TORONTO—Consistently acclaimed for its approach to responsible tourism, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the promotion of Michelle White to Director, Environmental Affairs. The advancement of White, an authority on sustainable operations within the tourism industry and a brandwide ambassador of Fairmont’s award-winning Green Partnership Program, is a testament to the company’s approach of leading by example in the overall movement to green the worldwide hotel industry.
“With the state of the environment continuing to gain momentum in society and Fairmont focused on growth, the responsibilities of our environmental affairs division are only going to grow,” says Brian Richardson, Vice-President Brand Marketing and Communications. “Employing experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated resources to oversee our industry leading program speaks volumes to our commitment to operational sustainability.”
Fairmont’s Green Partnership program focuses on improvements in the areas of waste management, energy and water conservation and innovative community outreach programs involving local groups and partnerships. By focusing on operational improvements, environmental benefits have been realized, often through reduced utilities consumption and best practices.
Above all else, Fairmont’s program focuses on sustainability and encompasses everything from recycling and organic waste diversion in the hotel’s kitchens to retrofitting energy efficient lighting. It also includes such activities as redistribution of household goods and food to those in need, purchasing green power, and employing alternate energy technology.
Green Partnership Responsibility Continues
In her new role, White will continue to be responsible for the operations of the program, an environmental platform that has been recognized internationally by groups such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and National Geographic Traveler. These efforts have led to significant external recognition for the program ranging from the WTTC’s 2006 Global Tourism Business Award to the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program Award at the 2006 Worldwide Hospitality Awards.
An expert in her field, White has been recruited to sit on numerous boards and industry groups. Her affiliations range from a member of the judging panel for the WTTC’s Global Tourism Business Award to being on the Corporate Board of the Environmental Media Assn. She is also a member of Recycling Council of BC, Canadian Food & Restaurant Assn. Natural Roundtable on the Environment, American Hotel & Lodging Assn. and Hotel Association of Canada.
White has also been instrumental in initiating high-profile partnerships with The World Heritage Alliance, a joint initiative of the United Nations Foundation and Expedia, Inc., and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program. White holds both a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and Honors Bachelor of Science Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
