Awards and Certifications From May 6-8

MEDC Announces Green Lodging Certification for H Hotel: The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced that the H Hotel, located in Midland, has earned Green Lodging Michigan Steward certification from the Michigan Energy Office. "Cost-saving green business practices have been extremely positive for job creation and retention in the hospitality sector," said Martin Dober, vice president of new markets of the MEDC. "Hoteliers across the state are continuing to show their commitment to environmental responsibility by earning Green Lodging accreditation." Green Lodging Michigan encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfast facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving "green" practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste, and participate in environmentally preferred purchasing. The H Hotel has implemented several environmental initiatives at their facility. They have a linen and towel reuse program, as well as low-flow faucets and toilets to conserve water. They reduce waste by recycling paper, aluminum, cardboard, plastic, and other materials. The H Hotel saves energy by using a computerized energy management system for common areas, Energy Star lighting throughout the hotel, and an ozone system in their laundry. Said Brian DeMeester, co-chair of the green committee at The H Hotel: "We encourage more businesses to take action as we have and continually look for ways to save our beautiful natural resources for ourselves and future generations to enjoy." Green Lodging Michigan is a joint effort between the Michigan Energy Office and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect the state's natural resources while increasing marketability and lowering utility costs. More at www.michigan.gov/greenlodging.