image2Big Meadows Lodge, operating in Shenandoah National Park, achieved a 3 Green Key rating through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.  The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is the first of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts in North America based on their commitment to sustainable “green” operations. The program was originally developed for the Hotel Association of Canada by a leading environmental engineering firm.

A 3 Green Key rating demonstrates that Big Meadows Lodge has taken significant steps to protect the environment. Strong environmental programs, best management practices, training programs, and engineering solutions have been implemented which have benefited the environment and the local community.

Delaware North Companies (DNC) began managing the concessions operations in Shenandoah National Park, including Big Meadows Lodge, in February of 2013. Built in 1939, the main lodge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 28, 1997.

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Since that time, many environmental initiatives have been implemented. Among these achievements: the implementation of GreenPath, DNC’s environmental management system; water and energy efficiency plans; composting food waste/scraps from the kitchen; an extensive recycling program; staff training on GreenPath; recycling cooking grease/oils into bio-fuels and animal-feed ingredients; retrofitting air conditioning/heating units for more efficiency.

DNC’s GreenPath® Policy defines how the company commits to responsible stewardship. GreenPath defines the steps to sustainable business practices, by managing all operations in compliance with laws and regulations, preventing pollution by incorporating environmental considerations into all business decisions, and by continually improving environmental performance.