Besides LEED certification, there are now multiple rating systems resorts can use to make their green practices transparent to visitors and the community. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is another certifying agency that has created a Sustainability Reporting Framework. Starwood, Marriott and Hyatt have completed reports with metrics accounting for their environmental and social progress (globalreporting.org). TripAdvisor Green Leaders and Green Key Global rating systems are specifically focused on hotels and resorts. Guests can write in to report on good practices or lack thereof, giving consumers the ability to review and hold accountable the vacation accommodations they choose. The Aloha State has its own Hawai‘i Green Business Program rating system for any business established and facilitated by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The island’s major hotels sit on the shoreline yards from coral reef systems that are under pressure continually. “Shoreline properties are the ‘last line of defense’ to protect fragile While it may not be as exciting as solar panels, recycling is a huge challenge for resorts to take on. An increasing reefs,” said Wesley Crile, number of resorts are finding ways to make it easy for a Hawai‘i field manager guests and staff to reduce waste through recycling. The Grand Wailea places attractive recycling receptacles for the Coral Reef Alliance. throughout the resort to make it easy for guests to “Even if the problems recycle HI-5 recyclables. didn’t start on site, what the resorts and oceanfront facilities can do is substantial. They can become the protectors and heroes of the coral reefs and beaches their guests come to visit.” “The West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative recently completed a project working with seven resort properties in southern Kā‘anapali to create reef-friendly landscape management plans to tighten chemical applications in landscaping in order to reduce runoff to coastal ecosystems,” said Project Coordinator Tova Callender. “We’re also happy to be working with SLIM on a reef-friendly training designed for resorts and other shoreline properties. Education is key in this effort.” Public sentiment and consumer preferences often create the driving forces that lead to positive change. As visitors search for lodging with a good sustainability track record, as citizens press for preservation of their local “environment, and as each generation All Andaz Maui food waste is dehydrated into granular form of employees gains knowledge and in this composting dehydrator. skills to positively affect the “triple The end product is used as a nontoxic, stable fertilizer for bottom line” (people, planet, profit, the resort’s landscaping. or environment, economics, social performance), many Maui resorts hear that call and are stepping up to the challenge. Resort and condominium chief engineers meet monthly to share ideas. “They’re friends after so many years of gathering to exchange experences and ideas, but they are very competitive,” Alex said with a smile. “I just love that they presently compete over whose property is more aggressive in their sustainability efforts. The race for ‘green’ just keeps getting stronger.” ❖ Contact writer/editor/art director Debra Lordan: mceditor@keolamagazine.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Maui County, April/May 2015
made good use of the sustainability trainings offered through SLIM Maui’s major resorts sit yards from fragile reef systems. over the last eight However, resorts can act as the last line of defense to protect reefs from soil erosion mauka of their properties. years. The West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative worked with “SLIM and UHMC seven West Maui resorts to upgrade their reef protection strategies. For example, the Hyatt Regency Resort uses contribute to our native plantings and no herbicides or pesticides to help successes by offering protect reef health. Photo courtesy Tova Callender courses on Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, sustainability practices and building operations,” said Hyatt General Manager Allan Farwell. “They also offer scholarship programs to aid our associates with funding these key courses.” Gary and his team recently completed a rare and arduous accomplishment: The Hyatt Regency Maui was the fourth resort in the world to receive a “LEED Silver Certification for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance.” This required a two-year process to upgrade all aspects of facility and staff operations, including landscaping, water use, waste management, cleaning and disposable products, lighting, air conditioning, guest engagement and community participation. Gary and staff will also participate in SLIM’s Sustainable Strategies for Hotels and Resorts program in order to apply for either a Green Key or TripAdvisor Green Leader rating for guests who increasingly seek out green lodging options. “As some of the largest energy consumers on the island, this is a great opportunity for the resorts to improve our sustainability strategies,” said Honua Kai Resort & Spa Chief Engineer Ellsworth Kalawaia, representing another Founding Sponsor of the Sustainable Strategies program. “It’s a win-win for Maui businesses, the community and the environment.” Ellsworth and his staff have attended countless hours of SLIM’s energy management and sustainability trainings. Two recent staff hires were past SLIM interns, now joining in the effort to make Honua Kai more resourceefficient and ‘āina-friendly. Two state-of-the art chillers with variable speed The recently rebuilt Andaz motors provide maximum efficiency for energy Maui in Wailea received its intensive air conditioning at the Andaz Maui. LEED Silver certification for new construction. Some of the LEED strategies listed on its website include: 93 percent of the renovation utilized existing walls, floors and roof. It made use of healthy, low-emitting materials throughout, including low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, flooring systems and composite wood products. Bio-plastic straws and reusable bamboo cutlery are used in outdoor food and beverage facilities and biodegradable disposable potato starch cutlery and bio-plastic cups are used for to-go orders. The gardening and landscaping staff does not use any gas-powered equipment and green waste is recycled into mulch to help hold moisture for less use of irrigation. Andaz Chief of Engineering Bryan Dyer hasn’t rested on the LEED certification laurels, however. Andaz Maui Chief of Engineering Bryan Dyer Through SLIM, Bryan recently stands with the solar panels that helped earn a LEED Silver certification for new received Northwest Energy construction. The solar thermal array offsets Efficiency Council’s Building about 4 percent of annual energy costs. Operator Certification and achieved accreditation as a LEED Green Associate.
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