Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center Committed to Green and Clean

05/31/2011

SCOTTSDALE RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER COMMITTED

TO GREEN AND CLEAN

The resort aligns with Clean the World to save children worldwide

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – (May 2011) – The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, managed by Benchmark Hospitality International (BHI), announced that it has joined the Clean the World initiative in an effort to provide “gently used” soap to developing nations and domestic homeless shelters. In the first month alone, the resort donated approximately 3,000 bars of soap and 2,500 bottled amenities such as body lotion, shampoos and conditioners to Clean the World.

According to Clean the World, 9,000 children die every day (3.5 million a year) from acute respiratory infections and diarrheal disease caused by unsanitary conditions. Clean the World found a way to recycle millions of bars of soap wasted every year.  (To see a short video and learn more about Clean the World, visit here.)

“This is the latest venture of our resort-wide Green Committee which is charged with ‘doing our part’ to protect the environment and give back to our community and the world,” explains General Manager Brenda Weskamp. The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center is a member of the Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce (the resort’s green profile is available here) and has received its Certified Green compliance from the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association.

The Green Committee has developed and implemented the following green strategies:

• Guest room linen conservation program: purchased new high volume washers with ozone capabilities to conserve both water and energy; installed new energy-efficient ironer in the laundry; green dilution system and housekeeping products in use; gently used linens are donated to the Arizona Humane Society and to Central Arizona Shelter Services.


• EMS system used for meeting rooms, casitas, public areas and offices: installed new energy-efficient multi-zone units for public spaces and meeting areas.


• All guest room commodes are now 1.6 gallon water-saver toilets.


• All guest room glass doors and windows have been replaced with new, energy-efficient products.


• Now recycling motor oil, vegetable oil and kitchen grease.


•  The use of styrofoam has been eliminated throughout the resort.


• Correspondence is transmitted via email as opposed to copying and mailing.


• Copier paper is a 30% recycled product.


• CRT monitors were replaced with LCD monitors.  All PCs and printers have been upgraded with Energy Star compliant products.


• Recycling program is in place for all printer and copier ink cartridges.


• The Conference Services Department recycles all cans and paper from meetings.


• Back-of-the-house paper, cans, plastic and cardboard recycling programs are in place.


• Recycling kiosks are available on meeting room loggias and in pool areas for guest use.


• New energy-efficient televisions and mini-bars were installed in all 326 guest rooms.


• Installed .5gpm aerators and signage in public restrooms to conserve water.


• Installed CFL bulbs and lower wattage fluorescents in all practical applications. Recycling of fluorescent bulbs is underway.


• All future transportation vehicle purchases will be flex fuel or hybrid.

 About the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

Located in the heart of scenic McCormick Ranch, recognized for the splendor of its lakes, greenbelts and golf courses, the 326-room Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center provides convenient access to both the dramatic beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the lively shopping, restaurant, gallery, and club scene of Scottsdale. The resort borders the McCormick Ranch Golf Club offering private golf views from rooms, patios and restaurants.  The Palm Court serves classic American cuisine with Continental service in a casual yet elegant environment. Both the Palm Court and the resort are AAA Four-Diamond Award winners.

About Benchmark Hospitality International

            Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels®.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com. 

# # #

Media Contact:

Sally Cooper, 480-946-9446, sally.cooper@me.com

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

480-991-9000, 800-528-0293, www.thescottsdaleresort.com

Contacts

Sally Cooper
Sally Cooper and Company
sally.cooper@me.com
480.946.9446