Green Key Global, an international certification body evaluating sustainable hotel operations, has awarded the prestigious “5 Green Keys” rating to four MGM Resorts International properties for its Green Key Meetings Program, including Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
“Green Advantage is MGM Resorts International’s platform to ensure that environmentally-conscious decisions are at the forefront of our business operations and facilities,” said Cindy Ortega, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, MGM Resorts International. “We are pleased to have earned the five-key distinction from Green Key Global, validating the significant efforts of our team to build a world-class green-meeting program.”
The four MGM resorts are the first in the U.S. to receive the 5 Green Keys award for meetings and among only six total in North America. The 5 Green Keys designation is awarded to hotels that exemplify the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility in relation to their meetings and convention facilities and practices.
“Now, more than ever, the meeting planners are seeking innovative, sustainable solutions when hosting their events,” said Michael Dominguez, senior vice president of sales, MGM Resorts International. “As this is an integral part of the meeting planner organization’s objectives, we are extremely proud to be a solution-provider meeting environmental expectations while still providing world-class, award-winning service.”
Green Key Meetings assesses eco-friendly resorts and hotels that hold meetings of any size. It is designed to provide travel-, meeting- and conference-planners with a sense of a hotel’s level of commitment to environmental issues. The Green Key eco-rating program has more than 2,850 member hotels.
“As the first U.S. chain to introduce the Green Key Meetings Program to its portfolio, MGM Resorts has demonstrated that practicing environmental stewardship need not affect the quality of an event but can, in fact, enhance its success,” said Tony Pollard, managing director, Green Key Global. “That these four Las Vegas properties have all achieved the highest rating is a testament to their dedication to sustainability within all aspects of their operations.”
Green Key Meetings ranks venues on a level of one to five keys, with five being the highest ranking. Keys are awarded based on how properties handle carbon, energy, water, waste, air quality, communication, administrative activities, people, exhibitions and audio/visual.
MGM Resorts focuses sustainability efforts on natural resources conservation, sustainable construction and renovation, waste management, sustainable supply chain and education and communication.
