Industry News

CRI Withdraws Support from GreenSeal Standard

Prior to its decision, CRI had accepted GS-37 as a component for its Seal of Approval Green designation. CRI continues to recognize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment certification, as well as the Canadian government’s EcoLogo and EnviroDesic certifications. Products that were certified under a previous version of GS-37 will retain their SOA Green designations.

CRI’s concerns include:

• GS-37 measures product efficacy against a “nationally recognized” product rather than against an approved standard.

• GreenSeal did not allow the participation of all stakeholders in the development process for GS-37.

• GS-37 arbitrarily bans chemicals according to a list, without regard for proper risk assessment — a practice which runs contrary to accepted scientific practices.

• At various points, it seemed that peer-reviewed scientific data was discounted in favor of preconceived bias on the part of the standard developers.

• GS-37 was released without a second ratifying ballot, even after a first ballot failed to achieve a majority.

Noting that GreenSeal is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standard-setting body, Werner Braun, president of CRI, said he would expect the company to follow the ANSI process of standard development. He added that CRI would reconsider its decision if GreenSeal were to “reopen the GS-37 standard and develop it in an environment that respects the consensus standard-setting process.”

To read GreenSeal’s response, visit www.cleanlink.com/news.

First LEED-EBOM Platinum Building Named

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Regional Facility located in Chicago has earned a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Existing Buildings for Operations & Maintenance (LEED-EBOM) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) at its highest, Platinum level. The facility, owned and managed by USAA Real Estate Company, is the first Platinum recipient in the world under the USGBC’s LEED-EBOM. Not only is this the first USGBC EBOM Platinum rated facility, it is also the first LEED-EB Platinum rated building in Chicago and one of only 16 LEED-EB Platinum projects in the world.

Web Site Helps Hotels Go Green

EcoGreen Hotel has created a Web site (www.ecogreenhotel.com) that could be a valuable resource to hoteliers: it addresses environmental issues and conservation of energy, while at the same time helping the hotel’s bottom-line. Going green can also help these hotels see a little more green.

The Web site features tips, check lists, project ideas and more, all designed to help hotels become more “sustainable.”

“Sustainability is what business demands. Meeting today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations is what is required to remain economically competitive,” says the EcoGreen company’s press release. “Managers of tourism and leisure businesses as hotels, resorts and attractions around the world are quickly realizing that effective environmental management makes business sense.”

EcoGreen provides initiatives for changing hotel operations towards a more eco-friendly approach in all aspects, including Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Administrative and more. Tips to hoteliers include “provide reusable items such as cloth napkins, glass cups, ceramic dishes, etc. with all food and beverage services” and “start a linen (both towels and sheets) reuse program in all guest rooms.”