LOUISVILLE, KY - The Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky has become the first lodging organization in Kentucky and one of the first in the nation to introduce a Green Lodging Certification Program. Launched in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day April 22, 2010, BBAK's Green Lodging Certification Program(GLCP) is a joint initiative of the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KDEP) that reviews, designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Kentucky's natural resources. The program's environmental guidelines allow lodging facilities to evaluate their operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve environmental performance.
BBAK Members will benefit from ongoing "Green Practices" education and training, Green Vendor Resources and Relationships, and a Green Lodging marketing program to support a growing and critically important trend in the hospitality industry. B&B Travelers will be provided with a comprehensive list of Green Lodging Inns which have been certified by the state organization.
B&Bs conduct a thorough property assessment and implement a specified number of environmental practices in 7 key areas of sustainable operations:
I. Communication and Education (Customers, Employees, & Public)
II. Waste Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling
III. Water Conservation
IV. Energy Efficiency
V. Indoor Air Quality
VI. Hazardous Substances
VII. Environmentally-Sensitive Purchasing
BBAK GLCP Members are Environmental Leaders in the Hospitality Industry for their green practices. Members remain committed to continually seeking ways to be kinder to the environment while pampering guests in luxury. The two efforts - providing luxury accommodations and being eco-friendly - are not mutually exclusive and this is proven at the inn on a daily basis. While the participating member strives to deliver exceptional comfort and service to each guest, it continues to incorporate newer products and eco-friendly practices to do so in a "greener" manner to ensure that the natural beauty of Kentucky is preserved for future generations to visit.
BBAK's Green Lodging Certification Committee Chairperson, Todd Allen, states "It is wonderful to see B&B businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Kentucky's environment. Consumers are seeking more green-friendly businesses and we want to satisfy that need with a program that helps to educate and promote our involvement and support."
B&B establishments pursuing certification as part of BBAK's Green Lodging Certification Program are required to have an on-site audit which validates and provides credibility. "A third-party audit gives a level of credibility that self-certification cannot achieve," said Allen. "B&Bs that become certified have already made and will continue to make proven operational changes that are real, significant, and have a positive environmental impact across the state, for our Member Inns and for the tourists that seek out Green Lodging establishments."
BBAK's Green Lodging Certification Program (GLCP) enables its members to be certified at 3 different levels of achievement: a SINGLE LEAF entry level recognizes those with a strong foundation of sustainable practices; a DOUBLE LEAF level for those that have substantially reduced their environmental impact and practice at the leadership level of sustainable practices; and a TRIPLE LEAF level to recognize those who are moving the bar of leadership and practicing the top levels of sustainability.
Single Leaf Members:
Blue Heron Retreat Center and B&B, Richmond
Double Leaf Members:
Tucker House, Louisville
Snug Hollow, Irvine
Hall Place, Glasgow
Bluegrass Country Estate, LaGrange
Maple Hill B&B, Eddyville
Springhill Winery and Plantation B&B, Bloomfield
Triple Leaf Members:
Maple Hill Manor, Springfield
Dupont Mansion, Louisville
In celebration of this new Green Lodging Certification Program, BBAK is offering a $2500 Green Getaway Sweepstakes. Monthly drawings for a $150 BBAK Gift Certificate, which may be redeemed at any BBAK Member AND a $500 Green Lodging Getaway GRAND PRIZE to be drawn on December 23, 2010. 5 Ways to WIN: 1. Every reservation made at a BBAK Member's Inn will be automatically entered, 2. BBAK Gift Certificate or BBAK Cookbook Purchases, 3. BBAK's E-Newsletter Sign-up (through BBAK Website www.kentuckybb.com), 4. All Visitors to the BBAK Website, and 5. Refer a Friend to the Sweepstakes.
Furthermore, all BBAK Members have been encouraged to post Green Lodging Specials and Packages on the BBAK Website for tourists to consider for their summer and fall travel plans. These are just a few of the exciting and creative offers available:
Go Green, See Green, and Save Green
Come to the country for fresh air, beautiful views, and a romantic atmosphere.
* One-Night Award-Winning B&B Accommodations
* Local Vineyard Tour & Tasting (FREE Limo with 2 Night Stays)
* Couple's Simultaneous, Side-by-Side Massage (60 minute session)
* $50 Dining Certificate for all-gourmet dinner
* 3-Course, Fine China & Crystal Breakfast, in front of the Dining Room's Wood-burning Fireplace
Hybrid Vehicle Discount
Drive a hybrid to our B&B and receive a $10 discount per night, Sunday - Thursday. You reduce your carbon impact, and we thank you by putting $$ in your tank.
Green Getaway in an Urban Oasis
Enjoy our suites with incredible walk-in showers for two and air-jet tubs with no guilt!
Our award-winning water conservation efforts include the use of a special greywater system that cleans water used once before in showers and baths and reuses it for toilet flushing... sounds funny, but it saves hundreds of gallons of potable water each month, and more than a thousand gallons each year!
Also for your pleasure you'll find eco-friendly amenities, and you'll appreciate our green cleaning methods that avoid the use of harsh chemicals. We are a proud member of BBAK's Green Lodging Certification Program and continue to fine-tune and develop our green policies every day.
All available Eco-Friendly Member Specials may be viewed at the BBAK Website: www.kentuckybb.com
ABOUT BBAK:
The Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky is a non-profit, statewide association of nearly 100 quality-inspected Bed & Breakfast Inns. Members are dedicated to providing guests with gracious hospitality and all uphold the highest standards of comfort, cleanliness, safety, and service. Travelers are assured of a high-quality experience of B&B Members ranging from classic mansion and historic Inns to quaint log cabins and rural farm settings. Each destination welcomes you to relax and enjoy their quality accommodations, culinary creations, and distinctive amenities.
To find out more about the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky and its new Green Lodging Certification Program, visit www.kentuckybb.com or call 859.481.4403.
