The Broadway: Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement Award Winner
As a company in a college town that puts a strong emphasis on recycling and environmental policies, The Broadway hotel wanted to participate as a good community and business partner. This attitude contributed to their selection for a Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement Award.
The company looked into a LEED (standing for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and hired Lawrence Lyle as their consultant. The certification is a federal program that Bob McDonald, general manager of The Broadway, describes as a difficult and tedious process. Lyle was there every step of the way to ensure that the company remained on track.
The Broadway was concerned with putting waste in the landfill. McDonald says the company reuses materials and takes materials to construction companies for reuse. Almost 80 percent of the hotel’s construction materials never went to the landfill.
The Broadway also uses a centralized high efficiency heating and cooling system, a cold water system in laundry, and high efficiency lighting in 60 percent of the hotel, with a goal of 75 percent. McDonald says the company encourages staff and employees to participate by offering locker rooms with bike racks, suggesting they bike to work instead of using their cars. This encouragement is also provided for guests, with additional bike racks outside.
“There’s no other company like this in the world,” McDonald says. “We’re the only LEED certified hotel in mid-Missouri. It’s positively viewed from a public relations standpoint and a business standpoint. As the industry grows, some companies will only go out to green properties.”
McDonald suggests only trying to get certification during the construction process or refurbishing of the property. For smaller companies, he recommends taking advantage of things available now, like the city’s recycling program, sustainable landscaping, and green office supplies.
“It doesn’t cost much to get involved,” McDonald says. “It will make an impact on your organization, your staff’s pride, and other people. It will connect you with people, and people will want to do business with you more.”
This article is part of a series on the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement awards. Check out our profiles of this year’s other winners.