Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – announces that The Ritz-Carlton, Denver has attained Green Lodging/Green Hospitality Gold-level Certification for sustainable best practices.
Offered at four levels from Bronze to Platinum, Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program provides hotels and other hospitality facilities with the tools to reduce operating costs by saving energy, conserving water, and reducing waste. Hotels that are eco-rated have a distinct marketing advantage and public recognition as an environmental leader.
“This is an impressive achievement for one of the world’s great lodging brands, for the city of Denver, and for all involved in making it happen, from management to staff,” says Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “Our Green Lodging sector is growing, and travelers and planners want to stay at properties committed to sustainability.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver’s Green Lodging Gold certification reflects a pervasive industry trend that puts measurable, vetted environmental best practices front and center to accommodate market demand.
“There is more of a sustainability mindset for our guests,” says Brad Mills, General Manager for the 202-room downtown luxury Denver hotel, which opened in 1984. “Our employees recognize it, want to be a part of it, and that builds more momentum in culture.”
To achieve certification, The Ritz-Carlton, Denver tackled upgrades with sustainable best practices in mind, coupled with implementing surface-level, straightforward stewardship measures such as eliminating single-use plastic containers and implements, robust recycling, installing LED lighting and energy-saving switches, and double-glazing all windows.
“We started with crucial infrastructure, focusing on the things that we can control to drive this sustainability agenda forward,” Mills said. “That includes recycling, waste containment, and driving savings and utilities through simple behavioral sustainable practices like making sure lights are turned off. To get to this high level of certification, we really focused on things we were able to achieve. The journey’s just beginning for this hotel.”
Mills adds that the Ritz-Carlton, Denver’s commitment to an Audubon International partnership and Green Lodging certification has been, and will continue to be, the foundation of its sustainability success.
“They’re a great partner, helping us make the right decisions to make an impact. The core of this is to do the right thing.”
To learn more about how your lodging property or resort can gain recognition for its environmental efforts, contact Greg Poirier, Director of Green Hospitality and Lodging Certifications, via email or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051.
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About Audubon International
An environmentally focused non-profit organization, Audubon International offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play. Its certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both its members and their communities.
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