Massachusetts green lodgings use Earth-friendly practices

“Green hotel” and “green-certified hotel” are becoming familiar terms for travelers as hotels and lodgings from the smallest bed and breakfast or country inn to the largest urban hotel or motel jump onto the environmental bandwagon. In general, green certification means that hotels, motels, and other lodgings have begun using environmental conservation practices. Practices range from linen reuse programs for guests to choose and use of energy-efficient appliances, florescent lighting, alternate fuels, low-flow plumbing, and non-toxic cleaners. The growing trend is being driven partly by the demands of Earth-friendly guests and competition among lodgings.

In Massachusetts, the state is contemplating establishing a state-operated green hotel certification process, but at present it helps lodgings’ owners work with three national programs: EPA Energy Star, Green Seal, and LEED (which is oriented more toward new construction). Massachusetts hotels and Boston hotels now include 20 lodgings certified by the EPA Energy Star program.

Greater Boston and Cambridge
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Irving House

24 Irving Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: 617-547-4600 Toll-Free: 877-547-4600 Fax: 617-576-2814

Green Inn Keeping

Energy efficiency and environmental responsibility have always been a core values of Irving House, and as technologies evolve we are continuing to find new ways to lighten our footprint while maintaining a high level of services to our guests. Breakfast and snack items are purchased locally to support local small businesses. Recycling, bulk purchases and reuse of packaging & in-room dispensers helps to cut down on costs as well as garbage.

Engineering has also played a large part in this process. Many improvements have been made to the electrical, heating, cooling and hot water systems to conserve energy and increase efficiency. These efforts gained Irving House an EPA Energy Star label in 2005. And most recently, in 2009 we installed solar panels with an evacuated tube system, to provide hot water for the main house and reduce the need for natural gas heat.

Guests are encouraged to enjoy the city on foot, bike or by public transit, and not just for the green impact. There is an abundance of cultural, historical shopping and dining opportunities all around the inn and the Greater Boston area and there's no better way to enjoy it than up close & personal.

Lenox Hotel

61 Exeter Street at Boylston Boston, MA 02116 Phone: 617-536-5300 Toll-Free: 800-225-7676 Fax: 617-267-1237

Conde Nast "Green List" member

Built in 1900, The Lenox is a family owned and operated 4-diamond historic property. As the flagship of Saunders Hotel Group's industry-leading effort, The Lenox conserves significant precious natural resources, minimizes chemicals and waste, and improves air and water quality via a number of green practices and programs throughout the hotel. It also helps raise awareness for millions of guests, employees, community members, students and businesspeople. Each of our classically decorated and freshly-renovated rooms is carefully appointed with rich, dark wood furniture, high ceilings adorned with brass chandeliers and exceptionally comfortable beds. Accommodations at the Lenox include spacious corner rooms, some with wood burning fireplaces, with spectacular views of the Charles River and the Back Bay neighborhood. Eco Friendly practices for hotel guests include Hybrid car service and purchase of renewable, wind energy to offset 100% of the Global Warming impact of the hotel's electricity use. The Lenox – Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future.

Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston

40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard Cambridge, MA 02141 Phone: 617-806-4200 Toll-Free: 800-SONESTA Fax: 617-806-4232

On the Cambridge banks of the Charles River, overlooking the Boston skyline.

All of the Royal Sonesta’s 400 luxurious, environmentally friendly guest rooms offer breathtaking views of the Charles River, Cambridge, or Boston’s stunning skyline, and amenities that are both high-tech and high-touch. The Royal Sonesta Hotel is a smoke free property. Summer Fest is back. Stay at the Royal Sonesta and enjoy free boat rides, bicycles and more all summer long! Book online by following our link above and kids eat and stay free!
  • Complimentary use of bicycles
  • Free boat rides on the Charles River
  • Free poolside movie night on Friday’s
  • Atrium style indoor/outdoor pool and sundeck
  • 24-hour complimentary health club
  • Courtesy van service to points in Cambridge and Boston