HORSHAM, PA.—Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants Group, a pioneer in the emergence of the boutique hotel industry in the United States, has strengthened its position as a leader in green lodging by partnering with Green Key Global. As of September 2011, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program has certified the entire 50-plus hotel Kimpton portfolio, with each property earning a Key rating befitting its environmental performance.
The Kimpton portfolio fared well in the certification process, with seven hotels earning the maximum 5-Key designation, representing “a hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations.” Those recognized include: 70 Park Avenue Hotel, New York, N.Y.; Onyx Hotel, Boston; Muse New York, New York; Hotel Vintage Park, Seattle; Hotel Solamar, San Diego; Hotel Monaco Alexandria (Alexandria, Va.); and Hotel Helix, Washington, D.C.
Kimpton, which perpetuates sustainable lodging practices through its EarthCare initiative, has been a leader in sustainable lodging since its renovation of the Galleria Park Hotel in San Francisco in 1985. EarthCare became mandatory for all Kimpton properties in 2005, when the concept of green lodging and certification was still in its infancy.
“We are very pleased that Kimpton has made this commitment to further their sustainability efforts,” said Tony Pollard, managing director for Green Key Global. “We are confident that their participation will only serve to strengthen the company’s own highly-regarded EarthCare initiative.”
