|
Back to Standards
Lodging Properties (GS-33)
Third Edition, August 19, 2002
Copyright © 1999 Green Seal, Inc.
- Scope
This Standard applies to lodging properties located in the United States of America. This Standard does not include swimming pools, golf courses, or restaurants associated with the properties.
- Definitions
For the purposes of this Standard, the following definitions apply:
2.1 Biodegradable: Capable of breaking down, with respect to specific conditions, to a specific extent within a given time.
2.2 Concentrate: A product that must be substantially diluted with water to form the appropriate solution for use.
2.3 Cost-Effective: Producing positive results in proportion to the expenditure of resources (e.g., time, money, materials, etc.) and having a return on investment period less than or equal to three years.
2.4 Durable Goods: Goods, such as appliances and furniture, that are not consumed in use and can be used for a period of time, usually several years.
2.5 Energy-Efficient: Requiring a minimum amount of energy to produce a maximum amount of work or functionality. In the U.S., products purchased shall be identified as being in the lowest quarter (1/4) of least energy used according to the yellow energy guide label, or bear the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star label, or be Green Seal certified, or otherwise indicate energy efficiency when compared with other similar equipment using established, industry-standard testing methods.
2.6 Life-Cycle Cost: The cost of a product or service which takes into account the cost of manufacturing, transportation and distribution, operating, maintaining and disposing of a product or service over its economic or useful life as set forth by industry standards.
2.7 Lodging Property: A facility offering accommodations to travelers. Lodging property types typically include, but are not limited to, such classifications as: All Suites, Bed and Breakfasts, Condominiums, Condotels, Convention Hotels, Cottages, Country Inns, Extended Stay, Full Service, Hotels, Limited Service, Lodges, Motels, Motor Inns, Resorts.
2.8 Non-phosphate: Containing 0.5% by weight or less of phosphates or derivatives of phosphates.
2.9 Nontoxic: Product does not exhibit potentially harmful characteristics as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations found at 16 CFR Chapter II, Subchapter C, Part 1500 and is not required to be labeled Toxic or Highly Toxic.
2.10 Practicable: Capable of being done or accomplished with available means or resources.
2.11 Postconsumer material: Those finished products, packages or materials generated by a business or consumer that have served their intended end uses and that have been recovered from or otherwise diverted from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling.
2.12 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): Compounds as defined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 40 CFR Section 51.100(s),(s)(1).
- Property Specific Environmental Requirements
3.1 Waste Minimization, Reuse and Recycling
3.1.1.a Property shall establish or maintain recycling programs for the common areas (e.g., near vending machines, near elevators, in the lobby, inside or outside of conference rooms, etc.) and administrative areas (e.g., front desk, back of house, etc.) of the property for materials that are cost-effective locally. Materials may include, but are not limited to, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, steel, glass, newspaper, mixed paper, batteries, packaging, inkjet and toner cartridges, and fluorescent light bulbs. Program components shall be clearly labeled for both guests and staff.
3.1.1.b Property shall also establish or maintain recycling and/or composting programs for food waste and yard waste where cost-effective locally. Program components shall be clearly labeled for both guests and staff.
3.1.2 Property shall use refillable amenity dispensers rather than individual containers for shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, etc. where possible OR demonstrate that chosen individual products are the smallest practical size for guest length of stay and minimally packaged in recycled and/or recyclable materials. Used amenities are collected for donation to charity or recycling where practicable.
3.1.3 Default setting for copying shall be double-sided; paper printed on one side shall be used for internal copies/printouts/notepads.
3.1.4 The property shall make efforts to purchase products in bulk and avoid single-use type products. In particular, efforts should be made to use highly concentrated cleaning products dispensed through portion control equipment, and to substitute reusable pump sprays for aerosol cans. Aerosol cans, where still in use on the property, should be recycled if the community accepts aerosol cans for recycling.
Where Applicable:
3.1.5 Property shall donate leftover food to a local shelter or food bank where programs are available and where permitted by local regulatory agencies.
3.1.6 Property shall minimize the use of disposable food service items (e.g., hot/cold cups, glasses, cutlery, and plates) in food and beverage operations and in guest rooms. Plastic or paper cups are permitted in guest room bathrooms due to the risk of breakage.
