Meetings technology firm Cvent last month partnered with
Green Key Global, which rates hotels based on sustainable practices, to help
users of its site selection tool filter venues in the United States and Canada
based on green credentials.
When sourcing venues through the Cvent Supplier Network,
users now may limit venues that uphold higher environmental standards, as rated
by Green Key Global, by clicking the "Environmentally Friendly"
filter.
Cvent marketing manager Kate Slonaker in a statement said Cvent
initially had considered developing its own criteria for rating sustainable
hotels in its supplier network, but instead decided to partner with Green Key
Global, calling the firm "already well-established and highly respected,
and comes with impeccable environmental credentials and a large network of
members in Canada and the U.S."
Green Key's Eco-Rating Program ranks, certifies and audits
hotels and resorts "based on their commitment to sustainable 'green'
operations," awarding hotels a score on a scale of one to five following "a
comprehensive environmental audit." Green Key evaluates hotels based on
operational practices from housekeeping and food and beverage to conference and
meeting facilities, as well as practices in water conservation, waste management,
indoor air quality, building infrastructure and land use, among other criteria.
According to Cvent, "Green Key is focused entirely on hotel operations and
includes random, on-site verification of audit results, mitigating the risk of
score inflation."
Green Key Global managing director Tony Pollard in a
statement said, "Our partnership with Cvent is a proactive step to provide
the industry with immediate information on green lodging options, and aligns
perfectly with Green Key's ongoing mission. The partnership encourages
sustainable hotel operations and practices, recognizes the properties that
engage in these practices and helps educate the consumer, which is, in this
case, a meeting planner population that is thirsting for this kind of information."