“It is our goal to be responsible stewards of our environment for our own sake, and to address the concerns of our guests and our meeting planners by having a comprehensive Green Meeting plan to guide us.”

Minimize/reduce the use of Electrical Power and Natural Gas

• Follow the directives included in the Global Hyatt Conservation Initiative
• Work lights have been installed so that full lighting is not used when meetings are not in session
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs to decrease energy consumption
• Service corridor lighting has been minimized keeping safety in mind
• Storeroom lighting has been minimized during business hours and lights are turned off when not necessary
• Customers are encouraged to use LED specialty lighting packages that use less electrical power but still provide visual impact.
• Minimize the need to wash linens by using decorative tables for buffets and stations
• Minimize the need to wash linens by using dark tone fitted meeting cloths
• Minimize the power needed to clean bed linens through our “Conserve” program
• Ozone Solutions Cold Water Wash uses less electricity and gas than traditional washing processes

Minimize/reduce the use of water

• Minimize the need to wash linens by using decorative tables for buffets and stations
• Minimize the cleaning bed linens through our “Conserve” program
• Ozone Solutions Cold Water Wash uses less water than traditional washing processes.
• Minimize the need to wash linens by using dark tone fitted meeting cloths
• Scrutinize the efficiency of the Stewarding operation to ensure that water is not being wasted in the dish handling process

Minimize/reduce the amount of Solid Waste including recyclable Paper, Glass, Aluminum and Plastic

• Implement a comprehensive recycling program for paper, cardboard, glass and plastic (In place by 1/01/08)
• Install decorative recycling receptacles in public space and encourage staff and guests to use them (In place by 1/01/08)
• Eliminate the need for disposable plastic for events on the pool deck by purchasing washable alternatives (In place by 1/01/08)
• Offer meeting customers the option of providing their attendees non-disposable imprinted metal coffee mugs
• Use only china mugs on coffee breaks – offer disposable cups only on request
• Offer bulk water service for group breaks
• Offer bulk dispensers for sugar, salt, pepper, cream and other condiments
• Utilize food products in bulk instead of those in portion control packaging, such as cream, sugar, salt, pepper and condiments
• Provide electric hand dryers or offer the use of cloth towels in restrooms along with paper towels (In place by 7/01/08)
• Offer cocktail napkins with beverage service at bars rather than doing it automatically
• Offer an “opt out” for newspaper deliveries to guest rooms

Minimize/reduce the amount of food waste or re-use remaining products

• Scrutinize food production methods that ensure adequate quantities for events and minimizing overproduction
• Follow guidelines for food recovery using appropriate food safety procedures
• Coordinate food donations with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Minimize/reduce the harmful emissions into the atmosphere

• Encourage the use of hotel facilities minimizing the need for mass transportation
• Scrutinize and mitigate the potentially harmful effects of burning candles for events
• Scrutinize and mitigate the potentially harmful effects of the use of heating sources for events
• Find local sources for organic food products

Minimize/reduce the amount of Toxic Chemicals into the Environment

• Source environmentally friendly chemicals for use in cleaning our facility and the equipment we use.
• Source printing companies that use vegetable/soy based ink instead of petroleum products
• Require that interior landscaping workers source environmentally friendly fertilizers and chemicals for treating plants inside the building
• Minimize the use of chemicals needed to clean bed linens through our “Conserve” program
• Ozone Solutions Cold Water Wash uses less detergent than traditional washing processes

Several of these endeavors are ongoing and require more time before they can be fully implemented. It is our goal to have all elements in place and staff fully trained during 2008.