The Walt Disney Company just released its 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report—a very polished review of its progress in areas such as children and family, content and products, environment, community, and the workplace. Disney’s impact on the environment is huge, as one would expect with its resorts, theme parks, film studios, stores and other ventures. Recognizing its impact, Disney is setting some ambitious goals to reduce waste, energy and water consumption, and the volume of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) it generates.
The complete details of Disney’s long-term goals can be found through the link below but here are just a few highlights: zero net direct GHG emissions; reduce indirect GHG emissions from electricity consumption; zero waste through recycling, green purchasing and other programs; have a net positive impact on ecosystems; minimize water use; reduce the emissions and waste associated with the manufacture, transport, use and disposal of Disney products; and empower and activate employees, business partners and consumers to take positive action for the environment.
It was in 2007 that Disney embarked on its first GHG emissions inventory. Its impact in 2006 from direct GHG emissions from fuel combustion and refrigeration leaks was 566,042 metric tons. From indirect GHG emissions from electricity: 1,083,675 metric tons. It is Disney’s goal by 2012 to reduce direct emissions from fuels by 50 percent and by 2013 to reduce electricity consumption by 10 percent. In 2006, Disney generated 298,000 tons of waste. The volume of waste sent to landfill was 170,000 tons. The amount diverted from landfill: 128,000 tons. By 2013, Disney intends to decrease the volume of solid waste sent to landfill by 50 percent when compared to 2006. Disney’s goals are aggressive, considering it will be growing its operations while attempting to reduce its impact.
I don’t want to overwhelm you with statistics but it is important to note that Disney has invested a lot of time in measuring where it has been so that it can establish specific improvement targets. Disney’s 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report may not be perfect, but it is a document worth studying and emulating as you create your own 2009 report. Be sure to check it out! (Click here.)
More on Solar Hot Water Heating
Thank you to Tom Merten for writing to tell me about the solar hot water heating system that has been in place at his Jenks House B&B for 30 years. He said it is still “kicking Btus.” “As the tank is on borrowed time at 30 years, I bought a replacement off Ebay a year ago,” Tom says. “It sits in the garage awaiting its turn.” I have heard from several long-time users of solar systems about their reliability and longevity. If you have been using a solar thermal system successfully, be sure to contact me by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Featured Product Opportunity for Vendors
The Featured Product spot on the Green Lodging News home page will be available beginning April 8 for two months. Interested in having one of your products featured there? More than 23,000 visitors stop by the Green Lodging News home page each month. Contact me as soon as possible at (440) 243-2055 to reserve that spot!
Earth Day Plans?
Earth Day is just a little more than a month away (April 22). What is your property/company currently planning to celebrate that day? Please write to editor@greenlodgingnews.com to let me know. I will be focusing on Earth Day in an upcoming column and will mention those properties and/or companies that have the most interesting activities planned.
GLN Adds Heat Transfer Products Case Study to Website
Green Lodging News has added a Heat Transfer Products case study to its Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the Riviera Beach Resort on Cape Cod in Bass River, Mass. It explains how the resort replaced two old boilers with a highly efficient Phoenix Gas Fired Water Heater with 119 gallons of built-in storage, and a separate 119-gallon storage tank. The sealed combustion, direct-vent Phoenix delivers domestic hot water—and even space heating when connected to an air handler—at a combustion efficiency of 96 percent. Overnight, the resort went from two boilers and a million BTUs, to a single water heater with a supplemental storage tank. To access the case study, click here. For more information, visit Heat Transfer at www.htproducts.com. Or, call (800) 323-9651, or (508) 763-8071 if calling from Massachusetts.
GLN Welcomes Lions Wood Mobile Tables as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Lions Wood Mobile Tables as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. Lion’s Wood Mobile Tables manufactures multi-purpose/functional tables that eliminate linens and skirts to help save money. With the company’s tables, one can save time by setting up buffets off-site and then roll the tables on-site with ease. The company’s outdoor table line is made from recycled plastic (HDPE) and is impervious to most weather conditions. Call (800) 638-5010, e-mail zach@lionswoodtables.com, or go to www.lionswoodtables.com.
Green Lodging News Advertising
If you are a supplier selling green products, be sure to call me at (440) 243-2055 to discuss your advertising plans for the remainder of 2009. Several premium spots are currently available, including the top banner position on the website. A 2009 media kit is now available by request or by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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