Hotels across America are working to green up their acts, and of course, some are taking bigger steps than others.We decided it was time for a "Green Amenity Rating System" to help you decide exactly how green each hotel really is.While some hotels may only have one leaf, keep in mind that even one leaf is a step in the right direction.It's important to support the green efforts that each hotel takes because it shows management that they are doing the right thing, and it encourages further expansion of green programs.Where one leaf sprouts, another is sure to follow!

We give each of our green amenities a point value of 1, 2, or 3.An amenity with 3 points takes a lot more effort for a hotel to achieve than an amenity with 1 point.Next, we add up the points for each hotel and give them a Green Score. Each hotel is awarded one Green Leaf for each score level they achieve.

 

Green Score	Green Leaves Awarded
1-6
7-12
13-18
19-24
25-30

The following are the point values that we award each amenity.To read descriptions of each amenity please click here.

Sheets and Towels Reuse Program - 2
Support or Use Alternative Energy Sources - 3
Participate in an Energy Conservation Program - 2
Compact Fluorescent Lighting - 2
Use Energy Star Appliances - 3
Use Bulk Soap & Toiletries (as opposed to individually wrapped) - 2
Recycles: Newspapers, Disposables, Service Items, In-Room Recycling - 2
Educates staff and/or guests about greenness, participates in green programs - 1
Composts food waste - 3
Offers organic food - 1
Uses non-toxic earth friendly cleaning agents - 2
Uses Re-Usable Service Items (non-disposable cups, plates, silverware, etc) - 1
Gives to non-profits - 3
Conserves Water - 2
Low-Flow Showers/Toilets - 2
Xeriscaped or Native Plant Gardens - 3
Fresh-Air Exchange System - 1