Marriott Vacation Club Resorts in Hawaii Achieve High Ranking Green Certification
Honolulu, Hawaii, August 8, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Four of Marriott Vacation Club’s resorts in the state of Hawaii recently achieved high rankings in Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program. Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club on Oahu and Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club on Maui both achieved Platinum Certification, and Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club and Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons–Kalanipu’u, both on Kauai, achieved Gold Certification.
The environmental highlights of the four properties include recycling, use of energy efficient lighting and Energy Star appliances, and window coverings that reduce solar heat gain. The two Platinum Certified properties also have implemented an Energy Management System that monitors all aspects of the buildings’ heating and cooling systems including the ability to adjust thermostats for energy savings when rooms are unoccupied.
“It is clear that the Marriott Vacation Club properties in Hawaii take the responsibility of protecting the natural environment very seriously,” said Fred Realbuto, Chief of Operations at Audubon International. “For instance, each of the properties employs its own landscaping staff. As one walks the grounds of these properties, it becomes abundantly clear that there is pride of ownership in the selection and placement of each plant and tree.”
These four Marriott Vacation Club resorts are the first resorts in Hawaii and among 63 in the world to be designated by Audubon International as Certified Green Lodging Properties. Certified properties are rated in the categories of Communication and Education; Waste Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling; Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Indoor Air Quality. To earn certification, all properties receive a site visit by an Audubon International staff member and undergo a recertification process every three years.
“We are very proud of these environmental achievements and recognition by Audubon International at our resorts in Hawaii ,” said Ed Kinney, vice president, corporate affairs and communications, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation. “For more than 30 years, our Marriott Vacation Club resorts and associates have demonstrated a passionate commitment to the environment. We are constantly seeking new opportunities that support our green initiatives worldwide and value our ongoing relationship with Audubon International.”
About Audubon International: Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. For more information visit our website at www.auduboninternational.org.
About Marriott Vacation Club: Marriott Vacation Club is a global leader in vacation ownership with over 415,000 Owners, a diverse portfolio of 54 resorts and more than 12,000 timeshare villas throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Marriott Vacation Club is a brand of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, the leading global pure-play vacation ownership company. For more information please visit www.marriottvacationclub.com or nightly rentals visit www.marriott.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottVacClub and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marriottvacationclub.