The Inn by the Sea now saves about $8,000 a year in electricity costs because it changed its light bulbs to compact fluorescent lighting.

The switch in light bulbs is one of several environmental efforts by the inn that helped it achieve Green Lodging Certification from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

The inn’s efforts represent a growing trend among state lodgings to promote environmental responsibility. There are now 26 inns and hotels that have received a Green Lodging Certificate, through a program created by the state in 2005.

“There are multiple motivations for providing green hotels,” said Greg Dougal, executive director of the Maine Inkeepers Association. “The obvious one is to do the right thing.” There is also a substantial amount of savings available, he said.

The green lodging certificate program is aimed at raising pollution awareness among lodgings in Maine, said Peter Cooke, the certificate program manager.

To receive the certificate, a lodging must receive 100 out of a possible 300 points in a survey done by the Department of Environmental Protection. If a lodging receives less than 100 points, Cooke said he explains to the owners of the lodging what they could do to get the remaining points for certification.

A lodging can receive a provisional certificate if the survey tallies less than 100 points, but the certificate is revoked after three months if the remaining points are not achieved. “So far we have had about 11 to 12 lodgings with provisional certificates that reached 100 points within the three months,” said Cooke.

At the Inn by the Sea, rooms are outfitted with reusable cups, plates and utensils to prevent excess waste, and each room has its own recycling bin. The inn also uses recycles paper, invites guest to take their soaps home, keeps the outside lights on a time, has water-saving toilets and uses environmentally safe cleaning products. Guests are also given the option of not having their linens and towels washed daily. The inn has also maintained a native eco-system on its extensive grounds.

The Comfort Inn in South Portland got a Green Lodging Certificate about a month and a half ago, said Beth Landergren, the inn’s general manager. She said she was always interested in creating a more environmentally responsible inn, and when she heard of the certificate program, she called Cooke.

“Peter really gave us a lot of ideas,” said Landergren. “I am really glad they have the 100 point program,” she said.

She said the inn already bought in bulk, used Ecolab cleaning products, had low-flow toilets and shower water-savers.

The inn made several changes to get the certificate, adding compact fluorescent lighting, recycling bins in vending areas and near exits, organic fertilizers and native landscaping. The inn stopped using toxic chemicals and fertilizers.

Landergren said it was too early to see whether the new policies would bring in more clients or save the inn money. “But I’m sure it will,” she said.

“I believe in protecting the environment for the future. If we can make a difference, that matters,” said Landergren.

Donna Little, owner of the Quaker Tavern Bed & Breakfast in Falmouth, said her place has always been green. “I’m an environmentalist. I’ve always had a compost, always recycled and always used cloth towels,” she said.

Little said the Maine DEP inspected her bed and breakfast in May, and she had the 100 points when the place was surveyed.

Little said she already had all-native gardens, including a Zen garden. She changed to compact fluorescent lighting at the program’s suggestion.

“It saves money,” she said of her environmental practices. The Quaker Tavern does not have to buy paper products, and gets a tax deduction for the triple-paned, insulated windows, said Little.

Little said she is happy with the free advertising the certificate program offers, but she is most impressed with what the program is offering Maine. “I’m so proud someone has taken the lead,” she said of Cooke and his program.

The Maine Innkeepers Association was involved in helping to promote Green Lodging Certification, said Dougal. More than 17 of its members have qualified for the certificate, he said.

Dougal said the association hopes to keep environmental issues at the forefront of its focus. This fall, members attending the association’s annual meeting will discuss watershed principles, native planting and environmentally friendly development, he said.

Meanwhile, for its efforts, Inn by the Sea was recognized by the Maine Legislature at a town council meeting Aug. 14. Rep. Lynn Bromley presented a legislative sentiment to Tom Petot, general manager of the inn, and Rauni Kew, marketing director.