Destination Earth

PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT, ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME

Destination Earth is...

In recognition of the need to preserve the world in which we operate and serve our guests, Destination Hotels & Resorts 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?

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 & Resorts 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.

Destination Hotels & Resorts recognizes that our customers, owners and associates all benefit from and desire a healthy, sustainable environment. As we continue on the journey of environmental stewardship, we are committed to maintaining the superior guest experience that our customers expect, while reducing our impact on the earth's natural resources. Throughout our portfolio, our hotels and resorts have received numerous awards, recognitions, certifications, and honors for implementing eco-friendly practices.  The following is a sample of sustainable initiatives taking place at our properties:

Property Initiatives

Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, OR

LEED® Certification

Submitted two projects in the Spring of 2009 to the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.  The Marina Building and the Trail Ride Registration Facility are making history for both the resort and the Sunriver community as these will be the first two facilities in Sunriver to accomplish this.

InterContinental Tampa and The Shores Resort & Spa
Tampa, FL and Daytona Beach Shores, FL

Green Certifications

Both hotels are recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as "One Palm" members of The Florida Green Lodging Program.

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.

Tarrytown House Estate and Conference Center
Tarrytown, NY

Culinary

The culinary team at Tarrytown House is working to constantly get more of its food from throughout the Hudson Valley to reduce the carbon footprint of bringing in food from around the world. The Hudson Valley is quickly becoming a regional leader in natural and organic produce, as well as high quality artisan meats, poultry, breads and cheeses.  During the spring and summer months, local gets no closer than Tarrytown's own herb garden. Executive Chef, Brian Wieler, heads to his herb garden each day to add the perfect touch to each day's dishes.  Tarrytown House works with a local co-op which converts our waste cooking oil to bio-diesel for community use.

Destination Earth Partners

Business Evolution Consulting is a sustainability consulting firm and provides important strategic and tactical support to maximize our program's development and success. www.businessevolutionconsulting.com