three per guest room.
Requirement # 3 – Recycling and Waste Reduction
In accordance with Borough or Local Recycling Laws, the hotel has a programme with designated recycling receptacles for staff and guest use. Addressable areas include common space, corridors, vending areas, guest rooms, and back-office.
Minimum Requirement:
At least one recycling container in plain view for guest usage in hotel common area, for any of the following recyclable items: newspaper, glass, plastic, aluminium, etc. Bin must be professionally labelled in words or symbols clearly indicating its purpose for collection/disposal of appropriate recyclables.
Optional Activities
Beyond the basic programme requirements, Choice has outlined a series of recommended activities in all five of our programme’s addressable categories. Hotels can choose to address only the three minimum requirements, or expand to a more holistic approach that addresses all categories, as follows:
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Recycling and Waste Reduction
- Employee Engagement & Operational Excellence
- Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Product Usage
At Choice Hotels, the Room to be Green programme is a modest first step toward a greater collective good. In fact, many hotels are already incorporating the core programme elements into existing daily operations and they expect the programme to continue to grow