Warrenton, VA., August 30, 2004 - Airlie Foundation and Conference
Center's position as a regional leader in environmental commitment was
underscored today with the announcement that Airlie has been awarded the
coveted "Green Seal" certification from the internationally recognized
organization of the same name-one of only 40 facilities nationwide to receive
this designation.
| Green Seal is a private, not for
profit organization that distinguishes products and services which demonstrate
a commitment to the environment and adhere to the Organization's rigorous
guidelines for waste management, water conservation and energy efficiency.
Airlie was introduced to Green Seal through a partner in its Greening the
Lodging Industry Program, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ).
Airlie Foundation President Kimberly Head noted the Green |
Airlie Center
6809 Airlie Road
Warrenton, Virginia |
Seal certification is the third recent environmental award received by
Airlie in recognition of its sustainable business practices and environmental
initiatives. Airlie has been a member of the DEQ's Environmental Lodging
Program since 2001 and received their Environmental Excellence award in
2003. This February Airlie was the first conference center in Virginia
to attain the DEQ's highest ranking, the Exemplary Environmental Excellence
"E3" award. To date the Center is the only lodging property in Virginia
to hold both DEQ and Green Seal certification.
Airlie has been working with DEQ and Green Seal for nearly two years
to reach a level of environmental responsibility that Head says significantly
exceeds what private and government certification programs require.
"For over 40 years Airlie has been known as the 'natural place to meet';
sustainability continues to be an ongoing focus of the Conference Center's
mission and is increasingly essential in today's world". Airlie's environmental
initiatives include the following:
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Company Environmental Policy
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Green Procurement Policy
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Green Team
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Environmental training for all staff
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Use of recycled content paper products
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Recycling Program
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Compost Program
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Organic Culinary Garden
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Integrated pest management
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Use of non toxic paints, cleaning products and detergents
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Linen and towel reuse program
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Energy efficient compact fluorescent & LED lighting throughout the
property
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Organic grounds keeping and nature preserve on the property
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Emphasis on nature based recreational activities
Airlie General Manager Kevin Carter says the list continues to grow.
"Two current projects include installing a green house to extend the season
of the organic culinary garden and introducing electronic registration
on Airlie's website to reduce paper waste." As the 2nd largest employer
in Fauquier County, and part of an economic sector that is the largest
in the nation, Airlie is proud to be setting an example. Carter credits
the Center's environmental performance in large part to its staff and a
zealous Board of Directors. "Education is essential; they (staff)
understand that every bottle recycled, is one less bottle in the land fill...that
every effort makes a difference."
Airlie plans to celebrate its recent Green Seal status with a good old
fashioned staff picnic (complete with green cake and cookies). After that
it's back to bi-monthly green team meetings and new ideas to keep greening
Airlie. |
