Home Energy Management Governor Brown Awards Hilton Concord 2013 Top Environmental Leadership GEELA Award

Governor Brown Awards Hilton Concord 2013 Top Environmental Leadership GEELA Award

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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that the Hilton Concord of Concord, Calif., has won a 2013 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for its outstanding commitment to sustainability and the environment. Hilton Concord was the recipient for the GEELA Environmental and Economic Partnerships award and is the first Hilton brand hotel to ever win this award.

GEELA is California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor. This program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions in conserving precious resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships.

“Hilton Concord is a true leader in the hospitality industry and their sustainability project was deemed exceptional for its innovative spirit and value to California’s environment and economy,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Matt Rodriquez. “Hilton Concord proves that you can support and promote environmental values without sacrificing business objectives. They understand that going green can be a successful economic strategy that can also lead to sustainable growth and development.”

Industry Veteran Guided Hotel Through Application Process

Charles A. Smith, CEO, Hotel Sustainability Solutions, Inc., Newport Beach, Calif., played an integral role in preparing the application for the award and supporting documents, worked with GEELA staff in interviews as the process proceeded, and coordinated all aspects on behalf of the hotel.

“Working with the GEELA team over the past seven months and particularly GEELA project manager, Nilan Whatworth, has been a rewarding and incredible opportunity to work through all aspects of this statewide competitive process,” Smith said. “Receiving this recognition has made the effort even more special to us all.”

Hilton Concord has a long history of supporting sustainability initiatives. As part of the hotel’s recent multi-million dollar renovation, numerous new sustainability initiatives were implemented and sustainability focused systems were installed.

Many Green Initiatives in Place

The hotel has a high-efficiency laundry system that conserves water, energy, and natural gas and diverts compostable and recyclable materials from the landfill through the installation of a Biodigester, a Pillow Vac, and an extensive recycling program. Hilton Concord has installed 100 percent LED and high efficiency lighting throughout, a Pelican Wireless HVAC energy management system, solar window film, Eco-flush water saving toilets, Energy Star efficient equipment, and Verdafero software to track success. Additionally, Hilton Concord offers its guests and community one of the largest electric vehicle charging stations in Northern California and a concept restaurant, Plate & Vine, which serves sustainable locally-sourced and regionally-inspired cuisine.

“Our team worked extremely hard to become a sustainability leader in the hospitality industry,” says Jack Hlavac, general manager of Hilton Concord. “Our hotel ownership and management company, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, will continue to be on the forefront of sustainability initiatives. It is a great honor to receive the GEELA award and to be recognized for our dedication to sustainability and the environment.”

In addition to winning the 2013 GEELA award, Hilton Concord has won awards and received recognition from The City of Concord, Sustainable Contra Costa, Green Lodging News, Forbes, Contra Costa County Green Business Program, and California Green Lodging for its extensive sustainability programs and initiatives. Hilton Concord has active plans to not only continue its current sustainability efforts, but to implement new initiatives and invest in new sustainable technologies and systems moving into the future.

Go to the Hilton Concord and GEELA.

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