DENVER—Xanterra Parks & Resorts has received a Lodging Sustainability Award. The award was announced at the Lodging Magazine Green + Sustainability Conference + Expo in Las Vegas.
A global hospitality company known for its environmental innovations in national and state parks, resorts and other destinations, Xanterra has been long recognized as a visionary in environmental innovation and for its commitment to a softer footprint in those natural places.
Sponsored by Lodging magazine, the Lodging Sustainability Awards “recognize the contribution of individuals, groups and corporate entities who exemplify the meaning of sustainability in the hotel industry,” Lodging magazine says. “The winners stand as role models whose work embodies the industry’s efforts to be strong advocates for corporate social responsibility in doing what’s best for both the environment and for the business while also appealing to the ecologically friendly traveler.” Xanterra won the award in the “Special Entity of the Year” category.
“On behalf of the many people throughout our company who develop innovative ideas and work so hard to bring them to fruition, I would like to say that we are truly honored,” said Catherine Greener, Vice President of Sustainability for Xanterra. “Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our company and is a major part of our core values.”
Xanterra’s vision of a softer footprint is based upon four pillars that support the execution of its operations:
• Use all resources efficiently and effectively;
• Strive for zero waste;
• Build and operate sustainably; and
• Provide guests with sustainable choices.
More Than a Century of Service
For more than 130 years, Xanterra has operated lodging, restaurants and other facilities in the country’s national parks. The company believes it is its responsibility as a partner of the National Park Service (NPS) to help protect and steward these places.
Climate change and its impacts are a significant priority for the NPS and Xanterra’s guests. As host to nearly 20 million visitors annually, Xanterra has a unique opportunity to demonstrate responsible sustainable business and encourage guests to take these practices home to continue the journey.
With travel experiences on land, sea and rails, Xanterra uses outside-the-box thinking to implement new and innovative programs.
Xanterra communicates these programs in a variety of ways including a series of printed posters with details about sustainability programs in each location and in some cases tips for how guests can be sustainable at home. These popular pieces have been attractively designed, and guests are encouraged to take them home as souvenirs. They also provide a practical way to quickly and effectively educate guests about Xanterra’s sustainability efforts.
Other examples of successful sustainability programs include:
• In 2004, Xanterra became one of the initial signatory members and the only concessioner to commit to the goals of the World Wildlife Fund Climate Savers program and most recently to sign the Climate Declaration.
• Xanterra was the first U.S. hospitality company to track and report all natural resource usage and waste generation through a computerized system.
• The “Shrivelly Apple” program at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon has diverted more than 25,000 pounds of food waste from the landfill directly to the mules.
• Xanterra is a member of “Protect the Flows,” a coalition of 900 businesses dedicated to promoting innovative water policy to ensure the survival of the Colorado River. Since 2000, Xanterra has saved 7.5 billion gallons of water, or more than a gallon of water for every single person on the planet.
• Zion Lodge received “Top Product of the Year, Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards” for developing a water-cooled system for walk-in refrigeration units in its Red Rock Grill kitchen. The system has resulted in approximately 1 million gallons of water savings annually.
• Grand Canyon Railway converted its steam locomotive from diesel fuel to 100 percent recycled waste vegetable oil from Grand Canyon restaurants to power its steam locomotives. Additionally, rain water and snow melt are harvested for reuse in steam operations.
• Xanterra’s four golf course operations have achieved Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification.
Go to Xanterra.
