DELEG Announces Green Lodging Certification for The Inn at Bay Harbor Facility Earns Leader Certification

Contact: Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

May 4, 2009 - The Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort, located in Bay Harbor, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Leader certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfast facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving "green" practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste, and participate in environmentally preferred purchasing.

"This accreditation is the mark of environmental responsibility of hoteliers who are committed to ‘green' business practices that make environmental and economic goals their top priority," said DELEG Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss. "Green Lodging Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of jobs related to Michigan's hospitality industry."

The Inn at Bay Harbor joins sister resorts Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands in achieving certification by implementing several environmental initiatives at their facility. The Inn has low-flow fixtures throughout the property and offers a linen and towel reuse program to guests enjoying extended stays. They also have a comprehensive recycling program including aluminum, plastic, clear and colored glass, paper and cardboard and avoid single use disposable items. The Inn at Bay Harbor uses Energy Star lighting and equipment to reduce energy use and cut utility costs. Associates are active in reducing energy use by ensuring office area computers and lights are turned off at night. Additionally, the resort's spa carries an extensive line of natural mineral make-up, as well as organic and essential oil body and hair care products.

"We are very fortunate to live and work in an area of pure natural beauty and recognize that conservation and protection of our natural resources is of the utmost importance," said Bill Quiseng, general manager of The Inn at Bay Harbor. "Achieving Green Lodging Michigan Leader certification is one of many steps in the right direction and we're proud to have earned this accreditation."

Green Lodging Michigan is a joint effort between DELEG and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect the state's natural resources while increasing marketability and lowering utility costs.

"Green Lodging Michigan has been an effective way of including hoteliers in the effort to help Michigan continue as the leader in environmental beauty and abundant natural resources," said Steven E. Chester, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Green Lodging Michigan is a voluntary and non-regulatory certification program offered through the Bureau of Energy Systems in DELEG to hoteliers at no charge. The Bureau of Energy Systems and the DEQ provide technical assistance to those who are interested in implementing "green" strategies and earning certification. The GLM program certifies facilities based on environmental initiatives such as air quality, energy efficiency, solid waste reduction, toxic waste management, water conservation, purchasing and communication. There are three levels of certification: Partner, Steward, and Leader, which can be earned by completing a self-assessment checklist and achieving a minimum number of requirements and points.

The Bureau of Energy Systems promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development to Michigan's residents, businesses, and public institutions. For more information about the Green Lodging Michigan program and to download the GLM application packet and self-assessment checklist, visit the website at www.michigan.gov/greenlodging.

Read more releases from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth