The Banyan Resort is Certified GBP
The Banyan Resort has become the first lodging property in the Keys to become certified in GLEE’s Green Business Program. A timeshare/hotel condo located at 323 Whitehead St., in Old Town Key West, The Banyan is a group of nine historic buildings with offices, a laundry, pool and courtyard area.
“We are very proud of the GLEE certification and look forward to utilizing the constructive advice and suggestions provided,” said Katherine McQuade, Banyan’s assistant general manager. “We have dreams of a much “greener” future for Key West and know GLEE is working hard to get us there…” said McQuade.
The Banyan has already demonstrated commitment to sustainability through becoming certified in the FDEP Green Lodging Program where it earned a two- palm rating. The resort is also certified through Green Suites, and is a member of the Green Hotels Association. Management has already implemented substantial measures to green the 38-room operation with, among other things, optional linen laundering, in-room recycling bins, and monthly maintenance of in-room air filters to increase air quality and energy efficiency.
Earlier this year, Banyan owners decided to discontinue availability of an off-site parking lot with hopes that it would encourage guests to leave their vehicles at home and rent bikes available at the resort. In another greening move, maintenance is undertaking a gradual replacement of 10-year-old central AC compressors in each unit, an investment that should pay back with increased efficiency.
GLEE’s GBP assessment team recommended use of a bleach-free laundry product, using dye-free garden mulch, and implementing recycling at the pool bar, which is a contract business. The feasibility of energy efficient, point-of-use, tankless water heaters and a solar powered trash compactor are also being researched, the latter to reduce the expense of daily trash pickup.
Read more about GLEE’s Green Business Program.