The Buffalo Green Hospitality Initiative was formed in August 2007. The goal of the Initiative is to develop and maintain environmentally responsible practices in the Erie County Hospitality Industry. The focus is to promote a green experience for travelers and conventioneers in Western New York. The expectation is that Hospitality related companies and organizations will look at all areas of their operations and make efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

The area’s meeting and guest room venues will be responsible by maintaining an acceptable “green” program. The main objective is for each location to offer an improved environmental performance in an agreed upon time period. The areas that will be considered for the program are as follows:

• Reduced electric and gas consumption through sensible purchasing of efficient products
• Lessen unnecessary use of lighting and heat
• Waste management
• Water conservation
• Use of indigenous plant life
• Use of non-toxic or low-toxin cleaning supplies
• Purchasing locally grown, organic food when available
• Leftover food donation to a local food bank
• Composting
• Offering reusable dishware and cutlery
• Use of linen napkins
• Offering reusable centerpieces to planners
• Offering condiments in bulk containers
• Back office paper and ink usage reduction

Participating Hotels

Background

In April 2008, a comprehensive Buffalo Green Hospitality Survey was sent to over 100 hotels and various event venues. In total the 100 hotels and event venues contacted employ 20,000 people, manage 8,500 guest rooms and approximately 400,000 square foot of meeting space. As of June 2008, the survey yielded a 35 percent return. Highlights of the survey include but are not limited to the following respondent information:

• 100 percent state that they have an interest in improving sustainable practices
• 100 percent do not feel that they have resources or training that would lead them to making responsible decisions
• 40 percent have environmental policies
• 13 percent convey recycling practices to visiting guests
• 87 percent have a limited in-house recycling program

Based on initial results and input from 28 steering committee members, there is a need for training programs with supporting materials. Additionally, an education and program facilitator is necessary to provide proper training curriculum, supplementary materials, and maintain and publish results.