The DoubleTree Hotel Portland, Oregon, USA, was announced as winner of the prestigious IMEX Green Supplier Gold Award at the IMEX Gala Dinner .
The Green Supplier Award recognises environmental excellence and innovation within the meetings industry and represents the highest accolade for environmental responsibility among meetings and events industry suppliers. Within this category, both Gold and Silver Awards are presented to well-deserving winners.
In presenting the Gold Award to Tamara Kennedy-Hill, Executive Director, GMIC (Green Meeting Industry Council), who accepted on DoubleTree’s behalf, IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, commented on the impressive standard of entries received in this category this year: “It demonstrates a clear goal across the sector to drive environmental change and ensure that this remains at the forefront of all that we do. Awareness of environmental issues continues to take precedence today and those suppliers that have green credentials listed as a high priority gain a notable advantage over their competitors,” he explained. “Well done to DoubleTree Hotel Portland for setting an exemplary standard in this category.”
Impressive energy savings
Gala Dinner guests learned heard how DoubleTree Hotel Portland has reduced its energy consumption by 32%. In a continued bid to improve air quality, the hotel also aims to reduce its carbon footprint size by 100 metric tonnes each year. Furthermore, DoubleTree Hotel Portland invests $25,000 to subsidise Portland’s unique TriMet Passport, offering employees the use of reduced rate public transportation.
Since offering this programme in 1999, approximately 82,500 gallons of gas have been saved. In 2005, the hotel partnered with the City of Portland “Portland Composts!” programme and has reduced waste sent to landfill from 92% in 2004 to just 37% in 2010. It was these impressive statistics that caught the attention of the judging panel to help DoubleTree Hotel, Portland scoop the Gold Award.
Commenting for the DoubleTree Hotel, Steve Faulstick, the property’s General Manager, said: “Winning the Green Supplier Award is a great honour for us. Being recognised on an international level for our local sustainability programmes reinforces to our staff that the innovations and efforts they make every day are impactful and meaningful. Seeing the growth in demand for sustainable business for both our customers and employees is encouraging, and we are proud to be at the forefront of providing them that culture and experience.”
LEED Platinum certified centre
The 2011 Green Supplier Silver Award was given to Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre in recognition of its commitment to cement its position as an industry leader in environmental sustainability; from design stages through to using the latest green technologies and the adoption of extensive green practices.
“We are honoured to be recognised by IMEX for leadership in environmental excellence and innovation,” said Claire Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vancouver Convention Centre. “Environmental sustainability is not only at the core of our day-to-day operations, it is strongly reflected in the unique design of our facility. As the world’s only LEED Platinum certified convention centre, we’re committed to our ongoing sustainability efforts and to help set new standards in our industry.”
The Green Supplier Award continues to be one of the most sought-after and strongly competed in the industry and was developed by IMEX and GMIC to recognise environmental excellence and innovation amongst industry suppliers.
