HORSHAM, PA, September 22, 2011
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants Group, a pioneer in the emergence of the boutique hotel industry in the United States, has strengthened its position as a leader in "green" lodging by partnering with Green Key Global. As of September 2011, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program has certified the entire 50-plus hotel Kimpton portfolio, with each property earning a Key rating befitting its environmental performance.
The Kimpton portfolio fared well in the certification process, with seven hotels earning the maximum 5-Key designation, representing "a hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations." Those recognized include:
• 70 Park Avenue Hotel (New York, NY)
• Onyx Hotel (Boston, MA)
• Muse New York (New York, NY)
• Hotel Vintage Park (Seattle, WA)
• Hotel Solamar (San Diego, CA)
• Hotel Monaco Alexandria (Alexandria, VA)
• Hotel Helix (Washington, DC)
Kimpton, which perpetuates sustainable lodging practices through its EarthCare initiative, has been a leader in sustainable lodging since its renovation of the Galleria Park Hotel in San Francisco in 1985. EarthCare became mandatory for all Kimpton properties in 2005, when the concept of "green" lodging and certification was still in its infancy.
"We are very pleased that Kimpton has made this commitment to further their sustainability efforts," said Tony Pollard, Managing Director for Green Key Global. "We are confident that their participation will only serve to strengthen the company's own highly-regarded EarthCare initiative."
The Green Key Eco-Rating program, which ranks, certifies and inspects hotels based on their commitment to sustainable operations and practices, is a comprehensive 160-question self assessment that covers a broad range of operational areas and sustainable practices. Upon completion, the answers are tabulated and the property is awarded a ranking of 1 to 5 Keys and a corresponding display plaque, as well as a comprehensive performance report that includes recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings. Participating properties are listed on the http://www.greenkeyglobal.com website, a valuable resource for environmentally conscious travelers and meeting planners, and also are recognized through Green Key Global's network of marketing partners including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia, among others. The Green Key process also includes random, on-site verification inspections of audit results.
For more information on Green Key or to register your property now, visit http://www.greenkeyglobal.com, call +1.888.752.7061 or email info@greenkeyglobal.com.
The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is the first of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts in North America based on their commitment to sustainable "green" operations. The program was originally developed for the Hotel Association of Canada by a leading environmental engineering firm. Designed specifically for hotel operations, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a comprehensive environmental audit that will allow each participating property to benefit on several fronts - cost savings, increased bookings from environmentally conscious consumers and meeting planners and responsible corporate citizenry. In the United States Green Key is a joint partnership between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.; for more information, visit http://www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.
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