Green Lodging Program

The Green Lodging Program encourages state and local government travelers to seek out and give preference to certified "green hotels" (PDF).  Make the decision to choose "green" next time you're traveling for business or pleasure.

We are proud to announce the success of over 300 "green hotels" throughout California; see the Green Lodging Directory.

Why "Green" Hotels?

• Average-sized hotels purchase more products in one week than 100 families do in a year.  We want at least 50 percent of those purchases to be environmentally preferable products.

• Waste generation can be as high as 30 pounds per room per day; as much as 80 percent of these materials can be recycled.
• 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.  We can introduce you to energy-efficient products and practices that will reduce energy consumption, therefore lowering energy costs.
• Two percent of California's food waste comes from the hotel and lodging industry (112,000 tons per year). This food waste can be composted and/or donated to charities.
• 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.

For questions or comments about the program or feedback about a recent stay at a green lodging property, please email GreenLodgingProgram@dgs.ca.gov.