Green Seal Certified

The Westin Michigan Avenue is proud to be recognized as Green Seal^TM Silver Certified. We are 1 of the only 10 hotels to receive certification throughout all of Illinois and proudly 1 out of 6 silver certified hotels throughout Starwood Hotels worldwide. As part of our ongoing program to promote cultural sustainability and environmental responsibility, The Westin Michigan Avenue meets the Green Seal^TM Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, management of fresh water resources, energy efficiency, hazardous substances and environmentally sensitive purchasing.

The Westin Michigan Avenue supports our 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, guest rooms and administrative offices.
• 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 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, meeting space and in hotel's public spaces where compatible
• 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
• Sensors and programmable timers are used in low traffic and low occupancy areas
• Mecco Shades are utilized on every outside facing window to conserve energy shielding the sun, keeping a room cool in the summer and warm in the winter

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 and used amenities are donated to local shelters throughout the city
• Remaining banquet food, from function space, is donated to employee cafeteria
• Paper products are minimum 30% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR); facial tissue paper 10% PCR, toilet tissue 20% PCR and paper towels are 40% PCR
• We have set copiers to double side 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, as well as 100% compostable plastic cups, are available in all guest rooms
• Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products meet EPA GS 37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines for housekeeping and stewarding departments
• Use local vendors for product supply when possible
• Mandatory printed reports are reduced to as needed; old reports are reused and recycled
• Computer monitors programmed to turn off after period of inactivity
• Pest control company held to use of IPM integrated products which are environmentally friendly
• Reuse, refinish, reupholster durable goods (furniture) for continued use
• Hotel paint and cleaning products meet Green Seal guidelines for non toxic, low VOC content, non hazardous and non chlorinated whenever possible
• Green Concierge Options given to environmentally responsible service providers that include transportation, restaurants, cafés, fair trade shops, farmers markets and activities found on our guest lobby kiosk

Audio Visual (Presentation Services)

• Paperless sales and inventory software system
• Energy efficient LED lighting fixtures available for events
• Post Consumer Content flip charts available upon request

Banquets and Coffee Cart

• 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
• Herbal garden grown in house producing herbs for site visits and associates
• Sustainable green meeting options and "Clutter Free Meetings" are available that include bulk, paperless, recycled
• Tracking tool available for meeting planners to see their environmental meeting impact footprint