[img:GALRgreenroof.jpg]LAKE PLACID, NY  – The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort and Adirondacks’ leader in sustainable travel has been named the recipient of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) national Good Earthkeeping Award in the small property category. 

A two-time recipient of the same award at the state level as rewarded by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSHTA) in 2015 and 2009, this is the first time the resort has received the Good Earthkeeping Award on a national level from the AHLA. 

Owner and GM of the Golden Arrow, Jenn Holderied, was thrilled to receive the news early last week. 

“I could not be more proud of our staff’s dedication to our green program here at the resort,” Holderied said. “Since we jumpstarted our green initiatives in 2005, we have made significant strides to fully integrate an eco-mentality into every facet of the resort. Receiving the Good Earthkeeping Award at the national level speaks to our dedication and we’re humbled by this recognition.”  

According to the AHLA, the Good Earthkeeping Award recognizes lodging properties that have developed a culture toward integrating superior environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations. 

“What has made this possible are the hundreds of small ideas our team has executed over the years. All of these small changes add up to create a significant impact,” Holderied said of her dedicated ‘green team.’ 

Holderied’s green team is not a formalized group, but rather, members of the staff who have seen opportunities for improved sustainability as they go about their daily tasks and who have taken the initiative to get the change implemented at the hotel. Some of their biggest ideas have been the resort’s green roof, crushed limestone beach that fights the effects of acid rain, recycled tire flooring in the resort’s eco-friendly gym, and an in-room recycling program that sees over 85% guest participation. More subtle, but equally effective ideas have been switching from chlorine to bromine in the pool, selecting carpet patterns that reduce waste, and creating a green quiz that allows guests to learn about sustainability at the resort. 

“I also have to acknowledge all of our guests who have participated in our eco-friendly initiatives over the years – we’ve inspired visitors who have gone so far as to put their own green roofs over their heads! Making an impact like that, inspiring others to go green at home, and reducing our own carbon footprint significantly makes these acknowledgements mean even more.”

Learn more about Green Hotels and Lodging in the Adirondacks! 

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