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Cheyenne Mountain Resort Awarded Silver Tier Status by IACC

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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—Cheyenne Mountain Resort has been recognized for its green practices and operation with the Silver Tier sustainability status by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).

“In order to fully commit the property to protecting the environment through sustainable operations, several years ago Cheyenne Mountain Resort launched a multi-faceted, resort-wide program designed to save water and energy, reduce waste, and implement a full range of eco-friendly practices,” said John Branciforte, director of sales and marketing. “We are delighted that the IACC has recognized our efforts to steadily reduce our impact on the environment by adopting a wide array of green practices, from buying local and organic produce and switching to energy-efficient lighting to using environmentally friendly products and services.”

Among the many practices and actions that have enabled Cheyenne Mountain Resort to meet the Silver Tier sustainability status of the IACC are:

• Recycling of glass, plastic, metal, paper and cardboard, with recycling containers for all products in place throughout the back and front of the house. Custom recycling containers were created for guest spaces that match the resort’s motif.
• The cleaning products the resort uses meet green standards and are purchased in bulk containers and dispersed into refillable smaller bottles.
• No use of disposable food service items in any of the restaurants, except the “to go” coffee cups, cup holders and stirring straws which are made of 100 percent recycled products or products that biodegrade rapidly.
• Disposable utensils and Styrofoam cups have been removed from the employee cafeteria and replaced with silverware purchased at local thrift stores and washable cups.
• Incandescent light bulbs have been replaced with CFLs throughout the resort, except for some parking lights and dimmables in the main ballrooms.
• A linen and towel reuse option in sleeping rooms has reduced laundry costs by 30 to 50 percent.
• All new paints purchased are the most environmentally friendly paints available.
• Using 100 percent recycled facial and toilet tissues and 40 percent recycled paper towels.
• Copy paper used throughout the resort composed of a minimum of 30 percent recycled products.
• Replaced all copy machines with new ones with Energy Star rating. Those that have default double-sided printing are set to that; paper printed on one side is recycled for notepads.
• Replaced a 1.5 million BTU main boiler, running at about 70 percent efficiency, with a new one operating at 96 percent efficiency.
• Energy efficient, double-pane windows throughout the resort.
• Water-conserving fixtures property-wide including faucets, shower heads, aerators and toilets.
• An automated regular preventative maintenance schedule in effect for HVAC systems and in-room units and kitchen and laundry appliances.
• Ensuring all clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers are filled to capacity and that coolest effective water temperature is used.
• For service and product needs, preference given to environmentally responsible suppliers.

The International Association of Conference Centers has a rigorous Code of Sustainability that it encourages member properties to implement to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. The code covers nine areas: education and awareness, waste management, recycling, reuse, water conservation, purchasing, energy management, air quality, and food and beverage.

The IACC recognizes members that have signed the Code of Sustainability in three tiers. To qualify for the Platinum tier, they must have 100 percent of the code’s practices in place; for the Gold tier, 85 percent of the practices in place; and for the Silver tier, at least 75 percent of the practices in place.

Go to Cheyenne Mountain Resort and the IACC.

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