BUFFALO, N.Y.—Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts recently accepted the IMEX Green Meetings Award for its efforts in environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Through its commitment to GreenPath, a nationally renowned system of environmental management, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts received the Silver IMEX Green Meetings Award for hosting a green meeting for the Sierra Business Council (SBC) conference at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls in Yosemite National Park.
The conference, held in November 2006, featured many green initiatives and used many environmentally friendly products. Measurable achievements at the SBC conference included 50 percent of the meals being produced using local, sustainable produce and waste reduction of 70 percent thanks to recycling, composting, reuse and minimization of packaging. Conference attendees utilized the park’s hybrid shuttle fleet to get to and from the conference and throughout the park. The introduction of interpretive signage assisted in telling the GreenPath story to all who attended.
Recognition of Environmental Achievement
“The award represents recognition among meeting planners and hosts of the company’s commitment to environmental excellence and innovation,” says John Huey, director of stewardship for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. “We were honored to accept the award as it increases awareness and highlights the opportunities that exist to stage business tourism events in the special places where Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts operate, such as Yosemite National Park.”
Judging for the Environmentally Responsible Meetings Award was conducted by an independent environmental auditor who assessed environmental criteria and practices. The criteria included minimizing environmental impact through energy efficiency, air and water quality, water conservation, waste management, waste minimization, and environmental purchasing. Other factors considered were economic indicators, commitment to change practices, commitment to the community, and commitment to conservation.
Huey accepted the award on behalf of Delaware North Parks & Resorts at the IMEX Worldwide Exposition in Frankfurt, Germany. The IMEX exposition is the essential worldwide exhibition for meeting and incentive travel.
