• In 2013, electric vehicle charging stations were added. They are regularly maintained and updated to service new vehicle types, including Tesla vehicles.
• In 2016, the Resort replaced an aging boiler with a Micro CHP (Combined Heat and Power) unit, which has an engine that runs on natural gas to generate electricity with useful heat—clean hot water—as a by-product of cooling the engine. The Micro CHP is estimated to save up to $20,000 in electric energy each year, and received an EPA certificate of approval for commercial emission standards.
• In 2017–2018, LED lighting was installed throughout the Resort property.

• Recycling bins are in rooms, offices, meeting spaces, and common areas for the collection and recycling of paper, cardboard, and #1-7 plastics throughout the Resort.
• Guests are provided with a linen reuse option.
• The four primary cleaning products used by housekeeping are green certified and waste bags are bio-degradable.
• Housekeeping participates with a company called TerraCycle, which pays one penny for each empty shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottle. Twice a year, that money is donated to local groups such as the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, the TART Trail, and others.
• Plastic straws are now available by request only at our Food and Beverage outlets.
• The Resort transitioned to a nontoxic, biodegradable hand sanitizer (containing aloe), through Ecologic Solution.
• Food and Beverage services now use compostable dinnerware and utensils for room service deliveries.

• Food waste is collected at the clubhouse and all hotel food & beverage outlets for composting by a local non-profit recycler, Bay Area Recycling for Charities; approximately 100 tons annually.
• Bay Area Recycling for Charities helps recycle hard-to-recycle materials such as mattresses and Styrofoam.
• Most plastic bottles and cans are collected and sorted from golf course waste bins for either return for deposit or recycling.
• All scrap metal, (steel, copper, aluminum and brass), is taken to a local recycling center.

• Certified as a Michigan Turf-grass Environmental Steward, the Resort was lauded by the Environmental Institute for Golf for retrofitting maintenance equipment with recycled catalytic converters.
• Buffer zones have been established surrounding most waterways with a minimum width of 3–5 feet ranging to well over 100 feet. In 2009, an additional 30 acres were designated as no mow zones, allowing these areas to become naturalized.
• An on-site composting program has been established to capture plant waste and reuse it for various projects as topsoil.
• Eco-friendly hydraulic oil is used in all mowing equipment.
• Three tractors were equipped with emission reducing exhaust systems in 2007. • Native plants, trees, and grasses have been utilized in ornamental beds and lawn areas during any new landscaping.
• Native rocks and boulders have been utilized in landscape areas rather than manufactured concrete products during any renovations to landscape areas.
• An herb garden was created to source herbs used by Resort dining venues.

• 2015: "Keep Michigan Beautiful Award"
• 2012: Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program - Legacy Property
• 2011: Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council Business of the Year
• 2011: Green Lodging Michigan: Leader Certification
• 2008: Green Lodging Michigan: Leader Certification
• 2006: Michigan Turf-grass Environmental Stewardship Program - Certified Environmental Steward
• 1998: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America - Environmental Stewardship Award
• 1997: Audubon International: Cooperative Sanctuary Certification
• 1995: Traverse Area Recreational Trail: 2.5 Acres Wetlands Mitigation
• 1992: Michigan Chamber of Commerce: Environmental Quality Award
• 1989: Michigan Recycling Coalition: Business Recycler of the Year
• 1982: Michigan Outdoor Writers: Clean Waters Award

Learn more about our green practices here.