General Information

Green Performance Assessment

To achieve certification, the business must currently be performing enough of the following activities to earn 40 points. In addition, the business must pledge that all activities indicated will be continued for at least 12 months from the date of submission.

Waste Minimization

• Have receptacles available for guests to recycle the following items. (1 point per item)

  • Glass
    
  • Aluminum
  • Magazines
    
  • Plastic
  • Newspapers

• Have a facility-wide recycling program and recycle the following items. (1 point per item)

  • Glass
    
  • Plastic
    
  • Aluminum
    
  • Steel (tin) cans
    
  • Newspapers
  • Office paper
    
  • Magazines
    
  • Phone books
    
  • Corrugated cardboard
    
  • Batteries
  • Ink toner cartridges
    
  • Electronic devices/computers
    
  • Fryer grease
    
  • Other (please specify)
    
• Separate and compost food and yard waste. (3 points)
  
• Use reusable linens, dishes, and cutlery in catering and food service. (3 points)
  
• Purchase amenities (shampoos, lotions, condiments, etc.) in bulk and use refillable containers. (3 points)
  
• Instruct housekeeping staff to save and reuse unopened items. (2 points)
  
• When using disposable items, purchase items that contain at least 30% recycled materials, are
  biodegradable, or are made from bio-based, renewable materials. (3 points)
  
• Employ reusable signage. (3 points)
  
• Have changed default settings on printers and photocopiers to make double-sided prints and
  photocopies. (1 point)
  
• Use electronic correspondence and forms whenever possible. (1 point)
  
• Use water pitchers during meetings and events rather than bottled water. (1 point)
  
• Have installed high-efficiency hand dryers. (3 points)
  
• Donate excess food and other items to local charities or shelters. (2 points)
  
• Ensure festival/event sites are free of litter (including cigarette butts) after event has ended. (3 points)
  
• Have reusable menus. (2 points)
  
• Have an effective food inventory system to minimize waste. (3 points)
  
• Save unsold items for next season or donate to local charities or shelters. (3 points)
  
• Reuse hangers. (2 points)
  
• Ask customers to reuse, return, or recycle shopping bags and other packaging. (2 points)
  
• Print coupons and discount codes on backs of receipts. (2 points)
  
• Reuse or recycle shipping and packing materials. (2 points)
  
• Market green activities and ask guests/participants to help with the efforts. (1 point)
  
• Provide public transportation to and from location. (3 points)

Water Conservation

• Have an optional linen service so guests can opt not to have sheets and towels changed daily. (3 points)
  
• Have installed low-flow showerheads and sink aerators. (3 points)
  
• Have installed automated faucets in restrooms. (3 points)
  
• Have installed high-efficiency toilets and urinals. (3 points)
  
• Have planted drought-resistant native plants in garden areas and/or have replaced mowed landscaping with native ground cover. (5 points)
  
• Water in the early morning or in the evening and use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system. (2 points)
  
• Collect rainwater through the use of rain gardens, rain barrels, and/or cisterns. (5 points)
  
• Use pervious paving materials. (5 points)
  
• Reclaim water for things such as irrigation, laundry, and toilets. (5 points)
  
• Have regular maintenance performed to find and repair leaks. (2 points)
  

Energy Conservation

• Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs. (2 points)
  
• Use lighting sensors and/or timers in areas that are used less frequently. (3 points)
  
• Have installed window film to diminish glare and reduce heating and cooling needs. (3 points)
  

• Have the following ENERGY STAR-rated items. (2 points per item)

  • Windows
    
  • Appliances
    
  • Electrical equipment
    
• Have a solar water heating system for pools and cover pools and hot tubs when the area is closed. (5 points)
  
• Have installed light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs. (3 points)
  
• Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings. (2 points)
  
• Use renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, thermal). (5 points)
  
• Have installed air locks, gust preventers, and/or revolving doors in entryways. (3 points)
  
• Use programmable setback thermostats. (2 points)
  
• Have insulated pipes and water heaters. (1 point)
  
• Have regular maintenance performed on all appliances and equipment. (2 points)
  
• Use energy-efficient or hybrid vehicles for deliveries. (4 points)
  
• Have installed energy curtains in freezer rooms. (1 point)

Other Ideas

• Be prepared to accommodate groups who want to hold “green” events. (1 point)
  
• Properly dispose of all hazardous wastes according to local regulations.(1 point)
  
• Use environmentally safe cleaning products that are purchased in bulk. (3 points)
  
• Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in landscaping. (3 points)
  
• Use low-VOC latex paint. (2 points)
  
• Reuse paint thinners and recycle when finished. (2 points)
  
• Have installed carpet made from sustainable or recycled content and use low-VOC adhesive. (3 points)
  
• Have installed downward-facing outdoor lighting. (3 points)
  
• Purchase locally grown and seasonal food. (5 points)
  
• Sell items that are locally made, organic, and/or made from sustainable materials. (5 points)
  
• Properly dispose of all hazardous wastes according to local regulations. (1 point)
  
• Use integrated pest management. (5 points)
  
• Have earned the ENERGY STAR building label. (20 points)
  
• Have constructed using LEED standards or have achieved LEED certification for existing buildings. (20 points)