Local companies receive Scottsdale Green by Design Awards
The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau revealed the winners of the Green by Design Awards at its Quarterly Update Meeting on Oct. 14 as part of its sustainability initiatives. The Hotel Valley Ho, Fairmont Scottsdale, and Edwards Design Group were recognized for exhibiting outstanding sustainability practices.
The Scottsdale bureau acknowledged participants in three categories: Green, Greener and Greenest. The Green category recognizes businesses that created green projects, programs or campaigns, while the Greener designation is awarded for improvements on pre-existing efforts. The Greenest category is designated to companies that have both green practices and offer green products or services.
GREEN AWARD
Hotel Valley Ho won in the Green category for its creation of a recycling program, and other environmentally friendly and energy efficient practices. The hotel started its recycling program in 2006, and is now the largest recycler in downtown Scottsdale, recycling approximately 4,500 pounds of material per week. The Hotel Valley Ho also uses green-certified cleaning products, non-toxic cleaning fluid for dry-cleaning services and dual pane glass windows. The Orange Tree Golf Resort was recognized as a finalist in this category for its green committee that worked on three main goals: to reduce non-recyclable waste, reduce water usage and implement a recycling program on property.
GREENER AWARD
The Greener award was given to the Fairmont Scottsdale for its ongoing improvement of green practices. The hotel has been committed to improving its impact on the environment for more than 25 years and continues to develop sustainability programs such as its green partnership with AZ BioDiesel. This collaboration allows the Fairmont to save 100,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere by converting its kitchen grease to biodiesel. The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa was named the Greener finalist for its organic foods, spa treatments and retail offerings, as well as its water conservation efforts.
GREENEST AWARD
The highest award was given to Edwards Design Group, an Arizona-based custom home design firm, for its dedication to providing quality, sustainable homes. For the past 30 years, the builders have specialized in building energy efficient homes made with non-toxic, recycled and locally produced materials. Dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of sustainability, co-owner Kevin Edwards serves on the City of Scottsdale Green Building Advisory Committee and co-chairs the city’s Green Building Lecture series. Bio Green Planet was recognized as the finalist in this category for its specially formulated solution that helps restaurants safely clean grease traps instead of sending grease to landfills.
More than 15 companies submitted for the Green by Design Awards, including: CityCenter of CityNorth, Electric Bike Company, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Bio-Green Planet, EcoCab, EcoFresh, FireSky Resort & Spa, Organic Dry Cleaners, Rave FabriCARE Master Cleaners, Take A Hike Arizona, and the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:38 am
To whom it may concern:
My name is Jim Mizera, owner of N Scottsdale’s only GREEN drycleaner. We use silicone vs petroleum (which virtually all others use even though they call themselves Green). Who can I speak with to be recognized by your organization??
June 18th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hello my name is Brad Keeling owner of OrganiCare Fine Dry Cleaning & Laundry. Rave FabriCare and OrganiCare Dry Cleaners are the only real green garment cleaning facilities in Arizona. OrganiCare is the first dry cleaners to become carbon neutral in Arizona. OrganiCare uses Wet Cleaning technology recommended by Green Peace, and hydrocarbon technology to clean dry clean only garments.
June 19th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Jim & Brad, the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau will be hosting its 2nd Annual Green by Design Awards program this year. Check http://www.ScottsdaleGreenbyDesign.com in early July for an application if you are interested in applying. Thank you for everything you are doing to help Arizona become more sustainable.
January 28th, 2010 at 1:03 am
Do you really think this is true?