Destination Earth® Logo In recognition of the need to preserve the world in which we operate and serve our guests, Destination Hotels is dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to, and lessen our footprint on, our changing environment.
As the fourth largest independent hospitality management company in the country, we are committed to creating a new benchmark for our hotels and resorts through a series of environmental initiatives, both on the corporate level and at each of our individual properties.
HOW ARE WE MAKING A DIFFERENCE?
Destination Earth® Initiatives
All properties in the Destination Hotels collection have implemented over 100 environmental initiatives since the inception of the Destination Earth® program in January 2008. The eco-friendly program elements include decreasing energy and water usage, reducing waste, increasing recycling and composting, and purchasing local and organic food and beverages when possible.
Additionally, a Green Meetings program was launched throughout all properties in late 2009 in an effort to maximize waste diversion from meetings and conferences and to increase overall environmental awareness among hotel guests.
Corporate Practices
We are proud to have a "Destination Earth®" taskforce, comprised of leaders throughout the organization and representing hotel and resort operations, to ensure that all departments and associates of Destination Hotels are personally involved and committed to the program. Each of our properties has a designated "green team" onsite and has made a commitment to pursuing:
Sourcing environmentally responsible services and products locally, and purchasing organic, environmentally friendly- and recycled supplies, whenever possible.
Purchasing fresh and sustainable foods locally grown, whenever possible.
Creating partnerships with other organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment.
Leading our associates to apply eco-friendly practices in their daily operations.
Utilizing environmentally responsible building materials and strategies for new properties and renovations to reduce environmental impact.
Retrofitting existing properties with energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, as well as water-saving devices.
Implementing tools that allow us to continually measure the progress of our individual properties and support their commitment to preserving the environment through the Destination Earth® program.
Corporate Destination Earth®
Property Initiatives
Suncadia Resort
Cle Elum, WA
LEED® Certification
The Glade Spring Spa at received LEED® Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in June 2009.
Awards
Suncadia was awarded the Environmental Achievement Award by the Pacific Northwest Section of the Air and Waste Management Association In November 2009
Suncadia is a 3 Star Built Green Community and it’s next phase of development in Nelson Preserve is committed to build only 3 Star Build Green certified or better.
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, OR
LEED® Certification
The Sunriver Resort Marina and Sunriver Stables Trail Ride Registration Facility received LEED® Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in January 2010. These buildings made history for both the resort and the Sunriver community as these are the first two facilities in Sunriver to accomplish this.
Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion
Washington, D.C.
Awards
The Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavilion in Washington, D.C. was a runner-up in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Green Guidelines Challenge. The Challenge urged hoteliers across the country to track and improve their green business operations by taking the AH&LA Green Guidelines Challenge. Hotels used a tracking tool to air their measurement of occupancy statistics, monetary and energy expenditures and return on investment from specific green practices.
The Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavilion has also been recognized as an Energy Start Partner and recently was awarded the 4-Key Award from Green Key which certifies the hotel as a leader in hotel sustainability programs.
Stowe Mountain Lodge
Stowe, VT
Green Certifications
Certified as a "Green Hotel in the Green Mountain State".
Received The Audubon Green Leaf certification, with a score of 4 of 5
Green Leaves.
Stowe Mountain Club: The golf course received Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International.
Tempe Mission Palms Hotel and Conference Center
Tempe, AZ
Transportation
Participates in Maricopa County's Trip Reduction Program by offering benefits to its employees who commute. The hotel has been noted as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters for exceeding the national standard of excellence designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Terranea Resort
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Preservation
Terranea was meticulously built on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with more than 631,800 square feet of native habitat areas. One example of habitat preservation is that approximately 45 mature trees dating over 50 years were boxed prior to construction and then replanted throughout the site as a tribute to the history of this location.
Additional environmental mitigation efforts include, but aren't limited to, protecting and enhancing local water quality. To do this Terranea is implementing a series of environmental best management practices that include wet ponds, bioswales and storm filters. Bioswales are vegetated channels, essentially created wetlands, which enhance water quality and provide a habitat for many avian species.
The Carolina Inn
Chapel Hill, NC
Water Conservation
All public area restrooms are equipped with sensor toilets, minimizing water flow. In addition, water efficient shower heads have been installed in all guest rooms. A towel and bed linen reuse program is in place and the housekeeping department uses a patented aqua-fusion laundry system that customizes the amount of ozone delivered to each washer. The system reduces hot water usage and overall water use by 30%, decreases energy expenses, shortens wash cycles and reduces linen replacement costs.
Destination Earth® Partners
GAIA Consulting Group helps us strategically gain maximum value for our sustainable efforts through environmental reporting systems, increased public relations and marketing, and enhancing our brand image.
www.thegaiagroup.net