PHOENIX—The Arizona Biltmore announced that nearly two years after implementing an extensive Green Initiative at the resort that covers every aspect of operations and every department of the property it has earned the Certified Green designation from the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association (AzHLA).
“We have developed an extraordinarily comprehensive and sustainable Green Initiative at the Arizona Biltmore that enabled us to substantially exceed the requirements to be certified by the AzHLA,” said general manager Andrew Stegen. “This is a significant milestone for us; however, our goal is to take our initiative even further by continuously identifying and implementing additional green actions to make the Arizona Biltmore even more earth friendly.”
The Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association’s Certified Green Lodging program, launched in December 2010 in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), established requirements for Arizona hotels to be designated environmental stewards. The first of its kind in the Southwest, the program was developed in response to demand from AzHLA members for a consistent measurement of hotels’ efforts to be green.
First Developed in 2008
The Arizona Biltmore developed its initial Green Initiative in early 2008 and has continuously expanded it since. The goal of the initiative is to significantly reduce the resort’s global footprint, create a more efficient and environmentally friendly operation, and establish the Arizona Biltmore as an environmentally responsible resort. Actions, initiatives and practices have been identified and put into effect throughout the resort. A Green Committee, composed of executives from every department, oversees the plan and adjusts as necessary the existing initiatives as well as explores additional avenues of action. In December 2008, the Arizona chapter of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, at its annual Stars of the Industry Awards event, recognized the Arizona Biltmore with the Good Earthkeeping Award for its Green Initiative.
The Arizona Biltmore has been an Arizona landmark since opening in 1929, when it was crowned the “Jewel of the Desert.” The legendary hotel remains one of the most recognized resorts in the world for its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style, luxurious facilities, and storied history as a playground of the rich and famous.
Go to www.arizonabiltmore.com.
