Ahhh – Aruba!

With the deep freeze that's settled over much of the U.S., the Dutch island of Aruba seems absolutely delicious. Go ahead - indulge in the white sands, blue waters and a very green hotel.

The Hyatt Regency Aruba just earned Four Green Keys from the Green Key Global eco-rating program. Earlier this year the resort became Aruba's first "Earth Check Certified" high-rise, debuted their "Meet and Be Green" meetings program and continue to promote their voluntarism EMBRACE project - Employees Maintaining, Beautifying, Revitalizing Autentic Cultural Elements - in which guests and employees work together to clean Aruba's cherished landmarks.

Together these efforts reinforce the hotel's commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. As noted by Green Key Global, the Aruba resort "earned its recognition after a comprehensive environmental assessment on nine areas of hotel operations, including energy and water conservation, solid waste and hazardous waste management, indoor air quality, community outreach, building infrastructure, land use and land management. Most notably, the resort scored 80 percent or higher in three key departments: corporate environment management, housekeeping and conference services."

Green building practices have come a bit late to the hospitality industry compared to other market sectors. Yet, tourism and hotels have a huge environmental impact - from transportation to water and energy use - just think of all the laundry.

Recently, however, two chains announced new environmental goals. Marriott pledged that within five years, 300 of the chain's 3,300 hotels worldwide would receive LEED certification. Kimpton hotels said that it aims to attain 100 percent Green Seal certification at the silver level for its 50 American hotels.

Good direction. Good work. I'm ready to check out that green roof at the Aruba Hyatt.