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Benchmark's Eaglewood Resort & Spa Achieves the Green Seal�
Silver Certification for Environmental Initiatives

 
ITASCA, Ill. (Jan. 26, 2010) - Eaglewood Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Hospitality International property, has achieved the Green Seal� certification (GS-33 Lodging Properties (2008) - Silver), it was recently announced by Charles Reece, general manager for the property.  The Four Diamond award-winning resort is just one of only 40 throughout the country (see list) to have earned this prestigious distinction.  Green Seal is a 20-year-old, independent, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable world. Green Seal created a rigorous, science-based environmental standard for the industry, which includes nearly three dozen environmentally responsible criteria for lodging properties. 

�We believe that protecting the environment is of great importance and one that we, as hoteliers, can most definitely impact,� said Mr. Reece.  �We are pleased to take a leadership role in helping to create a sustainable tourism product for our next generation of guests and beyond.�

The resort spent the last two years preparing for the Green Seal requirements.  As part of the certification process, the property underwent an extensive operations audit fulfilling difficult and detailed requirements in all areas of the resort.  Eaglewood�s certification team was led by John Lee, chief engineer, Tom Wessberg, director of food & beverage, Mara Xenos, director conference services, and Kelly Gasspari, spa manager. 

The Green Seal Designation is aligned with Benchmark Hospitality International�s system-wide sustainability initiative called Benchmark Evergreen.  �Going green is not only environmentally responsible, but is fiscally sound, as well,� said Reece.  �It is our hope that others in the industry will follow suit.� 

In fact, Eaglewood estimates that through its recycling efforts accomplished in Q2 and Q3 of 2009 alone, it saved:  33.6 tons of cardboard/paper; 126 yards of landfill space; 573 trees; 235,970 gallons of water; and 809 gallons of gasoline, for starters.  . 

Other aspects of the process included: 

  • Waste Minimization, Recycling and Reuse - Recycling bins are available in all public areas, guest rooms and employee areas. When possible, Eaglewood and its culinary staff collaborate with local waste specialists to compost food waste and donate unused food items to local charities.
  • Energy Efficiency - Energy-efficient bulbs, highly efficient heating and ventilation equipment, and Energy Star appliances are used throughout the property. 
  • Management of Fresh Water Resources - Water conservation programs include guest linen recycling; laundry facilities that recycle most of the consumed water; low-flow showers, toilets, and faucets. 
  • Environmentally and Socially Sensitive Purchasing - Eaglewood�s purchasing partners are held accountable to ensure that every item ordered is environmentally sensitive. All paper products are post-consumer recycled, dishwashing and laundry detergents are biodegradable, and paint is low VOC.
About Eaglewood Resort & Spa
The Eaglewood Resort & Spa is located at 1401 Nordic Rd., in Itasca, Ill.  An upscale resort operated by Benchmark Hospitality International, the property features 295 spacious guest rooms and suites, a selection of fine & casual dining options; first-class recreation including an 18-hole championship golf course; as well as 38,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space and a complete health spa.  The Eaglewood is conveniently located on 106 acres in northwest Chicagoland, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and 12 miles west of O�Hare International Airport. For more information or to make reservations, call 630-773-1400, or toll free at 877-285-6150 or visit the website at www.eaglewoodresort.com

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. 

About Green Seal
Founded in 1989, Green Seal provides science-based environmental certification standards that are credible, transparent and essential in an increasingly educated and competitive marketplace. Its industry knowledge and standards help manufacturers, purchasers, and end-users make responsible choices that positively impact business behavior and improve quality of life.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Green Seal issued its first environmental standards in 1991-2, and the first product certifications were completed in 1992. Thousands of products and services from major companies have now been certified to meet Green Seal standards, and the number of major product categories covered by standards has increased to more than 40. Green Seal may be found online at www.greenseal.org.

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Contact: 

P. LeJane Carson
Carson Stoga Communications
847.884.0000

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications 
201-758-2864  /  [email protected]
 

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Also See: Hilton Portland & Executive Tower Details Process to Earn Green Seal Lodging Certification / April 2007
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