HORSHAM, PA, November 02, 2011
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Green Key Global, the leading green hotel certification program in the world, was invited to participate in the 3rd Annual Green Lodging & Hospitality Conference in Orlando, FL next week. Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key, will contribute to a panel discussion titled "The World of Sustainable Hospitality Certification."
The conference, which is being hosted by the TREEO Center of the University of Florida, runs from November 7-9 at the Doubletree Hotel Orlando. Pollard's panel session will take place on Wednesday, November 9 at 9:45 AM. Kelly Brinker, an Associate Professor at the University of Utah and Chairman of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, will moderate the panel. In addition to Pollard, the group includes the following experts in sustainable lodging:
• Fredik M. Realbutto, Director, Audubon GreenLeaf Program, Audubon International
• Cerise Bridges, Certification Specialist, Green Seal
• Ray Burger, CHA MHS, Pineapple Hospitality, EcoRooms & EcoSuites
• Dr. David W. Randel, Lead Advisor in Florida, Sustainable Travel International
• Mike Hess, P.E., LEED AP, USGBC's LEED exp. U.S. Services Inc.
"With more than 2,700 hotel members, Green Key is clearly one of the most prominent green hotel certification programs in the world," said Peter Goren, President of the American Green Lodging & Hospitality Association and one of the conference sponsors. "We couldn't very well have a panel discussion on green hotel certification without input from the market leader."
The conference covers a variety of topics germane to operating a sustainable hotel property or destination, from the initial certification effort through the day-to-day challenges of decreasing one's environmental footprint. Given the Green Key Eco-Rating Program's focus on hotel operations, the conference organizers sought Green Key member hotels to present at the conference as well. Mary McCarthy, Director of Engineering for the InterContinental Hotel - Tampa (4 Keys) is featured in the first breakout session of the conference on November 8th, presenting "Going Green, It's Easier than You Think."
"We're honored to have been asked to participate in this conference," said Tony Pollard, Managing Director for Green Key Global. "As one of the largest industries worldwide, lodging has a unique opportunity to be a leader in sustainability initiatives while educating and influencing governments, big business and consumers in the process."
The Green Key Eco-Rating program ranks, certifies and inspects hotels based on their commitment to sustainable operations and practices. The program consists of a 160-question self-assesment that results in a ranking of 1-5 keys, as well as on-site inspections. In addition, members receive comprehensive performance reports, a membership plaque, access to exclusive member resources, listing on the http://www.greenkeyglobal.com website and exposure via Green Key's network of marketing partners, including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia. In addition, Green Key is the preferred green certification partner of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA).
There is still time to register for the 3rd Annual Green Lodging & Hospitality Conference. For more information on Green Key, visit http://www.greenkeyglobal.com, call +1.888.752.7061 or email info@greenkeyglobal.com.
The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is the first of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts in North America based on their commitment to sustainable "green" operations. The program was originally developed for the Hotel Association of Canada by a leading environmental engineering firm. Designed specifically for hotel operations, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a comprehensive environmental audit that will allow each participating property to benefit on several fronts - cost savings, increased bookings from environmentally conscious consumers and meeting planners and responsible corporate citizenry. In the United States Green Key is a joint partnership between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.; for more information, visit http://www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.
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