Sustainability in Action: Staypineapple Chicago Earns Three Green Keys

We’re proud to announce that Staypineapple Chicago has earned three Green Keys through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, recognizing the hotel’s commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible operations and sustainable hospitality.

“Earning three Green Keys is a meaningful milestone for our team,” said Beth Anne King, Senior Director of Operations for Staypineapple and General Manager of Staypineapple Chicago. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to operating responsibly, reducing our environmental impact and delivering thoughtful, sustainable stays for our guests.”

The Green Key Eco-Rating Program awarded this achievement in recognition of Staypineapple Chicago’s progress across environmental programs, best management practices, employee training and engineering solutions – all supporting long-term sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

The program is based on a rigorous self-assessment of more than 200 criteria covering sustainable hotel operations. Each action is weighted based on its environmental impact on guests, employees and the local community.

Staypineapple Chicago’s Performance Report highlights:

• Corporate Environmental Management
  Sustainability efforts are guided by a written environmental policy shared across the organization. Team members receive ongoing training in environmental awareness, health and safety practices. A cross-departmental Green Team meets regularly to advance initiatives and the hotel actively participates in Earth Day events, community cleanups, employee volunteer programs, DEI initiatives, healthcare access and human trafficking prevention efforts.
   
• Housekeeping
  Guests may opt out of housekeeping to reduce water and energy use. The hotel prioritizes energy efficiency, bulk amenities instead of single-use plastics, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products and water conservation. Written procedures empower housekeeping teams to report environmental concerns and share ideas for improvement.
   
• Conference & Meeting Services
  Sustainable meeting practices include energy-efficient lighting, clear communication of environmental policies to planners, encouragement of plated meals over buffets and purchasing materials with at least 50% recycled content.
   
• Food & Beverage Services
  Efforts include efficient kitchen operations, energy-saving lighting, bulk purchasing to reduce packaging, recycled paper products, reusable containers and offering single-use items to patrons only upon request. Surplus food is composted or shared with staff, locally grown and organic products are prioritized and food audits help reduce waste.
   
• Engineering & Maintenance
  Sustainability measures include building recommissioning, tracking energy and water usage, preventive maintenance programs, high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures and advanced window technology to reduce solar heat gain. The hotel maintains a comprehensive recycling program, donates discarded furniture to local charities, uses eco-labeled chemicals, operates as a 100% non-smoking property and avoids potable water for grounds cleaning.

Staypineapple Chicago is committed to continuous improvement and working toward additional Green Keys in the future. Across the portfolio, Staypineapple hotels are actively pursuing Green Key certification, advancing sustainability as a brand and leading by example in environmentally responsible hospitality.