Green Casinos Conserve Energy And Save on Profits

In Michigan, some casinos are turning green.

Turtle Creek, near Traverse City, bills itself a “green” casino, designed to make the lightest possible footprint on the landscape without sacrificing profitability.

Its owners, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, are among a growing number of casino builders and operators interested in environmental stewardship.

Even in an industry closely identified with devil-may-care gluttony, going green makes business sense as consumers increasingly demand sustainable products and services, said Stephen Knowles, principal designer for Turtle Creek. His Minneapolis-based firm has worked with a number of tribes on casino projects with eco-friendly aspects.