NEW YORK—Sofitel Luxury Hotels announced that all nine North America properties received a rating of 3 Keys or higher (based on a 1 to 5 Key rating) following a comprehensive environmental audit by the Green Key Eco-Rating program, the hotel group’s official green lodging certification program. In some cases, Sofitel properties were the first and only hotel in their respective states to earn a Green Key rating.
Sofitel Montreal, Sofitel Philadelphia, Sofitel Washington D.C., Sofitel Minneapolis and Sofitel San Francisco received a 4-Key rating, while Sofitel Miami, Sofitel Chicago, Sofitel New York and Sofitel Los Angeles received a 3-Key rating. Additionally, Sofitel Minneapolis, Sofitel Philadelphia and Sofitel Miami became the first hotels to receive a Green Key rating in Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Florida, respectively.
According to Green Key, hotels that receive a 3-Key rating or higher demonstrate a national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide ranging policies and practices. Hotels also deliver on environmental programs that not only provide substantial and measurable results, but also involve hotel management, employees, guests as well as the public at large.
Program Sets High Standards
“We are thrilled to have found a partner in Green Key, not only because of the high standard they set for the entire industry but also for the continued support and counsel they provide long after the auditing process is complete,” said Erik Anderouard, senior vice president of operations, Sofitel Americas. “We are proud of our North America portfolio and the hotels’ efforts to improve environmental and fiscal performance, as we continue to strive for that 5-Key rating.”
The Green Key evaluation is a comprehensive 150-question audit that is self-administered by the staff at participating properties, covering a broad range of operational areas and sustainable practices. Upon completion, the answers are tabulated and the property is awarded a ranking of 1 to 5 Keys and a corresponding display plaque, as well as a comprehensive performance report that includes recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings.
Participating properties are listed on the www.greenkeyglobal.com website and also are recognized through LRA Worldwide’s network of marketing partners including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia, among others. The Green Key process also includes random, on-site verification inspections of audit results, mitigating the risk of score inflation.
