WASHINGTON, DC — Green Seal, the national environmental labeling organization, recently called for comments on its proposed standard for environmentally responsible lodging properties. Interested parties are requested to submit their comments to Green Seal.

Green Seal has partnered with Green Globe to promote the recognition of environmentally responsible U.S. lodging properties worldwide. Green Globe is an international organization created by the World Travel and Tourism Council in 1994 to promote environmental awareness and management practices for travel and tourism businesses and destinations worldwide based on Agenda 21 principles. Green Globe has created a worldwide environmental management certification process conducted by SGS – the world’s leading verification agency.

Green Seal’s proposed standard reflects the Green Globe alliance and focuses on seven key areas: Waste Minimization, Energy Efficiency, Management of Fresh Water and Waste Water, Hazardous Substances, Purchasing Policy and Cultural Development. Properties which meet the standard will have implemented a variety of environmental measures and created the long-term infrastructure to maintain those actions. Industry benefits include cost savings, employee and guest satisfaction, and reduced environmental impacts.

With 49,000 properties and 3.8 million rooms, the lodging industry in the U.S. can certainly benefit from using products and practices with less environmental impacts.

Those interested in receiving a copy and commenting on the proposed standard should call 202-588-8400 ext. 23, fax 202-588-8465, email: mpetruzzi@greenseal.org or write Green Seal, Proposed Lodging Standard, 1400 16th St., NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036.