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Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Awarded Energy Star

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HONOLULU—Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has recently been awarded the 2008 Energy Star seal of approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the fourth time in the past five years. Rated for its energy consumption on a scale from one to 100, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa scored 81 for its performance, the highest rating it has ever achieved.

“We are honored to receive the distinguished Energy Star designation once again,” said Chris Tatum, general manager of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. “We are pleased to share with our guests the resort’s newest eco-friendly attributes while providing them with an enjoyable stay in the heart of Waikiki. Being recognized nationally for our green efforts is icing on the cake.”

Noted as a top performer in energy efficiency and environmental leadership, the 1,310-room resort just completed a $28 million green guestroom renovation project at its oceanfront Kealohilani Tower. The latest room renovations feature a green twist while indulging in the new style and luxurious feel of residential comfort. Eco-friendly highlights include:

• Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in every guestroom;
• Four efficient chillers that provide air conditioning;
• Temperature control thermostat;
• Air-conditioning sensors in guestrooms that turn off the air-conditioning when the lanai (balcony) door opens;
• Tinted lanai doors in every guestroom and public space to help reduce the heat load as well as the demand for increased air conditioning;
• Low flow toilets and shower heads; and
• Automatic sensors for toilets and sinks in public restrooms.

In addition, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is continuing its extensive energy conservation and recycling programs, while also giving back to the community.

Part of ECHO Commitment

“Our success is truly due to our associates (employees) in each department who initiate and embrace green initiatives year-round,” Tatum said. “It’s all part of Marriott International’s Environmental Conscious Hospitality Operations (ECHO) program, in which we as hoteliers firmly believe we have a role to play in protecting our environment and therefore take action.”

The resort’s ECHO practices reflect the environmental interests and concerns of guests, associates, business partners and communities, with focus on five key areas:

• Water and energy conservation;
• Respecting and preserving wildlife;
• Clean air initiatives;
• Waste management; and
• Cleanup campaigns.

Since 2000, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has been recycling bottles, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, paper, lead waste, fryer oil, green waste and wet waste. Fryer oil is used to make biofuel by a local vendor, while wet waste from the resort’s kitchen is also provided free of charge to local farms to feed their animals. In 2007, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa recycled 33.6 tons of glass, 287.9 tons of wet waste, 28.2 tons of cardboard, 13.3 tons of fryer oil, 3.8 tons of mixed paper, and 2.9 tons of white paper.

Recycling Proceeds Donated

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa also participates in the state’s HI-5 recycling program for beverage containers. The resort donates the money made from the recycling redemption to a neighborhood high school, which uses it to fund school programs.

“Our associates have embraced the program,” said Tyrone Crockwell, director of engineering for Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. “Some of their children go to the school, so they see the benefits. And it’s a great way to give back to our local community.”

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa was the recipient of the Energy Star award in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The resort was also recognized on Travelocity’s IgoUgo.com list of “10 Hotels Where Every Day is Earth Day.” The EPA introduced the Energy Star program in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency.

Go to the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

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