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The Breakers Palm Beach recognized that it could enhance the quality of life for future generations through environmental initiatives, a commitment that put it at the forefront of the luxury-resort industry. The Five Diamond resort subsequently implemented a variety of ecologically-friendly practices, evident in public areas and the guest experience, as well as internally through the impact of its 2,000 associates – to conserve resources and protect the environment. Awarded with the Green Lodging Certification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in September 2006, The Breakers was the first hotel in Palm Beach County to receive the designation for its partnership in this voluntary state initiative.
“The Breakers Palm Beach is a natural fit for the Green Lodging designation, in recognition of our organization’s environmental sensitivity and company-wide innovations,” said President/COO Paul N. Leone. “While we greatly value our past, we are continually in preservation mode – our number one job is to protect for the future. Being environmentally conscious will positively impact the quality of life for our community in the future,” continued Leone.
In August 2008, the resort became the first hotel in Palm Beach County to receive the DEP’s Two Palm Certification for its improvement in three critical areas: electrical consumption, water usage and waste management. Even though the resort is still in the early phases of advancing many of its technological solutions, green practices and community involvement, the following overview summarizes initiatives that are currently in place at the resort. Despite the considerable implementation costs, the long-term benefit for this investment and in the environment has proven to be significant.