CHICAGO (Oct. 16, 2008) – Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and Hotel Monaco Chicago, the Chicago Kimpton boutique hotels, received Green Seal certification yesterday at a ceremony with Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Department of Environment, becoming three of the first five hotels in Chicago and Illinois to receive this designation. The InterContinental Chicago and Talbott Hotel also received certification.
An independent not-for-profit organization, Green Seal certifies lodging properties meeting stringent environmental requirements in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste water management, and environmentally responsible procurement. Green Seal’s certification process involves review of the hotels’ purchasing records, processes and procedures, as well as an on-site audit of the property. Certification grants the hotel license to use the Green Seal mark for one year, after which the hotel is audited for continued compliance.
“Having our EarthCare initiatives validated by such an important organization like Green Seal acknowledges that we are doing the right things for the environment and our business,” said Nabil Moubayed, general manager of Hotel Monaco and lead for Kimpton Chicago’s EarthCare Committee, a team of five employees who oversee the hotels’ eco practices. “We are extremely proud to be associated with Green Seal and look forward to continually helping raise the bar on environmental consciousness.”
The Chicago Kimpton hotels began their pursuit of Green Seal certification in 2007 as part of the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan and the Green Hotels Initiative, a collaborative effort to secure Green Seal certifications for more hotels in Chicago than any other city in the nation. Since then, Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and Hotel Monaco have enhanced over 40 operating practices under Kimpton’s EarthCare program, which encompasses all eco initiatives at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. These practices were expanded to meet Green Seal standards, further reducing the hotels’ ecological impact and improving sustainability. Such practices include:
Aggressive recycling programs.
Elimination of hazardous chemicals in all paints and cleaning products.
Back-of-house energy efficiencies such as CFL lighting and closet light sensors.
Comprehensive green purchasing policies.
As part of the certification process, Chicago Kimpton hotels have also begun feasibility studies on progressive solutions such as waste composting.
Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and Hotel Monaco Chicago are the first hotels in the Kimpton collection to receive Green Seal certification. Other Kimpton properties are currently working towards certification. Implementation of EarthCare practices has resulted in tremendous savings at each individual hotel and across the company. For example, in 2007, Kimpton’s company-wide paper reduction efforts saved 54,509 pounds of waste from landfills. In-room recycling efforts led to the recycling of 9.5 million pounds of paper products and 3.8 million pounds of plastic, glass and aluminum. The company also converted 51,070 gallons of chemicals to non-toxic cleaners.
About Green Seal
Green Seal is a non-profit organization, founded in 1989, that develops environmental standards and certifies the products and services that meet those standards. The Green Seal on a product or service means that it has gone through a stringent process to reduce its impact on the environment and human health. Green Seal’s mission is to use science-based standards and the power of the marketplace to create a more sustainable world. For more information, please visit www.greenseal.org.
About Hotel Allegro
A star re-born, the hip Hotel Allegro, 171 W. Randolph St., celebrates a dramatic renovation that embraces the rich history of the building, from the 1920s to the 21st century. Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown theater district, the Allegro promises celebrity treatment for all guests. Luxurious accommodations, extraordinary amenities and incomparable service guarantee star treatment from check-in to check-out. Call 312.236.0123 or visit www.allegrochicago.com.
About Hotel Burnham
The Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington St., is one of Chicago’s great architectural jewels. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham as the Reliance Building, this 113-year-old living landmark is the first direct predecessor to Chicago’s modern skyscrapers. The beautifully appointed Burnham combines a passionate architectural style with a flair for contemporary luxury. Call 312.782.1111 or visit www.burnhamhotel.com.
About Hotel Monaco
The Hotel Monaco, 225 N. Wabash Ave., is a AAA Four Diamond Property overlooking the Chicago River and located just steps from the North Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping districts. Originally built in 1912, the Hotel Monaco’s eclectic French-Deco inspired design envelopes visitors in high energy, high design and high style. Call 312.960.8500 or visit www.monaco-chicago.com.
ABOUT KIMPTON
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the first and leading collection of boutique hotels, throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, every Kimpton hotel features personalized guest services, comforting in-room amenities, specialty rooms and suites, and provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through affiliated top-rated destination chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton takes pride in its commitment to social responsibility and leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare programs. Privately held, Kimpton received the highest ranking in customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index for the entire year of 2007, exceeding all other hotel companies, including those in both the luxury and upscale segment. Among the company’s newest properties are the Hotel Monaco Alexandria and Jackson 20 restaurant in Virginia, which opened in January 2008, and the Hotel Palomar Los Angeles in Westwood and the adjacent BLVD 16 restaurant. Additional projects are underway in Florida, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago and Virginia. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Navarro / Office 312-325-7188 / Cell 708-203-6274 / Jennifer.navarro@kimptonhotels.com
Chloe Mata Crane / Office 212-982-8300 / Cell 212-300-7102 / cmcrane@baltzco.com
Marliese Engel Traver / Office 212-982-8300 / 917-459-1452 / mtraver@baltzco.com