Sustainability is an important focal point for many companies, but it can be difficult for hospitality businesses to live up to, with the inherent consumption based in the industry.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa seems to have it figured out, however, as it's been given the 2011 Business of the Year Award from the
Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council. The award was given during the council's 31st Environmentalist of the Year awards.
The ethos of greenness isn't new to the resort; its mission statement says, "We believe that anything is possible and will create grand experiences for our guests, our members and ourselves. We hold the local community in high standing and will maintain a positive stewardship of our environment."
But the company stepped up its game with the addition of an environmental management system, as it seeks ISO certification.
A lot of the credit goes to the Acme resort's Green Team, led by Martha Duby and Shaina O'Dwyer, who have been researching and implementing ways for the resort and spa to go green. Duby, of the information systems department, and O'Dwyer, in human resources, teamed up on efforts to get employees and policies in line with sustainable practices like reducing waste, reusing, and recycling.
One such effort was the genesis of a composting program in partnership with Bay Area Recycling for Charities, of Traverse City. In fact, it was Bay Area Recycling that nominated the resort for the award.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa's environmental endeavors are outlined on its website
here.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: J. Michael D'Agostino, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
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