Fairmont Hotels & Resorts go green
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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts go green
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Category: Worldwide
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2006-03-02
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to introduce a new way for hotels to “go green”. Guests arriving at the brand’s destinations across North America will soon be welcomed at check-in by agents using front desk computers powered by the wind. A longtime leader in environmental stewardship, Fairmont’s recent purchase of Eco-Logo certified wind power for 249 check-in computers will result in a greenhouse gas reduction of almost 100 tonnes over the next year.
Fairmont’s Green Partnership program places significant emphasis on energy issues and recognizes the importance of sustainable energy technology. After evaluating a number of ways to incorporate wind power into its operations, Fairmont made the decision to purchase wind power through the Pembina Institute, a non-profit environmental organization whose mandate is encouraging “sustainable energy solutions”. Fairmont has agreed to purchase the equivalent to 116 MwH of wind power, for an initial term of one year.
Tina Barzo, Development Associate and Wind Power Program Coordinator at the Pembina Institute congratulated Fairmont on this investment in the future, “Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is one of a growing number of progressive companies purchasing wind power. It’s refreshing to see the corporate sector taking on these important roles to make renewable energy even more viable in the future. Clean, renewable energy is where we all need to be heading.”
Michelle White, Fairmont’s Manager, Environmental Affairs, explains the company’s move towards renewable energy; “Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are strong advocates of environmental protection. The purchase of wind power is a new component of our company’s Green Partnership Program. Given the current emphasis on reduced greenhouse gas emissions, it’s important for Fairmont to take this logical step and continue to support sustainable technology.”
Fairmont has long been a supporter of green power. Since 1999, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been purchasing green power through an agreement with the Canadian Eco-Logo certified Canadian Hydro Developers. Presently, 40 percent of the property’s electricity needs are met by a blend of wind and run-of-river electricity generation. Green power, derived from sources including wind, run-of-river hydro, and biomass, has minimal impacts on the environment and produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional generation methods.
THE FAIRMONT GREEN PARTNERSHIP
Fairmont is committed to protecting the environment because it isn’t just something that’s “out there” - it’s the place where each of us lives, works and plays. Pioneered by the company’s Canadian properties in 1990, the award-winning Fairmont Green Partnership program is now growing across the United States and internationally. This comprehensive initiative to minimize the impact of hotel operations on the environment addresses key issues including waste management, water and energy conservation, habitat protection, purchasing, employee and guest education and community outreach. In addition to publishing "The Green Partnership Guide", a “going green” handbook for the hospitality industry, individual Fairmont properties are innovating with food re-distribution and composting, tree-planting days, lighting retro-fits and a wide range of other everyday activities, special events and capital investments that protect their communities and the planet.
Featuring a collection of fabled castles, secluded lodges, storied meeting places and modern retreats, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opens the doors to some of the world's most celebrated addresses. With locations throughout eight countries, our 44 distinctive hotels - including The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs and London’s Savoy - promise travelers unparalleled settings, rich experiences and lasting memories. Future Fairmont Hotels & Resorts include The Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya (fall 2005), The Fairmont Cairo and The Fairmont Abu Dhabi Resort & Villas.
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