Staff Report
Published Oct. 30, 2009

Green palmetto trees are the new symbol of sustainability for South Carolina’s hospitality industry.

The S.C. Hospitality Association and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control have announced the S.C. Green Hospitality Alliance, a free, voluntary annual certification program open to the state’s restaurants, hotels and motels.

Hospitality businesses can earn between one and three green palmetto trees — similar to a star rating — based on their level of commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Examples include elimination of Styrofoam products and bottled water; composting of waste; use of energy-efficient appliances and other building materials; cleaning with environmentally friendly products; purchase of local and organic food; and the use of paperless check-in.

Restaurants and hotels that receive green palmetto trees can display them on-site to promote their commitment to the environment. The businesses also are listed on the alliance’s Web site.

The initiative is a way to help the hospitality industry reduce its environmental impact and to bring public recognition to restaurants and hotels that have committed to do so, officials said.

“More consumers are looking to support businesses that exercise sustainable business practices to help protect our environment,” said Tom Sponseller, president of the S.C. Hospitality Association.

The S.C. Hospitality Association is responsible for the ratings. The application for certification includes nine environmental categories covering overall operations.

Businesses must be members of the S.C. Hospitality Association to participate and must re-apply annually.

So far, 18 hotels and restaurants have been certified. Three of those received two palmetto trees, and the rest earned one palmetto tree.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control provides free, confidential help to hospitality businesses trying to meet the green criteria. The state agency will provide site visits, workshops and best management practices fact sheets.

Watch a video of the announcement of the initiative and the first businesses to receive green palmetto trees.

Charleston-area businesses:

• California Dreaming – one tree
• Best Western King Charles Inn – one tree
• Kiawah Island Gold Resort – two trees

Columbia-area businesses:

• California Dreaming – one tree
• McCutchen House at the University of South Carolina – one tree
• Hilton Garden Inn – two trees
• Holiday Inn & Suites – two trees

Greenville-area businesses:

• California Dreaming – one tree
• Chop House 47 – one tree

Spartanburg-area businesses:

• Fairfield Inn – one tree

Myrtle Beach-area businesses:

• California Dreaming North Myrtle Beach – one tree
• California Dreaming Surfside Beach – one tree
• Carolina Roadhouse – one tree
• Fiesta Del Burro Loco – one tree
• Gulf Stream Cafe – one tree
• New York Prime – one tree
• Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Resort – one tree
• Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort – one tree