NEWS RELEASE
AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL
*************************
Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – is proud to announce that Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Resort, a remote and history-steeped destination in Copper Harbor, MI, has been awarded Gold Certification in the Green Hospitality program.
Built in 1934 as a Depression-era Works Progress Administration project but privately owned since 2018, the resort received its Gold certification on May 15 after working with Audubon International’s team of specialists to increase its commitment to sustainable best practices at all levels, from water quality and conservation to waste minimization, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. Through this comprehensive and credible method for assessing the extent of the environmental measures undertaken, participating facilities can reduce environment-related costs and gain a marketing advantage.
“Keweenaw Lodge Resort’s team has done an incredible and inspiring job of turning their stated stewardship objectives into action, then reality,” says Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “They truly take their wilderness setting seriously, and this certification shows how truly committed they are to operating in harmony with the environment while inviting their guests to embrace and share their values.”
Keweenaw Lodge Resort’s owners and staff have built a solid sustainable culture around their collection of log cabins, dining hall, education center, international dark sky park, and nature sanctuary. “We focus on continuously improving on every element of the experience, from culinary to hospitality,” says Martin Mueller, son of owner John Mueller, whose wife, Widad, is the resort’s Executive Chef. “A big part of that is sustainability. For instance, how much food we're producing, how much are we able to recycle, how much goes to waste? Audubon International’s guidelines really gave us time to reflect and figure out how can we improve.”
Sustainability Project Leader Jenn Reed adds that certification also furthers the resort’s goal to create and support a sustainable lifestyle among its staff and guests. “It’s a habit we instill in all our team members, and our guests very quickly pick up on that. We encourage them to just take in the outdoors and just really be involved in nature. The goal is to continue to do better and be better.”
For more on Audubon International Green Hospitality and Green Lodging certification as well as its programs for golf certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org.
*************************
