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Sheraton Seattle |
The Sheraton Seattle was honored with the 2009 Good Earthkeeping Stars of the Industry Award by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), recognizing the hotel's commitment to the environment. Recipient of the large property award, the Sheraton Seattle is the only hotel of its size to receive the honor.
“At Sheraton Seattle, we have spent the last few years remodeling our hotel to ensure that it’s a leader in environmental stewardship," said Matthieu Van Der Peet, general manager of the Sheraton Seattle. "During this time we have also created a green team to encourage our staff and guests to join us in protecting the environment. We look forward to continuing our efforts to protect our environment.”
Building on a longstanding history of supporting environmentally friendly initiatives, the Sheraton Seattle was an early adopter of a voluntary recycling program in 1993. Over the years it has implemented a number of programs and enhancements that have furthered its environmental conservation.
In 2008, the Sheraton Seattle created a comprehensive green strategy, which focused on three major areas: building infrastructure and physical enhancements; increasing associate awareness and involvement; and guest participation. Through these initiatives the Sheraton Seattle reduced its energy index by more than 20 percent in 2008. It recycles over 24,000 pounds, or 12 tons, of materials per month.
Among the Sheraton Seattle green initiatives is the “You Tidy We Treat" program. Guests who opt out of daily linen and towel replacement are rewarded with a $5 gift certificate or 500 Starwood points for each day they opt out. In the first two months of the program, over 3,000 guests participated, and the Sheraton was able to increase bookings at the hotel specifically because of the program.
All Sheraton Seattle guest rooms are cleaned with approved green chemicals which are dispensed through a bag to reduce packaging, shipping and storing of the products.
Meeting planners are presented with green options such as using water bubblers instead of bottled water or providing attendees with logo water bottles to encourage them to participate in the green movement. Sustainably-grown food, emphasizing local and regional farming, is available for banquet menus.
Other conservation initiatives include energy and water conservation through the installation of the latest hot water heating technology, which saves over 4,800 Kwh of electricity annually. All light bulbs were changed to energy efficient bulbs, and motion-sensor lights were added to meeting spaces. Low flow toilets, showerheads and sink aerators were added to guest rooms.
Throughout the past year, the Sheraton Seattle participated in such green efforts as joining tens of millions of citizens in the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour and cleaning up the local Puget Sound waterways.
