First Green Seal-certified hotel in Texas

HOUSTON — The Hilton Americas-Houston hotel has earned Green Seal certification, making it the first and only hotel in the state to bear such a distinction, according to the Houston Business Journal.

In order to comply with the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties, the hotel implemented an extensive recycling program, initiated food waste composting, installed compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and began using nontoxic and biodegradable cleaning products, the story stated.

To qualify for certification, a hotel must demonstrate sustainable practices in waste minimization; energy efficiency, conservation and management; management of fresh water resources; wastewater management; hazardous substances management; and environmentally sensitive purchasing, the story noted.

According to the story, the 1,203-room, 91,500-square-foot Hilton Americas-Houston hotel exceeded basic requirements and achieved certification at the silver level.

Certification requires an evaluation by Green Seal, including an on-site audit of the property and annual monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance, the story added.