News for the Hospitality Executive |
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:
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
About Green Seal
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. |
Contact:
P. LeJane Carson
Ken Ellens
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Also See: | Hilton Portland & Executive Tower Details Process to Earn Green Seal Lodging Certification / April 2007 |