| ORANJESTAD, Aruba (Sept. 28, 2004) � Remaining on its �green� path,
La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort & Casino in Aruba has instituted a
variety of sustainable practices in the past year to further reduce its
impact on the environment.
�We recognize the necessity of implementing environmentally-sound practices
in order to protect the precious resource of our island,� said Lou Roelofsen,
La Cabana�s general manager. �Our extremely active and enthusiastic
on-property �Green Team� constantly researches methods so La Cabana can
remain on the cutting-edge of sustainable technologies and minimize its
impact on the environment � as well as save money in the process,� he added.
Recent La Cabana environmental projects include the following:
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Replacement of the 2.2 gallon per minute water-saver aerators with new
1.2 gallon per minute water- saver aerators (75 percent of the hotel rooms
are complete; process on-going)
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Installation of a capacitor bank for each air-conditioner at the Villas
to reduce the electricity consumption by 10 percent on the cooling plant
side
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Use of shower heads with water-saving devices that reduces water flow from
4 gallons per minute to 2.2 gallons per minute without affecting the water
pressure (in all rooms)
-
Installation of electrical photocells to replace the old timer system for
the outside illumination circuit (this eliminates the time-consuming reprogramming
of the controls every time the seasons change; now the system works automatically
with the variations of outside natural light)
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Increased collection of solid waste recycling from 2,800 kg per month to
7,365 kg per month
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Adoption of a primary school (Pastoor Kraanwinkel) to upgrade facilities
inside and out as well as educate children on the importance of preserving
the environment and general safety principles
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Continued support of local environmental organizations, participation in
monthly island clean-ups, and the education of La Cabana employees and
community members on recycling principles and ways to save water and energy
La Cabana continues to serve as an excellent example of a hotel maximizing
the opportunity to save operational costs in the areas of solid waste management,
water reuse and conservation, energy conservation, environmental awareness,
community involvement, and use of sustainable technologies.
Future projects on the agenda include the implementation of a new energy
audit for the entire property in order to develop new strategies; replacement
of reciprocating chillers with a more efficient model; new temperatures
controls in all guest rooms; and implementation of a building automation
system for better management of actual resources (energy, fire alarm, power
monitoring, illumination, etc.).
This past spring, La Cabana achieved the impressive Green Globe 21 Certification,
for the second consecutive year, in recognition of its efforts towards
becoming environmentally friendly. La Cabana is the largest resort
in the Caribbean to be Green Globe certified.
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Situated along Eagle Beach, La Cabana is a complete vacation, recreation
and entertainment complex in a relaxed atmosphere reflecting the ease and
spirit of the Caribbean. The resort encompasses studio, one-bedroom
and Grand suites; a deluxe Health & Fitness Center; three swimming
pools; five tennis courts; the �Club Cabana Nana� children�s program; diverse
dining offering a �culinary trip around the world;� wireless Internet access;
and thrilling action in the Royal Cabana Casino.
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