Green Business Bureau Added to AAA Eco Program

Aug. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- HOUSTON –  The Green Business Bureau (GBB) today announced that it has been added to The AAA Eco Program as an approved eco-certification program.  The AAA Eco Program identifies lodgings that are certified as eco-friendly by well-established, reputable government and private programs.  

“The GBB is thrilled to be included in the AAA Eco Program on their list of national providers alongside certification leaders like ENERGY STAR, Green Seal and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED,” Marcos Cordero, GBB CEO and co-founder. “This is a huge endorsement of the strength and validity of our program in ensuring that lodging properties are operating in sustainable, earth-friendly manner.”

Properties that wish to become members of the AAA Eco Program must demonstrate a relationship with one of the eco-certification entities listed on the AAA website (http://www.aaa.biz/approved/eco.html).  Once approved, the property is awarded the generic Eco Program icon in TourBook® guides and in AAA.com listings, and eco-certification is offered as a lodging search criterion on AAA.com.

According to AAA.com, “The icon provides generic notice only of properties certified by one or more of the recognized programs.”

The addition of the GBB to the AAA Eco Program is a direct result of the organization’s recent launch of a new Eco-Industries Program for Hotels (E-IPH).  This newest addition to the GBB’s best-in-class green business certification platform features initiatives and information to help members gain an edge in the competitive hotel and lodging industry.  

“We recognized that travelers are seeking out green accommodations and services,” says Cordero.  “Our E-IPH is designed to help hotels and other lodging establishments implement the green practices these consumers are looking for.”

“We are honored that the AAA has recognized those efforts and included us in their Eco Program, and we are looking forward to working together to give travelers the peace of mind that they have chosen lodgings that are operating in a sustainable manner,” adds Cordero.

For more information on the AAA Eco Program and GBB’s involvement, visit http://www.aaa.biz/approved/eco.html.

For more information about the E-IPH, visit the GBB at www.gbb.org.

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GBB is a national third-party program providing certification for businesses that follow environmentally responsible practices. GBB fosters environmental awareness and promotes business practices that are both sustainable and profitable.