Green Seal Certified

The Westin Michigan Avenue is proud to be recognized as Green Seal Certified as part of their ongoing program to promote cultural sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The Westin Michigan Avenue supports their environmental commitment through a comprehensive recycling program:

• Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and aluminum are recycled as part of Single Stream Recycling in all public areas. Our administrative areas currently recycle paper and cardboard with guest room implementation to begin in December 2008
• Recycling of used print cartridges
• Recycling program for light bulb ballasts, light bulbs and batteries is in place
• Used kitchen grease recycled into bio-fuels biweekly by a local company
• Pallets are picked up for reuse

Our energy consumption and efficiency program has a formal engineering preventative maintenance program that includes performance criteria to measure operational efficiency. 

• Establishing Minimum Standards for use, maintenance and management of equipment ensures efficiency and reduction of energy
• Energy efficient CFL lighting in guest rooms and in hotel’s public spaces first quarter 2009
• Lighting, computers, and equipment in all areas are turned off when not in use
• Replace equipment with high energy star efficient models to include the following areas:
  • Office equipment
  • HVAC equipment
  • Kitchen equipment
• Pest control company held to use of IPM integrated products which are environmentally friendly

Linen/towel re-use program to guests:

• Bed linens changed upon guest request to aid in water and energy conservation efforts
• Towels replaced upon guest request allowing guests the option of re-using existing towels

Water conservation program:

• Low flow and restricted flow shower heads, faucets and toilets
• Local plants and trees are utilized for outdoor landscaping tolerant of climate with watering control times

Waste Minimization & Purchasing:

• Our hotel uses recycled containers for all amenities in the smallest practical containers.  Beginning 2009, used amenities will be donated to a local battered women’s shelter
• Remaining banquet food, from function space, is donated to employee cafeteria
• Paper products are minimum 30% Post Consumer Content
• We have set copiers to double sided print as default
• We purchase in bulk when applicable and avoid single use products
• The hotel minimizes disposable foodservice items and works with vendors for recycled product replacements
• Reusable coffee mugs are available in all guest rooms
• All guest registration on arrival is paperless
• Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products meet EPA GS 37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines for housekeeping and stewarding departments
• Use local vendors for product supply
• Mandatory reports are reduced to as needed; old reports are reused and recycled
• Computer monitors programmed to turn off after period of inactivity

Audio Visual (Presentation Services):

• Paperless sales and inventory software system
• Energy efficient LED lighting fixtures available for events

Banquet / Restaurants / Outlets

• Kitchen energy reduction program to reduce pre-heat timing / equipment usage
• Organic foods are an option if guest desires in Banquets & Room Service
• Vegetarian options are available in the hotel for meetings and restaurants
• Local food products are offered
• Buffets are the most environmentally friendly option and can be served family style