SAN FRANCISCO—Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants says it is the first hotel company to make every meeting a green meeting with its brand-wide standardization of 12 eco-friendly practices. As the latest extension of the company’s pioneering EarthCare program, Kimpton’s 12 environmentally responsible initiatives are now mandatory for every event at every hotel and have increased the company’s sustainable initiatives to include more than 50 daily eco-friendly practices. Ranging from communications procedures to banquet operations, standard event practices include:
• All bottled water is U.S. sourced.
• All meetings include water served in pitchers with reusable glassware.
• All sales collateral, meeting notepads and coasters are made of 100 percent recycled paper.
• All napkins are made of cloth or recycled paper.
• Paperless services now include electronic distribution of sales proposals, catering menus and banquet event orders.
• All group information is e-mailed prior to staff meetings.
• Every event includes a recycling bin for paper.
• At least four organic tea options are available at all coffee stations.
• Plastic or wood stirrers are eliminated and replaced with reusable spoons.
• Styrofoam or disposable cups are eliminated and replaced with reusable cups and mugs.
• Individually packaged condiments are eliminated and replaced with large containers.
• Plastic silverware in boxed lunches is replaced with recycled plastic ware and “to go” lunches are packaged in recycled paper bags or bio-pak boxes.
“Our group clients often seek out Kimpton because of our progressive brand-wide EarthCare program and commitment to non-profit partners such as The Trust for Public Land,” said Belinda Mazarello, director of catering & conference services, Northeast Region Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “The goal of these standardized event practices is to help educate our clients on how they can help reduce—reuse—recycle through the hosting of events at Kimpton hotels nationwide.”
Kimpton’s sustainable initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include several industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of nontoxic cleaners brand-wide. Through the new standardization of 12 event practices, the company’s EarthCare program has grown to include more than 50 Earth-friendly initiatives at Kimpton hotels and restaurants nationwide. Additionally, a wide range of environmentally-friendly event options and services are available through Kimpton’s Signature Meetings program.
Go to Kimpton for more information.
