Senator Inn and Spa becomes Certified Environmental Leader
November 17, 2006
Senator Inn and Spa becomes Certified Environmental Leader
(Augusta, ME) Owners Vern and Betsy Cook have always envisioned the Senator Inn & Spa as a Maine hospitality trend-setter. As far back as 1985, the Maine Lung Association recognized the Senator as one of the first Maine restaurants to become voluntarily smoke-free. In the mid-90’s, the Senator Inn began construction on the first hotel Spa in the state. And now, the Cooks are continuing in that tradition by taking part in Maine’s Green Lodging Certification Program.
The program, administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), awards points to lodging operators for making green-friendly changes in and outside their properties. Once a property is inspected and endorsed by the DEP, it is then certified as a Maine DEP Environmental Leader.
In addition to achieving this certification, the Senator Inn & Spa recently has affiliated with the “Green” Hotel Association and has declared the property 100% smoke-free, most recently eliminating smoking in all guestrooms.
Vern and Betsy Cook believe in investing in the health of staff, guests and, in the big picture, the planet itself. “We believe that each of us, together, can make a significant positive environmental impact. By increasing awareness and conservation measures and decreasing or eliminating consumption of toxic substances, the big picture suddenly becomes more optimistic,” Betsy said.
Accordingly, the Senator Inn housekeeping staff now cleans guestrooms, bathrooms and public spaces with Green Seal certified environmentally safe products. Maintenance personnel no longer use aerosol spray cans or oil-based paints. Low-flow shower heads and sink aerators have been conserving water at the property for some time, and whenever a new toilet is installed or replaced, it is a water-saving model.
For many years, the Sentor Inn has reduced its energy usage by having a voluntary launder policy for guest bed sheets and towels. The property is increasing energy efficiency by replacing incandescent light bulbs with low wattage compact fluorescents. Recycling containers in every guestroom have been added to encourage more guest prticipation in the conservation effort, and a new comprehensive recycling center is being designed to replace the existing trash removal area.
The Senator Inn’s Cloud 9 restaurant uses Maine-grown produce, organic Maine flour, fresh local seafood, locally-roasted coffee, Maine-made cheeses and other local products throughout its operations. Cloud 9 also is endorsed by the Maine Department of Agriculture’s Get Real, Get Maine food and resources program.
The Spa Boutique at the Senator Inn also is a noteworthy local resource for those looking to purchase organic face and body care products, as well as recycled and locally made gifts, including jewelry and items for the home.
For more information, visit www.senatorinn.com or contact Vern Cook at 207-622-5804.
The Best Western Senator Inn and Spa is located at 284 Western Avenue, just off Exit 109 from I-95 in Augusta, Maine, The property features 125 rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant – Cloud 9, and a full-service spa with a saltwater pool, fitness rooms and a range of body treatments. Learn more online at www.senatorinn.com.
