Seven Hotels Recognized as Delaware Green Lodging Hotels

Environmentally-friendly Practices Set Green Hotels Apart

Seven hotels recently received Delaware Green Lodging certification for implementing basic green lodging practices that conserve natural resources, save money and enhance their marketing potentials as environmentally-responsible businesses. The announcement, which brings the total number of Green Lodging Hotels in Delaware to twelve, was made by program partners – the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association.

“Green hotels have responded to consumer demands by changing to more environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices,” said Crystal Nagyiski, Delaware Green Lodging program manager. “By incorporating green practices in the way they do business, green hotels have set themselves apart from the competition.”

The seven hotels recognized were: Quality Inn & Suites, New Castle; Holiday Inn Express, Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach; the Atlantis Inn, Rehoboth Beach; Embassy Suites, Newark; the Awaken Inn, Millsboro; and The Biden Environmental Training Center, Lewes. To qualify for the program, the hotels implemented five basic green lodging practices – recycling, water conservation, optional linen service, energy conservation and a “green events” package.

DNREC’s website includes an overview of the Delaware Green Lodging program, the checklist businesses need to complete to qualify and other information. A list of participating businesses and environmentally-friendly practices implemented is also included. Visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/p2/Pages/GreenLodging.aspx.

The Delaware Green Lodging Program is a voluntary, self-certifying program that encourages hotels, resorts and other hospitality facilities to understand their impacts to the environment and implement pollution prevention practices. Facilities that meet the requirements receive a certificate and window decals and can display the Delaware Green Lodging logo on marketing materials. In addition, Green
Lodging hotels are listed on the program website and are eligible to participate in grant opportunities.

For more information on the Green Lodging or other Pollution Prevention programs, contact Crystal Nagyiski at (302) 739-9072 or crystal.nagyiski@state.de.us.

$1 Million Grant Will Help Build a ”Green Jobs” School in Philadelphia

by KYW’s Mike DeNardo

A former factory in Kensington is being transformed into an adult vocational school for “green” jobs, thanks to a big-time grant.

The nonprofit Energy Coordinating Agency is getting a grant of more than $1 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to retrofit the Kensington factory to train workers in weatherization and solar technology.

ECA’s executive director is Liz Robinson:

“We own a massive old factory that used to make Civil War uniforms.  And we’re retooling this wonderful building to, frankly, make a revolution in energy efficiency in neighborhoods.”

Mayor Nutter (above right) says the new building science center will train hundreds of workers this year:

“I soon expect that Philadelphia will be the nation’s capital of green jobs.”

Nutter says the first class begins training at the center in April.

(Photos by KYW’s Mike DeNardo)