Destination Earth

All properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection have implemented over 100 environmental initiatives since the inception of the Destination Earth^® program in January 2008. The eco-friendly program elements include decreasing energy and water usage, reducing waste, increasing recycling and composting, and purchasing local and organic food and beverages when possible.

Additionally, a Green Meetings program was launched throughout all properties in late 2009 in an effort to maximize waste diversion from meetings and conferences and to increase overall environmental awareness among hotel guests.

The Carolina Inn Initiatives

The Carolina Inn recognizes the need to preserve the environment and is committed to reducing our impact on the Earth’s natural resources while maintaining a superior guest experience. Upon completion of our guestroom renovation, the Inn’s sustainability and efficiency will be greatly improved, while still maintaining the historical charm and elegance for which The Carolina Inn is known.

Experience our Newly Renovated Guestrooms

• Furniture - 80% produced in North Carolina with remaining 20% manufactured within 500 miles of Chapel Hill, reducing carbon emissions during delivery
• Many furniture pieces - constructed from raw materials managed through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative
• Fabric stain treatment - utilized environmentally-friendly recyclable treatment with MBDC environmental certification
• Pillows and upholstery - filled with soy-based poly foam
• Mattress - local Kingsdown manufacturer made with bamboo fibers and soy products, and is 99% recyclable
• Guestroom carpet - 25% post-consumer recycled materials produced under strict environmental guidelines and fully recyclable
• Corridor carpet - 100% wool produced under strict environmentally-conscious guidelines and fully recyclable
• Dual flush toilets – conserves water
• Bath mats - made from bamboo yarns
• Bed linen - 100% organic cotton
• Bathroom amenities - 100% organic in containers produced from post-consumer recycled materials

Making a Difference around the Hotel

• Light bulbs - energy-efficient wherever possible
• Paint - low VOC
• Cleaning products - environmentally-sound
• Linen and terry - reuse program minimizes consumption of water and chemicals
• A laundry ozone system - reduces energy and chemical consumption
• Partially-used guest amenities - donated to “Clean the World” which distributes recycled soap to impoverished countries
• Food & beverage menus - guided by principles of sustainability, incorporates local/regional produce and perishable goods
• Extensive composting program - reduces our waste by four tons every month returning usable material to the earth
• Complimentary daily newspaper newsstand - discarded room newspapers gathered for reuse
• Property-wide recycling program
• Dual flush toilets in all public restrooms - conserves water

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

Suncadia Resort
Cle Elum, WA

LEED® Certification

The Glade Spring Spa at received LEED® Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in June 2009.

Awards

Suncadia was awarded the Environmental Achievement Award by the Pacific Northwest Section of the Air and Waste Management Association In November 2009

Suncadia is a 3 Star Built Green Community and it’s next phase of development in Nelson Preserve is committed to build only 3 Star Build Green certified or better.

Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, OR

LEED® Certification

The Sunriver Resort Marina and Sunriver Stables Trail Ride Registration Facility received LEED® Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in January 2010. These buildings made history for both the resort and the Sunriver community as these are the first two facilities in Sunriver to accomplish this.

Embassy Suites at the Chevy Chase Pavilion
Washington, D.C.

Awards

The Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavilion in Washington, D.C. was a runner-up in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Green Guidelines Challenge. The Challenge urged hoteliers across the country to track and improve their green business operations by taking the AH&LA Green Guidelines Challenge. Hotels used a tracking tool to air their measurement of occupancy statistics, monetary and energy expenditures and return on investment from specific green practices.

The Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavilion has also been recognized as an Energy Start Partner and recently was awarded the 4-Key Award from Green Key which certifies the hotel as a leader in hotel sustainability programs.

InterContinental Tampa
Tampa, FL

Green Certifications

InterContinental Tampa is recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a "One Palm" member of The Florida Green Lodging Program. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources.

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.

GAIA Consulting Group helps us strategically gain maximum value for our sustainable efforts through environmental reporting systems, increased public relations and marketing, and enhancing our brand image.

www.thegaiagroup.net