NASHVILLE—Gaylord Entertainment announces the launch of “GET Green,” the leading hospitality and entertainment company’s corporate sustainability program. The program, designed to integrate within the overall business strategy, focuses on reducing Gaylord’s impact on the environment while improving its interactions with all of its stakeholders. As part of the launch of this initiative, the company also announced the first in a series of strategic, long-term goals and commitments. They include: reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per square foot by 20 percent by 2015; and pursuing LEED certification for all future developments, including major additions and new builds.
“These are aggressive goals, but they reflect the level of our commitment to sustainability,” said David Kloeppel, president and chief operating officer. “I have every confidence in our ability to meet these goals, while continuing to deliver the impeccable service that our customers expect, maintaining a healthy and enriching workplace for our STARS and enhancing our interactions with our local communities.”
To solidify the company’s commitment to these efforts, Gaylord hired Andy Mims in 2010 to create the Office of Sustainability and to oversee efforts across the entire organization.
“We operate in a resource-intensive business, but we have already made great progress in many areas,” said Mims, vice president of sustainability. “We have the right people and the right support in place to make good decisions that enhance economic value while simultaneously being environmentally and socially responsible.”
Three Areas of Focus
Initially, GET Green will build off three major environmental focus areas: Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction; Waste Reduction; and Water Conservation.
“After studying our operations and completing our first greenhouse gas emissions inventory, we decided that energy and emissions were our first priorities,” said Mims. “But water, waste, and air quality are very important areas for us as well, and we will be announcing similar goals and targets in the very near future.”
In addition to focusing on these areas, the company is already working with its vast supply chain, improving many operational practices and enhancing STAR training. STAR training is a critical component of GET Green, as STARS will be the driving force behind the development and implementation of initiatives. Accordingly, at every hotel, the company has created “GET Green Teams,” which meet regularly to generate ideas for improvement and implement key measures.
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