Chicago Green Hotels Initiative Has Successful Results

Some time ago, the city of Chicago effectively began their Green Hotels Initiative. Part of the program was to challenge area hotels to obtain their Green Seal Certification. Twenty-five Chicago hotels began the arduous audit whereby five hotels were awarded with the Green Seal Certification (Silver classification). Nine of the remaining twenty began altering their procedures to be more eco-friendly and demonstrating sustainable practices at their location. Their efforts paid off and were awarded a Bronze certification. The other 11 are continuing to work on obtaining their certification.

For hotels to be awarded the Green Seal Certificate they must meet the following requirements: minimize waste and implement a reuse and recycling program; efficient use of energy, as well as indicate ways the hotel conserves and manages energy usage; successful management of fresh water resources; manage waste water; control and minimize hazardous substance usage; and be mindful of environmentally sensitive purchasing.

The following five Chicago hotels were awarded the Green Seal Certification:

Hotel Allegro Chicago
171 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 236-0123
www.allegrochicago.com

Hotel Burnham
1 West Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 782-1111
www.burnhamhotel.com

The Hotel Monaco
225 North Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 960-8500
www.monaco-chicago.com

InterContinental Chicago
505 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL 60611
(312) 944-4100
www.icchicagohotel.com

The Talbott Hotel
20 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 944-4970
www.talbotthotel.com

Green Seal bestows three different classifications of the award depending on the level of environmental achievements. The three levels are: Gold, which is the highest certification possible and considered a leader in implementing green practices for hotels; Silver, which the five Chicago hotels above received, is given to those hotels that show a "comprehensive level of required leadership operations"; and Bronze, an entry level classification, for those hotels that meet the minimum requirements.

To see the complete list of Chicago hotels that are participating in the Chicago Green Hotels Initiative, click here.

For more information about the Green Seal Certification process, please go here.

Sources:
www.greenseal.org
www.choosechicago.com