LAS VEGAS—Green Key Global, the international certification body that evaluates sustainable hotel operations, has awarded the prestigious “5 Green Keys” rating to Vdara Hotel & Spa for its Green Key Meetings Program. Vdara is only the eighth North American resort to earn the top rating, joining other MGM Resorts International properties, including Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and MGM Grand Las Vegas.
“Employing sustainable best practices, for us is not only the right thing to do, but also good business,” said Mary Giuliano, General Manager of Vdara Hotel and Spa. “The Meeting Planner community is looking to partner with meeting venues that not only offer first-class experiences, but also innovative and sustainable meeting solutions. We are proud to receive this designation and to be a leader in sustainable hotel operations and convention services.”
Green Key Meetings is a comprehensive assessment tool for eco-friendly resorts and hotels that hold meetings of any size. The program is designed to provide travel, meeting and conference planners with a standard system that evaluates a hotel’s level of commitment to environment issues. Green Key Global’s programs have more than 2,455 participating properties.
Evidence of Commitment to Sustainability
“The process of assessing and certifying properties as large as the Las Vegas MGM resorts can be challenging; having done so and achieving the highest Green Key rating, is evidence of their commitment to operating sustainably,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “Through this process, MGM Resorts has demonstrated that practicing environmental stewardship need not affect the quality of an event but can, in fact, enhance its success.”
Green Key Meetings conducts on-site verification audits to validate member ratings on a level of 1 to 5 keys, with 5 being the highest ranking. Keys are awarded based on how properties perform in six conference and meeting areas: Core Areas (carbon, energy, water, waste, and air quality), Communication (information, training), Activities (purchasing, auditing, and community), People (health), Exhibitions, and Audio/Visual. Green Key Meetings properties and rankings are listed at www.greenkeyglobal.com/greenkeymeetings.asp.
Vdara Hotel & Spa is one of the nation’s leading resorts, both in its award-winning guest service, as well as its commitment to environmental responsibility. In its meeting and convention space, Vdara has made substantial steps in the area of sustainability, such as introducing light sensors and energy efficient lighting, and custom programs to deactivate heating, ventilation and air conditioning while spaces are not in use. The resort also offers specialty menus featuring wide selections of organic, sustainable and Fair Trade products as well as additional options for meetings to reduce water consumption.
In addition to its Green Key Meetings rating, Vdara has earned broader “green” distinctions, including:
• The U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification;
• TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders’ Platinum ranking; and
• A “5 Green Key” rating from Green Key Global’s original Eco-Certification Program.
Go to Vdara and MGM Resorts.
