Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 82 SHERATON DELFINA NAMED SANTA MONICA'S FIRST GREEN-CERTIFIED LUXURY HOTEL Valuable New Programs, From Property-Wide Recycling to Local Organic Foods, Help Sustain Global Environment and Local Economy Sheraton Delfina proudly announces its recent certification by the city of Santa Monica as a Green Business, making crys- tal clear that environmentally responsible living doesn't pre- clude sophistication and style. Boasting high-design interiors by Kelly Wearstler and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the recent- ly renovated Delfina now unites luxury and sustainability to become the first and only full-service luxury hotel to receive the city's certification. The Green Business Certification program, instituted in 2005 by the city of Santa Monica, distributes well-deserved recognition to envi- ronmentally conscious local busi- nesses for ongoing efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. Delfina has implemented numerous new eco-programs, is continually educating staff and guests, and has transformed its signature guest expe- rience into a de facto eco-practice. The property's diligent efforts also align with the official "Second Nature" mission of its management company, Kor Hotel Group. An immeasurable honor and no easy achievement, Green Certification signals Delfina's positive efforts to impact not only the environment, but the awareness and activities of its guests as well. By adopting green practices, the hotel transforms pleas- urable leisure experiences into activities that simultaneously benefit the environment; By alerting guests to newly adopted measures, it provides concrete tips on how guests might them- selves "go green." "We really have a unique opportunity here," said Nicholas Clayton, president of Kor Hotel Group. "Very few businesses have the ability to affect both their own sustainabili- ty and their customers' on such a large scale. It's a unique advantage of the hotel industry that should not be overlooked." In accordance with the Green Business Certification pro- gram, Delfina has implemented an impressive number of prac- tices and programs that target waste and efficiency. Guests can also now enjoy discounted parking for hybrid cars, organic foods purchased from local farmers, and use of a GEM electric vehicle. And in celebration of the accomplishment, guests will receive complimentary passes to the world's only solar-powered Ferris Wheel located at Santa Monica Pier. Noteworthy retrofits that earned the property certification include: Water Efficiency: Replaced sprinklers with 'Rain Bird' drip irrigation system. Energy Efficiency: Replaced water-cooled equipment (e.g. refrigerators) with air-cooled alternatives; Installed advanced PH conductivity controller in cooling tower; Installed compact fluorescent bulbs in all guest rooms. Waste Reduction: Initiated comprehensive recycling pro- grams and guest participation initia- tives. Toxic Chemical Elimination: Integrated pest management strate- gies; Phasing in electrolyzed water- cleaning agent composed of tap water and salt (making Delfina one of the first luxury hotels on the west coast to pioneer the system). Education: Integrated environ- mental awareness into employee meetings. And the list goes on. In a time when environmental resources are in danger, the Sheraton Delfina strives to improve its own green footprint as well as its guests'. ABOUT DELFINA From its impressive setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Santa Monica, the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica offers travelers the welcoming ambiance, contemporary appointments and personalized amenities of an intimate, yet luxurious beachside hotel. Awarded Hospitality Design Magazine's prestigious Creative Achievement in Hotel Design Award, the property elegantly greets guests with a palette of Espresso brown, Tibetan blue and French White throughout its inviting lobby, lounge, penthouse ballroom and 308 guestrooms and suites. A distinctive clubhouse appointed with a dual-sided fireplace sits adjacent to the plunge pool and elegant poolside cabanas. Delfina is conveniently located near all of the city's attractions, including the Santa Monica Beach and Pier, Montana Avenue shopping, and Third Street Promenade. For more information visit sheratonsantamonica.com, call (310) 399-9344, or fax (310) 399-2504.

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