Waikiki hotels’ green initiatives applauded
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In step with the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress in Oahu, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association spotlighted Waikiki hotels and resorts for exceptional environmental stewardship.
Five Outrigger branded, affiliated or managed properties in Waikiki were part of this recognition and awarded the 2016 Green Business Award by the Hawaii State Energy Office’s Green Business Program.
All award recipients completed a checklist of Hawaii Green Business Program’s 10 entry-level green actions which addressed sustainability categories including energy and water conservation, solid waste reduction and recycling, and pollution prevention.
“One of the core corporate values for Outrigger Enterprises Group is ‘wahi’ or place, which states we protect, care for and live in harmony with the land, our workplace, its people and cultures,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate relations at Outrigger Enterprise Group.
“As a Hawaii-based company, Outrigger is deeply committed to protecting the islands’ pristine environment and conserving its natural resources through various green initiatives and sustainability efforts.”
Some of Outrigger’s green practices include installation of CFLs, low-voltage track lighting, LED and other energy-efficient lighting systems, a water saving programme, employee training to detect and report leaks and minimise water use, installation of quick-closing toilet valves, water-efficient washers, and energy-efficient washers and dryers.
For solid waste reduction, bottles and cans are collected from guest rooms and public areas with a portion of the proceeds donated to local non-profits.
The Outrigger branded, affiliated and managed resorts that received the Green Business Award for 2016 include:
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
- Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber
- OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger
- OHANA Waikiki Malia by Outrigger