Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, Green Lodging

California Green Lodging Program

California State government is in a position to serve as a role model for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) in a variety of areas, including "greening" its' travel, conference planning and lodging choices. To facilitate the selection of green lodging and travel by state employees in the course of conducting state business, the California Integrated Waste Management Board in partnership with the Department of General Services is developing the California Green Lodging Program.

In June 2003 the Board approved a contract with the California State University, Sacramento to perform Phase I of the California Green Lodging Program. Tasks included development of the criteria for defining "green" lodging, development of a mail survey and conducting and analysis of this survey, development of a Green Lodging Travel Guide, field audits, enhancing the Department of General Services Travel website, marketing the project and a final written report to the Board.

Green Resources for Travelers—Information to help state employees choose green when they travel on state business.

Green Resources for Hotels—Resources for hotels to become a part of the green lodging program.

Why "Green" Hotels for State Employees?

• Green lodging reduces pollution and waste, promotes greater energy efficiency, and a healthier and more productive environment for all Californians.
• Average-sized hotels purchase more products in one week than 100 California families do in a year.
• State of California spends over $50 M in State travel.
• Hospitality industry spends $3.7 billion a year on energy. Electricity use accounts for 60-70 percent of the utility costs of a typical hotel.
• Guest lighting accounts for 30-40 percent of hotel electricity consumption. Energy-efficient lighting can save 20-75 percent in energy use.
• Two percent of California’s food waste comes from the hotel and lodging industry (112,000 tons/year).
• Typical hotels use 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room. Water-efficient fixtures can reduce water and sewer bills by 25-30 percent.

Last updated: May 25, 2005