ORLANDO, FLA.—Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, recently received a Lodging Sustainability Award for “Lodging Brand of the Year” at the Lodging Green and Sustainability Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.
The Lodging Sustainability Awards “recognize the contribution of individuals, groups and corporate entities who exemplify the meaning of sustainability in the hospitality industry. The winners stand as role models whose work embodies the industry’s efforts to be strong advocates for corporate social responsibility in doing what’s best for both the environment and for the business while also appealing to the ecologically friendly traveler.”
“It is an honor to be recognized for our commitment and focused work in sustainability, and our overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts,” said Faith Taylor, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Innovation, Wyndham Worldwide. “Our work is a tremendous collaboration across all key stakeholders—shareholders, associates, customers, home owner associations, franchisees, suppliers and community partners—who not only develop ideas with incredible potential, but also transform them into tangible results and drive leadership in the industry.”
Many Different Green Initiatives
As part of the Wyndham Green sustainability program, WVO supports innovative sustainability practices at corporate facilities and more than 190 vacation ownership resorts throughout the world. Sustainable operations at resorts include: green housekeeping chemicals, in-room green detergents, in-room Arbor Day coffee benefiting the Rain Forest Rescue Coffee Program, green paper collateral, energy-saving lighting, water-saving devices, uniforms made of recycled water bottles, and in-room, biodegradable amenities.
“In line with Wyndham Worldwide’s global commitment to corporate social responsibility and the environment, we strive to build a culture where sustainability is always top of mind,” said Geoff Richards, Chief Operations Officer, WVO. “In particular, our passionate associates help contribute to ongoing efforts each and every day by participating in year-round activities such as planting trees, saving energy and educating our owners. We are also proud to use environmentally-friendly products throughout our resorts and corporate offices, including Arbor Day Specialty Coffee which has preserved more than 77 million square feet of rainforest.”
To improve energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization and other sustainable practices, WVO created one of the first certification programs in the timeshare industry. The WVO Green Certification Program tracks approximately 26 requirements in categories such as energy use, water use, waste reduction, indoor air quality and education, resulting in approximately $2.4 million in annual energy cost savings.
In 2013, 65 percent of WVO resorts achieved crystal, 5 percent received silver, 18 percent bronze, and 12 percent achieved basic certification. More than 150 WVO resorts are currently green certified. The 2013 carbon emissions for all resorts have dropped over 16 percent and water consumption is down 12 percent since WVO’s aggregate baseline year in 2010.
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