THE WOODLANDS (HOUSTON)—Benchmark Hospitality International announced that eight of its properties have achieved Platinum, Gold or Silver recognition in the new Code of Environmental Sustainability introduced recently by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). The new Code of Sustainability provides for 59 best practices in environmental sustainability. IACC-member properties must adhere to at least 75 percent of the tenets of the Code, and join other member organizations that have signed the Code in a global, association-wide effort to strive for greater sustainability.
Wingspread, a private conference center Benchmark operates for the Johnson Foundation located in Racine, Wis., and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, was the only IACC member to achieve Platinum Level status, demonstrating that historic buildings can be green.
“We are extremely proud of each of these Benchmark properties for achieving such a high level of sustainability out of the gate,” said Greg Parsons, vice president and companywide champion of Benchmark’s own Evergreen Program of environmental sustainability and eco-friendly hospitality. “Our goal is for 100 percent sustainability compliance moving forward as we continue to roll out new green initiatives systemwide that complement IACC’s Code of Environmental Sustainability.”
Announced at IACC’s annual meeting last March, the Code of Sustainability was designed to encourage member properties around the globe to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices in nine areas: education and awareness, waste management, recycling, reuse, water conservation, purchasing, energy management, air quality, and food & beverage.
Extension of Evergreen Program
Benchmark Hospitality’s proprietary Evergreen Program was formally introduced throughout the company this spring as a core value. The program provides for differing levels for green hospitality best practice compliance within Benchmark’s portfolio of properties, and specifically addresses green meetings and events.
“Evergreen is designed to minimize our environmental impact on the planet and introduce and disseminate within our company environmental best practices,” Parsons said. “Our Evergreen Program is dynamic…it will continually evolve as we integrate new information and ideas into the program.”
Benchmark Hospitality International properties that have achieved top-level IACC sustainability recognition include: Wingspread, a private conference center for the Johnson Foundation, Racine, Wis., Platinum level; The Council House, an exclusive international conference center for SC Johnson, a Family Company, Racine, Wis., Gold level; Eaglewood Resort and Spa, Chicago, Gold level; Edith Macy Conference Center, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., Gold level; Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs, Colo., Silver level; The Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center, New Brunswick, N.J., Silver level; Stonewall Resort, Weston, W.V., Silver level; and The Founders Inn and Spa, Virginia Beach, Va., Silver level.
Lois Berg, Benchmark’s director of administrative services at Wingspread and chair of IACC’s Sustainability Committee, stated that the new Code will enable IACC-member properties to commit to sustain and support the IACC’s Environmental Policy and join other members that have signed on in an association-wide, global effort to strive for greater sustainability.
