Disney Meetings: Environmentality Efforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Background
Walt Disney’s passion for the environment and nature built the foundation for the company’s commitment that continues to this day. It actually started over 50 years ago with the introduction of Disney’s True Life Adventure Series.
At Disney Parks and Resorts (including Walt Disney World Resort) conservation is part of the company’s drive to deliver unparalleled excellence—inspire Cast Members and guests to conserve and take action and champion wise use of resources. Walt Disney World Resort is a place where a sense of environmental leadership is a way of life.
As a company, Disney refers to the preservation of natural resources and the environment as “Environmentality.” It represents the commitment and attitude to do what is right for the environment and business. As it relates to Disney Meetings, environmentality efforts are supported through several key areas:
Energy and water conservation
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has designated nine resorts at Walt Disney World as Florida Certified Green Lodges, including three convention hotels: Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.* There are currently 36 designated hotels in the state of Florida.
This certification is given to hotels that conserve energy, water and natural resources, specifically the innovative and expansive conservation practices, including improved indoor air quality through proper air conditioning maintenance, low-flow shower heads in guest rooms, energy-efficient appliances, recycling programs and employee training.
Walt Disney World promotes actively promotes conservation at its resorts by providing recycling bins in every guest room. In addition, over five million room key cards are recycled each year.
In the convention centers, there are automatic lights and CO2 sensors, which regulate the air conditioning and overall energy usage. In fact, when the conference rooms are being set up and broken down, the light levels are kept low to conserve power. In-house recycling is also available for groups upon request, where we will provide containers for paper, bottles and cans.
One of the simplest ways for groups to conserve energy at their events is to host them outside (when weather permits).
Food & Beverage/Catering
The Disney Harvest program collects food which is prepared and not served from its restaurants and convention centers and distributes nearly 50,000 pounds of food to the Second Harvest Food Bank each month.
Being a conservation advocate starts with the considering the materials and products that are purchased and how they effect the environment. Representatives from purchasing, food and beverage and animal programs work together to source sustainable foods and implement wise purchasing practices and menu creation. For example, to insure that ocean’s fisheries continue to flourish, the Disney “Culinary Conservation Committee” was formed.
The cooking oil used at Walt Disney World is recycled into biofuel, which is used by local companies.
Walt Disney World Florist
The majority of props, vases and containers used by the WDW Floral team for events are made from reusable glass and plastic.
For weddings, the flowers displayed at the ceremonies are transported to the reception, which is both an environmentally (and economically) friendly practice.
Floral boxes are recycled each day, including the ones in which flowers are delivered by vendors and the bouquet boxes used for wedding arrangements. Because floral boxes are just the right size and sturdiness, they are also used to transport napkin wraps for events.
Rose stems are saved and then used for handle on bouquets
In partnership with the Walt Disney World Horticulture team, greens found through the resort are used in floral arrangements.
Over 70% of the floral vendors have received the "VeriFlora" seal of approval, which certifies that the flowers have been grown without harmful chemicals (out of respect for workers’ rights.)
Walt Disney World—Energy Conservation
There is a concentrated focus on monitoring energy and water use throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. When the program first began, there was enough energy saved to operate Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park for its first year.
Every day, 10 million gallons of water is reclaimed and used in irrigation systems.
Because of its extensive efforts, WDW has received the EPA’s “Energy Star Partner” designation.
Recycling is a major part of waste management and more than 18,000 tons of materials are recycled every year.
Wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation
As Walt Disney World was being built, Walt Disney set aside more than one-third of the planned resort/theme park property (10,000 acres) as dedicated wildlife conservation habitat.
The foundation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is focused on the educating guests on the importance of conservation and preserving nature. As part of those efforts, Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund enables guests and Cast Members to contribute to the protection of endangered species worldwide through over 450 organizations. Over $8.5 million has been awarded through the fund since it was founded in 1998.
