RIVIERA BEACH, SINGER ISLAND, FLA.—Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa has earned Green Key Global’s ultimate honor: a 4 Green Keys rating. It is the first hotel in Palm Beach County to achieve the designation, which is reserved for hotels that show national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide-ranging policies and practices. Coupled with Marriott’s Commitment to Clean, spearheaded by the Marriott Cleanliness Council, the resort is committed to providing guests with a safe environment that aligns with expert protocols for working to defeat COVID-19.
Green Key Global is a leading international environmental certification body that offers standardized programs and resources designed specifically for the hotel and meetings industries. Green Key has 1,351 rated members worldwide. Of the 486 who have achieved the sought-after 4 Keys rating, 128 are in the United States and only seven are in Florida. The designation is particularly meaningful for hotels catering to the meetings industry as planners increasingly prioritize a venue’s environmental commitment, and ability to substantiate it, in their selection process.
In accepting the honor, General Manager Roger Amidon said, “We embarked on this journey not just to complete a checklist, but to have a positive impact. Many hotels say they’re ‘green’ and some have been accused of ‘greenwashing.’ Being the first hotel in Palm Beach County to obtain a Four Keys rating, the highest available from Green Key Global, demonstrates we are doing what we say we are doing. It has invigorated the enthusiasm of our team, and many unique ideas have been presented. Travelers to our resort will see our accomplishments and we invite them to participate in helping us reach our sustainability goals.”
Among these accomplishments are:
- Zero plastic for meeting room and poolside functions;
- Eco-adventure and voluntourism opportunities available for corporate groups;
- 75%+ LED lighting resort-wide;
- Housekeeping opt-out for rewards points or tree planting;
- 100% of seafood is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified;
- Eliminated 12,740 plastic cups annually for daily wine tastings;
- Electronic reader boards for daily activities;
- Clean the World guestroom amenity donation;
- Guest suite tissue and toilet paper certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC);
- Guest suite and spa amenities are cruelty free, and free of GMOs, sulphates, petroleum, phthalates, synthetic colors;
- Stuffed animals for sale with proceeds benefiting Manatee Lagoon and Loggerhead Marine Life Center; and
- Bicycles available for rent.
Kathy Sue McGuire is the resort’s Green Key consultant. “Sustainability is typically placed in silo initiatives and not embedded in the core strategic plan,” McGuire said. “Having Roger Amidon and the team enthusiastically embrace enhancing their sustainability efforts in a meaningful way, using a recognized framework, is gratifying. To step up to be the first in The Palm Beaches shows true leadership.”
“Expansion into states like Florida is a big focus for Green Key Global, and we appreciate the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island’s working and speaking on our behalf,” said Gary Graham, Director of Operations for Green Key Global.
For additional information on Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island, visit www.palmbeachmarriottresort.com.
