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Written by Helen Holzer
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MADISON, Wisc. – Great Wolf Lodge is proud to be the first – and only – hotel chain to have all its U.S. properties Green Seal certified.
This means that each of Great Wolf resorts had to undergo extensive audits of operations and processes covering nearly every aspect of the business, including hotel operations as well as conference and meeting spaces.
Its green highlights mantra includes waste minimization, reuse and recycling:
- We have co-mingled recycling bins in all public areas, guest rooms and employee areas.
- We’re committed to recycling and we use only recycled paper at our resorts. We also use double-sided copying.
- We even work with our waste specialists to compost all unused food items or donate them to local charities.
Energy efficiency, conservation and management:
- In-room, office, and heating/air conditioning equipment is either already energy efficient or scheduled to be replaced with energy-efficient equipment.
- Our lighting uses only energy-efficient bulbs.
- Programmable on/off timers and/or sensors are used for lighting and HVAC is used in low traffic and low occupancy areas.
- Systems and appliances are on a preventative maintenance schedule.
- Energy-efficient windows are used as windows are replaced.
Waste water management:
- Recirculation is the key to helping us conserve water. That’s why we have programs such as guest linen recycling and a state-of-art laundry facility that recycles most of its water.
- We also use low-flow showers, toilets, faucets and waterless urinals.
- We have one of the best pool filtration systems in the world, which allows us to recycle most of the water in the water park.
- Chlorinated chemicals are used only where there is no less toxic alternative.
- Automatic dishwashing detergent is biodegradable and does not contain NTA, a harmful water softener, nor do we use chlorine bleach.
Environmentally and socially sensitive purchasing policy:
- We hold all of our purchasing partners accountable for working with our team to ensure that every item we order is environmentally sensitive.
- Printing and writing papers contain a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer material content or tree-free fiber content; coated paper contains a minimum of 10 percent postconsumer material content or tree-free fiber content.
- Toilet tissue is made from at least 20 percent recycled fibers; facial tissue from at least 10 percent recycled fibers; and napkins and paper towels from at least 40 percent recycled fibers.
- Durable goods are of sufficient quality to allow reuse, refinishing and/or reupholstering.
- Products such as paints and cleaning products meet Green Seal's low VOC guidelines. (VOCs are volatile organic compounds, and can result in air pollution.)
- Preference is given to environmentally responsible suppliers, such as those who provide reusable packaging and shipping pallets.
All of this is just a part of Green Wolf’s company-wide environmental sustainability program called Project Green Wolf. For more information about Great Wolf Resorts’ other environmental initiatives, visit www.ProjectGreenWolf.com.
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