3.2 Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Management
3.2.1 If the following equipment currently in use is not energy-efficient, when the equipment is replaced, energy-efficient equipment (as defined in the Definitions) shall be specified and purchased.
Office and Room Equipment: fax machines, copiers, printers, computers, monitors, televisions, video cassette players/recorders
HVAC Equipment: chillers, packaged terminal air conditioners, central air conditioners, central heat pumps, split ductless heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, water heaters
Where Applicable:
Kitchen Equipment: freezers, refrigerators, cooktops, ovens, dishwashers.
Laundry Equipment: boilers, washers, dryers, extractors
3.2.2 Indoor lighting shall be energy-efficient OR on a schedule for replacement with energy-efficient lighting. The first lights replaced shall include lights typically on for 24 hours (e.g., hallways, exit signs, lobby lights, etc.), followed by lights typically on for 8+ hours (e.g., restrooms, staff offices, meeting rooms, etc.). All indoor lights not currently energy-efficient shall be part of a 5-year replacement schedule. Lighting fixtures that are clearly historic in nature or specialty light fixtures (e.g., display or accent lighting) may be exempt from this requirement if compatible options are not available.
3.2.3 Property shall have the building HVAC systems, in-room units, and kitchen and laundry appliances (facility and guest room) on a regular preventative maintenance schedule, including filter cleaning/changing, leak checks, clearing air vent and intake obstructions, etc.
3.2.4 Property shall purchase energy-efficient windows as windows are replaced. Existing windows shall have window films, where climate and orientation indicate that significant energy savings will result.
3.2.5 Programmable on/off timers and/or sensors shall be used for lighting and HVAC in low traffic and low occupancy areas (e.g., back of the house, corridors, meeting rooms, storage rooms, equipment rooms).
3.2.6 Indoor Air Quality requirements [reserved]
3.3 Management of Fresh Water Resources
3.3.1 At a minimum, properties shall use the following water conserving fixtures or retrofits: 2.2 gpm faucets and aerators; 1.6 gpf toilets; 2.5 gpm showerheads. Any existing showerheads, faucets, and aerators that exceed these flow rates shall be on a schedule for replacement within 2 years. Toilets shall be replaced in conjunction with major room renovations. Higher flow toilets may be exempt from the flow rate requirement if the plumbing infrastructure will not adequately function with lower flow rates.
3.3.2 For exterior plantings, property shall use plants and trees tolerant of climate, soils and natural water availability. Landscape shall be watered where necessary in the early morning or at night to minimize evaporation, soaker hoses used for plant beds, and plant beds mulched to retain water. Grasses used that require irrigation shall be limited to areas where guest activities take place.
3.3.3 Property shall demonstrate that groundskeeping procedures specify that sidewalks, drives, parking lots, etc. are to be swept instead of washed down with potable water, or washed down with graywater.
3.3.4 Where cost-effective, property shall offer towel and/or linen reuse option to multiple night guests.
Where Applicable:
3.3.5 Property shall ensure that clothes washers, dryers, and dishwashers are filled to recommended capacity for each cycle and that the coolest effective water temperature is used.
3.4 Waste Water Management
3.4.1 Property shall demonstrate that chlorinated chemicals are used only where there is no less toxic alternative, and only in minimal amounts.
3.4.2 Property shall use automatic dishwashing detergent that is biodegradable, does not contain NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid), and does not contain chlorine bleach.
3.4.3 Property shall use non-phosphate, nontoxic, biodegradable, concentrated liquid or powder laundry detergents.
3.4.4 Property shall use non-phosphate, nontoxic, biodegradable, concentrated liquid or powder cleaning products.
3.4.5 Property shall seek out and explore the use of organic insecticides, fertilizers and biocides and/or integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
3.5 Hazardous Substances
3.5.1 Property shall seek to replace hazardous substances with less hazardous alternatives (e.g., cleaning supplies, detergents, adhesives, paints, pesticides, etc.). Purchases of hazardous materials will be based on accurate records of the current product inventory to avoid over-purchases and unnecessary storage.
