The Green Key Eco-Rating Program has awarded 12 MGM Resorts International properties a Green Key designation for "green" business operations, the first resorts to receive the ranking in Nevada and Michigan. A joint partnership in the United States between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Green Key's ranking, certification and auditing program rates from one to five (five being the highest), based on hotels' sustainability efforts. With more than 1,400 hotel members listed on www.greenkeyglobal.com, Green Key's rankings are recognized by travel services, including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia.
Topping the 12 at Five Keys were ARIA and Vdara at CityCenter, which were also awarded the LEED Gold Certification for sustainable design and construction by the U.S. Green Building Council. Following at Four Keys were Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York and MGM Grand Detroit, as Circus Circus Las Vegas earned Three Keys.
MGM Resorts' philosophy of "Conserve Today, Protect Tomorrow" focuses on five goals, including natural resources conservation, sustainable construction and renovation, waste management, sustainable procurement, and communication and education. Diverting 20,000 tons of material diverted from landfills, MGM's changes including having retrofitted lighting with energy-saving fixtures, implemented Variable Frequency Drives, upgraded boilers to more efficient models, landscaped with drought-tolerant plants and installed low-flow plumbing fixtures, which save water. ARIA and Vdara's efforts include their use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for guest limosines and organic food on restaurant menus.
Following Green Key's audit, the property receives a Key rating and a performance report, including recommedations, practice recognition and potential to improve and save.
Visit www.greenkeyglobal.com.