By: Sam Marquit, an independent ‘green’ contractor and co-author of Fair Marquit Value

I am constantly working with green building materials. In addition, I have seen firsthand all that goes into becoming LEED certified. As a result, I feel that it’s incredible to see people recognized for their eco-consciousness. So I work on as a commercial contractor sometimes.

So while LEED certification is nothing to scoff at. Seriously. Seth Leitman told me he’s seen it grow since 1998 when he worked for New York State.

Therefore, there seems to be a lot more going on. Especially when it comes to being eco. That and what isn’t recognized.

For starters, many companies in Asia have converted to greener ways. Also, major cities in the United States. For they have become more conscious as well. There is so much room for growth.

In Asia, such as, The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards recognizes community engagement. Plus toward the development of wildlife conservation. Also protection of natural areas. Plus cultural preservation and resource efficiency. That’s as categories in their responsible tourism award show.

Basically, Wild Asia works to keep nature. They do this by helping businesses create a greener, more sustainable business plan. Their work gains recognition for a variety of eco-conscious decisions. For that’s such as choosing to install overheads and faucets. Combined with automatic shut off valves for water conservation.

Las Vegas, Nevada is known as being one of the busiest cities in the United States, as it is one of the largest tourist destinations, but did you know that many hotels in Las Vegas are not only gambling, but participating in LEED certified building as well? The Las Vegas Palazzo Resort is an excellent example of this new age, eco-responsibility.

It was recently named The Most Eco-Friendly Hotel in America, and for good reason!

The hotel has a multitude of self-sustaining features, which include recycling its own waste materials. Las Vegas is home to over 124,000 hotel rooms and plays host to over 40 million travelers each year. With numbers like those, sustainability is something that is on every hotels mind. New York City is another great example of a major tourist destination that is making great strides toward eco-responsibility. Many New York hotels are making great strides toward creating self-sustainability, reduction of carbon footprints, and making their lodging for waste recycling.

The ink48 Hotel, such as, implemented an Earthcare program whereby members can offer suggestions on how the hotel can make a more positive impact on the earth.

It is everyone’s responsibility to make their park of the world or city, town or village. Make it a better, greener place to live. So it’s wonderful to see hotels taking responsibility and creating ways to make their facilities more sustainable. Thereby run more efficiently, effectively, and environmentally friendly. As a commercial contractor for entities taking these strides, it’s gratifying and uplifting to know I have had a hand in the progress.