The Tennessee Hospitality Association has awarded the Doubletree Hotel Murfeesboro with its Tennessee Green Hospitality certificate for the hotel’s conservation efforts. The association encourages lodging facilities statewide to become aware of their impact on the environment and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing their sustainability.

Currently there are 17 certified Tennessee Green Hospitality hotels statewide, including two Doubletree Hotels. To qualify for the certification, hotels must meet rigid guidelines and undergo an audit by an independent environmental consulting company.

“The Doubletree Hotel is thrilled to be the first hotel in Murfreesboro to be certified,” said general manager Sandra Miller, “we hope to inspire the many other hotels here, and statewide, to participate in the important Tennessee Green Hospitality program.”

For certification, hotels must have programs in place for recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reductions. Conserving energy includes utilizing high efficiency light bulbs, photo sensors and motion detectors. Equipment and computers must be EnergyStar rated. There must be efficient heating and cooling, an optional linen program for guests, a “green events” program, and a plan for continued improvement.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is also leading an effort to have hotels throughout the state become part of its Sustainable Tourism Initiative. The department has partnered with the Tennessee Hospitality Association in bringing attention to the need for a sustainable tourism industry.

On Friday, Sept. 3 at 4:00p.m. the hotel is holding a celebration party for employees and hotel guests for helping achieve the certification.

With 168 guest rooms, the Doubletree Hotel is located at 1850 Old Fort Parkway, within three miles of Middle Tennessee Medical Center and Middle Tennessee State University. The full-service hotel offers Fanatics Fun Eatery, which is open daily, and over 3,800 square feet of meeting and banquet space.

For more information on the Doubletree Hotel call 615-895-5555 or visit doubletreemurfreesboro.com.