DENVER, November 4, 2003 - Xanterra Parks and Resorts has received ISO 14001 certification of its Environmental Management System for its lodging, food services and retail operations in Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon (North Rim) National Parks. 

ISO 14001 is an international Environmental Management System (EMS) standard published in 1996 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The goal of ISO 14001 is to support environmental protection and pollution prevention through the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives in a rigorous management framework.  While currently widespread in Europe and Japan, the certification is relatively new in the U.S.

"This certification is a clear reflection of Xanterra's ongoing environmental initiatives and strong management commitment to the environment in these parks," said Chris Lane, director of environmental affairs for Xanterra Parks & Resorts. "It has long been our policy to go beyond mere compliance with environmental laws by setting higher standards of performance for ourselves. ISO 14001 certification is not easy to achieve and this certification places us in the company of a very small group of the world's most environmentally focused organizations. Few hospitality companies have been able to achieve this recognition."

Lane noted Xanterra must continually improve its environmental performance to maintain certification. Annual surveillance audits by a third-party registrar ensure that the EMS is maintained and properly implemented.

Some of the highlights from the three parks' 2003 program include:

• A perfect compliance record with all environmental regulations.
• The establishment of specific environmental responsibilities for each employee and employee involvement at monthly employee "Green Team" meetings.
• The use of bio-friendly soaps and cleaners in refillable and bulk containers.
• The conservation of more than nine million gallons of water at Zion Lodge.
• Energy-saving compact fluorescent retrofits in 75 percent of the buildings the company operates.
• The extensive use of electric carts instead of gas-powered vehicles.
• A comprehensive recycling program at Zion Lodge.
• The serving of only sustainably harvested seafood and shade-grown, organic coffee in its dining rooms. 

The company received the 2002 Environmental Achievement Award from the Region 9 Office of the Environmental Protection Agency in recognition of its advocacy efforts in national parks. Xanterra also received consecutive Department of Interior Environmental Achievement Awards in 2001 and 2002 and the 2001 Travel Industry Association's Odyssey Award in the "Environment" category. It was the only national park concessioner and one of only 13 winners in the country to receive the DOI award in 2001.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra is the country's largest national park concessioner. The company operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National Park, the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Death Valley National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and eight Ohio State Parks.