Destination Earth
PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT, ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME
Destination Earth is...
In recognition of the need to preserve the world in which we operate and serve our guests, Destination Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to, and lessen our footprint on, our changing environment.
As the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country, we are committed to creating a new benchmark for our hotels and resorts through a series of environmental initiatives, both on the corporate level and at each of our individual properties.
HOW ARE WE PLANNING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Corporate Practices
We are proud to have created a "Destination Earth" taskforce, comprised of leaders throughout the organization and representing hotel and resort operations, to ensure that all departments and associates of Destination Hotels & Resorts are personally involved and committed to the program. We have already put in place the following initiatives which each of our properties have made a commitment to pursuing:
- Establishment of a property specific "green team" at each Destination property nationwide, to adopt and implement earth-friendly practices in our businesses and to become better stewards of the natural resources we utilize. Finally, to monitor effectiveness of these practices.
- Sourcing environmentally sensitive products and services locally, and purchasing organic, environmentally friendly/responsible and recycled supplies, whenever possible.
- Purchasing fresh, and sustainable foods locally grown, whenever possible.
- Creating partnerships with other organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment.
- Leading our associates to apply eco-friendly practices in their daily operations.
- Utilizing environmentally-responsible building materials and strategies for new properties and renovations to reduce environmental impact.
- Retrofitting existing properties with energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, as well as water-saving devices.
- Implementing tools that allow us to continually measure the progress of our individual properties and support their commitment to preserving the environment through the Destination Earth program.
Destination Hotels & Resorts recognizes that our customers, owners and associates all benefit from and desire a healthy, sustainable environment. As we continue on the journey of environmental stewardship, we are committed to maintaining the superior guest experience that our customers expect, while reducing our impact on the earth's natural resources.
Property Initiatives
Eco-Friendly Golf Courses
The golf courses at Sunriver (Crosswater Golf Club), Resort at Squaw Creek, and Stowe Mountain Lodge (Stowe Mountain Club) have all Signature Sanctuary Certification from Audubon International, a non-profit environmental organization headquartered in New York State. This certification recognizes that the golf course has been successfully designed, constructed, and managed with a comprehensive approach to environmental protection.
Stowe Mountain Lodge
Stowe, VT
Eco-Friendly Furniture
Stowe Mountain Lodge has commissioned furniture and artwork for the hotel from Vermont-based artisans who use organic materials and environmentally-friendly practices. For example, artistic woodworker Parker Nichols has salvaged trees that have succumbed to time from local forests near his Marshfield studio to create a host stand and tables for the lodge’s restaurant, and select pieces for the spa.
Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center
Florham Park, NJ
Transportation
Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center has been recognized by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) as one of New Jersey's “NJ Smart Workplaces and Best Workplaces for Commuters.? Hamilton Park partnered with NJDOT to secure van pick-up and drop-off for staff commuting by train. Over 30% of the hotel's 240 employees participate in the program. This encourages employees to use public transportation, therefore reducing carbon emissions that would have been the result of all employees driving to work in separate vehicles.
Tarrytown House Estate and Conference Center
Tarrytown, NY
Culinary
Rather than disposing waste cooking oil through the typical commercial practice of using industrial carting companies, Tarrytown House is working with a local co-op which converts their oil to bio-diesel for community use.
The Shores Resort & Spa
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
Green Certification
The Shores Resort & Spa has been recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a “Palm One? member of the The Florida Green Lodging Program (FGLP). This program has been initiated to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources, and requires outstanding efforts in the areas of communication, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and clean air practices.
