“We asked Rich Kerrigan, our Facilities Director, about the inside scoop on our recently qualifying as a Connecticut State-certified Green Lodging. Rich spearheaded the yearlong campaign. As an environmental engineer and consultant for 25 years before coming to Guest House, he has helped many facilities with a wide variety of compliance issues. “Obtaining compliance with all of our permits, instituting ‘best management’ practices and educating the staff have all been vitally important,” he says. “Permit compliance is critical for ensuring the sustainability of Guest House and limiting potential liability.”
In the state’s 15-section workbook, applicants add up points for green/eco-friendly practices and equipment. Lodgings get points from things like serving water in pitchers instead of bottles, using Energy Star appliances, purchasing paint with low or zero volatile organic compounds, or using green certified cleaning products.”