Ruby Falls certified as green

Ruby Falls became the first U.S. company certified last month under the international Green Globe/Green Certifications program.

“Third-party certification holds us to a higher standard and keeps us focused on more environmentally sensitive business processes,” said Hugh Morrow, president of Ruby Falls.

Green Globe, a British company, certifies tourist facilities around the world that follow sustainable procedures.

Ruby Falls has to meet 51 percent of Green Globe’s requirements in a three-month period, be open to inspectors and name an environmental officer, Mr. Morrow said.

The program costs $6,000 per year.

When Ruby Falls, America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall open for public viewing, was built in 1928, recycled limestone was excavated from the cave to construct the Ruby Falls building, Mr. Morrow said.

This year, Ruby Falls switched to LED lights throughout the cave and for Christmas displays, reducing energy costs dramatically, he said.

“We’re in tune with trying to support the city’s green initiative,” Mr. Morrow said.