Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

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Contact: Mario L. Morrow

517.373.9280

Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor www.michigan.gov/dleg

Stanley “Skip” Pruss, Director Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov

DELEG Announces Green Lodging Certification

for Baymont Inn & Suites – Mackinaw City

Facility Earns Partner Certification

April 26, 2010 – Baymont Inn & Suites, located in Mackinaw City, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Partner certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

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.

"This accreditation is the mark of environmental responsibility of hoteliers who are committed to ‘green’ business practices that make environmental and economic goals their top priority,” said DELEG Director Stanley “Skip” Pruss. “Green Lodging Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of jobs related to Michigan’s hospitality industry."

The Baymont Inn & Suites in Mackinaw City has implemented several environmental initiatives at their facility. They have a linen and towel reuse program as well as low flow fixtures to conserve water. They reduce waste by recycling newspaper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, office paper, batteries, and other materials. Baymont Inn & Suites has also installed Energy Star lighting to improve energy efficiency.

“We’re excited to be certified at the Partner level and will continue our work toward achieving the Steward level,” said Managing Partner Dan Trotochaud. “ We’ve implemented many green initiatives over the last several years for the cost savings effect. The Green Lodging program guidelines have provided us with additional ways of doing good for the environment and saving on expenses.”

Green Lodging Michigan is a joint effort between DELEG and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect the state's natural resources while increasing marketability and lowering utility costs.

"Green Lodging Michigan has been an effective way of including hoteliers in the effort to help Michigan continue as the leader in environmental beauty and abundant natural resources," said

Rebecca A. Humphries, director, Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).

Green Lodging Michigan is a voluntary and non-regulatory certification program offered through the Bureau of Energy Systems in DELEG to hoteliers at no charge. The Bureau of Energy Systems and the DNRE provide technical assistance to those who are interested in implementing “green” strategies and earning certification. The GLM program certifies facilities based on environmental initiatives such as air quality, energy efficiency, solid waste reduction, toxic waste management, water conservation, purchasing and communication. There are three levels of certification: Partner, Steward, and Leader, which can be earned by completing a self-assessment checklist and achieving a minimum number of requirements and points.

The Bureau of Energy Systems promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development to Michigan's residents, businesses, and public institutions. For more information about the Green Lodging Michigan program and to download the GLM application packet and self-assessment checklist, visit the website at www.michigan.gov/greenlodging

Here are some of our front desk favorites in Mackinaw City....

• Mackinaw Crossings
• Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
• Colonial Michilimackinac
• Historic Mill Creek
• Coast Guard Cutter Mackinac
• Thunder Falls Waterpark

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Mackinaw City...

• Darrow's Family Restaurant
• Audies
• Jr.'s Tailgate
• BC Pizza
• These are just a few...in the mood for something special? Be sure to ask our freindly front desk service staff for their recommendation!