 |
Sheraton Seattle introduces its
"green room" program |
Sometimes little things can make a big impact. A case in point is Sheraton Seattle’s “green room” program, which began as a single hotel initiative and has blossomed into a nationwide effort to protect the environment.
Based on the program’s success at its pilot hotel in Seattle, parent company Starwood Hotels and Resorts recently unveiled a national version of the program — called Make A Green Choice — at all Sheraton and Westin properties throughout North America. For each night that guests opt out of linen and towel replacement as well as daily housekeeping, they get either a $5 gift card for any of the hotel’s restaurants or 500 Starwood points. To participate, guests hang a Make A Green Choice card outside of their guestroom door before 2 a.m. Clients can participate in the program for up to three nights during their stay.
“Many of our guests are environmentally conscious in their day-to-day lives and decide to stay at the Sheraton Seattle because of our green efforts,” said Matthieu Van Der Peet, general manager of the Sheraton Seattle. “Make A Green Choice is a great way to give our guests a choice to continue their green practices while at the Sheraton Seattle. We look forward to seeing the success we’ve experienced reflected throughout all of the Starwood locations.”
According to Van Der Peet, the green room program has not only saved on labor, energy and operating costs in laundry, but it’s helping to conserve natural resources while reducing the introduction of pollutants in the world's ecosystem.
A recent survey from USA Travel Association found that 54 million adults are more likely to book travel with companies that make an effort to protect and preserve the local environment. Van Der Peet said that in the first two months of the pilot program at the downtown Seattle hotel, over 3,000 guests participated, saving about 126,000 gallons of water while decreasing energy and chemical consumption.
Through this and other eco-friendly initiatives, the Sheraton Seattle has reduced its energy index by more than 20 percent, added Van Der Peet. It has also recycled over 12 tons of materials per month.
Make A Green Choice builds on Sheraton Seattle’s longstanding history of supporting environmentally-friendly initiatives. The hotel was honored with the 2009 Good Earthkeeping Stars of the Industry award by the American Hotel and Lodging Association for its creation of a comprehensive green strategy, focusing on three major areas: building infrastructure and physical enhancements; increasing associate awareness and involvement; and guest participation.
www.starwoodhotels.com
