SAN FRANCISCO—Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the collection of nearly 50 boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants throughout the country, has been honored as a 2009 “World Saver” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Announced in the September 2009 issue as part of the third annual “World Saver Awards,” Kimpton garnered the co-winner award of the Preservation category for its pioneering EarthCare commitment, which includes more than 70 brand-wide environmental practices in place at every Kimpton hotel and restaurant from coast to coast.
“This international accolade marks a milestone in Kimpton’s history and our 28-year dedication to sustainability,” said Niki Leondakis, chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “Since our founding and into today, our passionate Eco Champions lead the charge for environmental change. Through aggressive EarthCare initiatives that continue to impact the preservation of our planet, our dedicated employees have helped to set the standard for responsible travel throughout the hospitality industry.”
Recipients of Condé Nast Travelers’ World Savers Awards include airlines, cruise lines, city hotels, resorts, hotel chains and tour operators and are determined by a panel of 21 judges that include academics, CEOs and philanthropists. In 2009, 36 finalists were chosen from almost 100 applicants and judges named winners and runners-up in each of five categories: Education Programs; Wildlife Conservation; Poverty Alleviation; Preservation; and Health Initiatives.
Kimpton’s sustainable initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include many industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of non-toxic cleaners brand-wide. Most recently, Kimpton announced three new companywide eco restaurant initiatives that include new sustainable seafood selections in accordance with Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch List, 30 percent eco-friendly wine selections on all wine lists and a national partnership with Natura to provide in-house purified water at all Kimpton restaurants.
Recently, Kimpton achieved Green Seal Certification for its three Chicago hotels and Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco in Portland, and plans to unveil the company’s first LEED certified hotel on Oct. 15, Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia.
To learn more about EarthCare, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.