3.5.2 All chemical storage and mixing areas for housekeeping products shall allow for adequate and secure product storage with water in the space for mixing concentrated chemicals, have drains plumbed for the appropriate disposal of liquid waste products, and be equipped with access to fresh air (e.g., outside venting or air filtration unit).
3.5.3 Drums and storage containers/areas located on the property shall be clearly marked, use spill containment measures to collect spills/drips/leaching of chemicals, and shall be checked regularly for leaks and replaced as necessary.
3.5.4 Architectural paint purchased for use on the property shall not contain the following heavy metals or toxic organic substances:
| Heavy Metals |
Toxic Organic Substances |
antimony
cadmium
hexavalent chromium
lead
mercury |
acrolein
acrylonitrile
benzene
1,2-dichlorobenzene
ethylbenzene
formaldehyde
isophorone
methylene chloride
methyl ethyl ketone
methyl isobutyl ketone
naphthalene
phthalate esters
toluene (methylbenzene)
1,1,1-trichloroethane
vinyl chloride |
An exception may be made for limited-use architectural paints used in historic areas or high-abuse areas if compliant options are not available.
3.6 Environmentally and Socially Sensitive Purchasing Policy
3.6.1 The property shall establish an environmental purchasing policy, which shall include the following elements (or equivalent):
- Appointment of a steering committee, which includes staff responsible for overseeing the program.
- Development of an environmental mission and distinct purchasing targets.
- Incorporation of environmental preferences into purchasing documents and discussions with suppliers and vendors.
- Consider the life-cycle costs of buying environmentally responsible products and services. Information from all available sources shall be used, including manufacturer information and third-party certifications.
- The purchase and testing of potential environmentally responsible products and services.
- Regular evaluation and modification, if necessary, of the environmental purchasing policy to help ensure maximum benefits.
3.6.2 Property shall use printing and writing papers (e.g., letterhead, stationary, copy paper, envelopes invoices, business forms, etc.) that contain a minimum of 30% postconsumer recycled content OR tree-free fiber content; coated paper shall contain a minimum of 10% postconsumer recycled content OR tree-free fiber content. Corporate and franchise papers may be exempted from these minimum postconsumer recycled content requirements if they are not offered by the preferred vendor(s).
3.6.3 Consumable paper products shall be made from recycled fibers, with the following minimum postconsumer content:
Toilet Tissue: 20%, Facial Tissue: 10%, Napkins and Paper Towels: 40%
3.6.4 Durable goods shall be of sufficient quality to allow reuse, refinishing and/or reupholstering in conjunction with remodeling/upgrading or refurbishing.
3.6.5 Purchases of products with VOC off-gassing potential shall be evaluated and lower VOC products purchased where available. The VOC content shall not exceed:
Paints: Interior Flat 50 g/l; Interior Non-Flat 150 g/l; Exterior Flat 100 g/l;
Exterior Non-Flat 200 g/l; Anti-Corrosive All Finishes 250 g/l.
General Purpose Cleaning Products: less than 10% VOCs by weight.
Additional products that shall be considered include other building materials, rugs and carpets, furniture and furnishings, laminated products, adhesives, sealants, caulking compounds, and office supplies. An exception may be made for limited-use architectural paints used in historic areas or high-abuse areas if compliant options are not available.
3.6.6 Preference shall be given to product suppliers who provide and take back reusable packaging and shipping pallets. Packaging that is not reusable shall be minimal and recyclable.
3.6.7 Preference shall be given to environmentally responsible service suppliers (e.g., alternative fuel taxis, bicycle rentals, landscaping service, etc.).
Appendix A: Labeling Requirements for Certification by Green Seal
Unless otherwise approved in writing by Green Seal, the following labeling requirements shall apply.
- The Green Seal Certification Mark may appear on the property in common areas, administrative areas, and guest areas, and on promotional material.
- The Green Seal Certification Mark shall not be used in conjunction with any modifying terms, phrases, or graphic images that might mislead consumers as to the extent or nature of the certification.
- Whenever the certification mark appears, a description of the basis for the certification must also appear. The description shall be in a location, style, and typeface that are easily readable by the consumer. Unless otherwise approved in writing by Green Seal, the description shall read as follows:
"This property meets the Green Seal Environmental Standard for U.S. Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water and energy efficiency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing."
|
|