PARSIPPANY, NJ--(Marketwired - Apr 10, 2013) - RCI ® , the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (
"We had many wonderful applicants for the second annual RCI Green Awards, which collectively demonstrates the key role the hospitality industry can play in protecting and having a positive impact on our environment," said Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI. "These resort developers go above and beyond to incorporate sustainability efforts into their day-to-day operations, and we are proud to name them as RCI's 2013 Green Award winners."
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort won the Platinum RCI Green Award for its substantial environmental efforts, a step up from last year when this resort won the Gold RCI Green Award. From employee green trainings and weekly beach clean ups, to offering public transportation and using environmentally friendly green supplies, Grand Pacific Resorts exemplifies green practices. The resort staff's green achievements include the reduction of gas usage per occupied room from 11.07 therms to .83 therms from 2011 to 2012. The resort also recycled over 200 tons of materials last year alone.
The Gold RCI Green Award winner, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort , implemented a linen/towel exchange program, installed water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads and toilets in guest bathrooms, uses green cleaning supplies and promotes the use of public transportation to both employees and guests.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa won the Silver RCI Green Award for its sizeable recycling program and paper conservation initiatives, its installation of motion detectors and energy-efficient light bulbs and its use of plants native to the local area in landscaping.
This year, RCI worked with Green Key Global, a leader in eco-certification, to assess and rate all resort applicants. The results of the Green Key Eco-Rating program assessments determined the winners of this year's RCI Green awards.
As an additional benefit, all resort applicants received Green Key certification, earning one through five keys to reflect the extent of their sustainability efforts. The comprehensive Green Key Eco-Rating Program covers both operational areas and sustainable practices, which include energy conservation, indoor air quality, land use and much more.
Green Key certification has several benefits for affiliated resorts, including: personalized reports and recommendations on cost-saving measures; exclusive marketing collateral such as a branded plaque and the use of Green Key logos on resort collateral; and eco-recognition through other major brands such as Travelocity, Expedia and AAA.
For more information and details on the RCI Green Awards, visit www.RCIaffiliates.com .
About RCI
RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through RCI ® Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points ® , the industry's first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its approximately 3.7 million RCI subscribing members each year. RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (
About Green Key Global Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification body offering a suite of programs and resources designed specifically for the lodging industry. For more than 15 years its flagship program, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program , has been evaluating and certifying properties in North America and beyond on the scope of their sustainable initiatives. In support of this, Green Key simultaneously educates members on the value these initiatives have on an environmental, social and economic level. The Green Key Eco-Rating Program allows participants to benefit on several fronts -- cost savings, increased bookings from environmentally conscious consumers and meeting planners and responsible corporate citizenry. In the United States Green Key is a joint partnership between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.
Media Contacts: Steve Alessandrini (973) 753-8278 Steven.Alessandrini@rci.com Catherine Reynolds (973) 753-4662 Catherine.Reynolds@rci.com
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