[OKC] FW: Norman Hotel and Conference Center Earns First ECO Platinum Certification

[Shauna Lawyer Struby]

  _____  


Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department

News Release

May 26th, 2010

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Lindsay Vidrine

Phone:   405-230-8414

Email:   Lindsay at TravelOK.com

 

Norman Hotel and Conference Center Earns 

First ECO Platinum Certification

National Center for Employee Development Is Most Sustainable Facility in
State

 

            Oklahoma's largest hotel and conference center has become the
first property to earn the highest sustainable travel certification offered
by ECO - Encouraging Conservation in Oklahoma - the state's premiere
sustainable travel program.

 

The National Center for Employee Development, located off State Highway 9 in
Norman, earned the Platinum Travel Standard certification by meeting set
criteria and implementing sustainability programs. 

 

Hardy Watkins, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department executive director,
said the NCED is a good sustainability practices model for all conference
centers.

            

"Since NCED is the largest conference facility in the state, its
environmental impact is significant," Watkins said. "By implementing
sustainability programs and joining ECO in our conservation efforts, NCED is
not only helping Oklahoma reduce its carbon footprint, but is also providing
a benchmark that other large conference centers around the nation should
seek to meet."

 

NCED began implementing green programs about seven years ago, said Yves
Badaroux, NCED general manager.

 

"Going green makes perfect business sense, and can be a significant driver
of guest satisfaction, as well as associate engagement," Badaroux said. 

 

Some of the sustainability efforts include using environmentally-friendly
laundry and cleaning products, recycled office supplies, low-VOC paints and
converting the chlorine pool and spas to salt water. In addition, an herb
garden is planted every year, and food scraps are donated to the Little
River Zoo.

 

During a renovation in 2009, more than 64 tons of wall vinyl and carpet were
recycled. Between 2008 and 2009, the facility reduced gas consumption by
18.3 percent, and began using glass water bottles, which eliminated the use
of 80,000 plastic bottles a year.

 

            Since 2009, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and
Department of Environmental Quality's ECO Certification program has
promoted, developed and encouraged sustainable tourism throughout the state.
ECO Certification requires applicants to meet set criteria and be reviewed
by a national certification board. A certification level of silver, gold or
platinum can be awarded, based on the level of sustainable practices the
applicant chooses to implement. 

 

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is working to advance
the exceptional quality of life in Oklahoma by preserving, maintaining, and
promoting our natural assets and cultural richness. The department is the
steward of the state park system and also promotes Oklahoma as a travel
destination through many award-winning programs. To learn more about
Oklahoma Tourism visit  <http://www.TravelOK.com> www.TravelOK.com or follow
us at  <http://www.Facebook.com/TravelOK> www.Facebook.com/TravelOK or
<http://www.Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism> www.Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism.

 

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