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 for companies that practice both green initiatives and offer green products or services.

GREEN AWARD WINNER
Orange Tree Golf Resort won in the Green category for installing a solar water heating system, which dramatically reduces natural gas emissions, for use in their on-site laundry and housekeeping area as well as for 20 guest rooms. It is estimated that the resort will decrease their associated natural gas bill by 50 percent and eliminate approximately 100 tons of carbon emissions annually. In six months, the company hopes to expand this green practice to all guest rooms.

GREENER AWARD WINNER
The Greener award was given to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch for its ongoing improvement of green practices. The resort’s most recent sustainable projects include a 12,000-square-foot solar hot water system and the installation of a “cool roof” system. Thus far, the Hyatt has achieved proven results from the solar hot water system of up to a 41 percent reduction of natural gas within a given month. They are now serving as a model for other Hyatt properties.

GREENEST AWARD WINNERS
Two leading companies were recognized with the Greenest award – the Desert Botanical Garden and O’Neil Printing. The Desert Botanical Garden implemented a wide array of recycling and waste reduction programs not only to reduce their waste but also to help educate the public and act as a voice in the community. The Garden’s composting of green waste is eliminating around 180 tons of waste from a landfill annually. In addition, they offer numerous programs and classes to the public, an increasing number of which relate to sustainability.

O’Neil Printing strives to maintain an eco-friendly environment within the workplace and helps clients decrease their carbon footprint by providing eco-sustainable products and coaching clients toward greener options. According to an O’Neil recycling partner, in the second quarter of 2009 alone, O’Neil’s recycling program saved 2,157 trees, nearly 900 thousand gallons of water, almost 50 thousand gallons of fuel, over one-half million kilowatt hours of electricity and almost 400 cubic yards of landfill space.

“The Scottsdale bureau is proud to recognize these companies working to preserve our environment,” said Vice President of Marketing Lauren Simons. “The Green by Design Award winners have shown their dedication to enriching our community and protecting our future.”

A total of 14 companies submitted for the Green by Design Awards, including: Bio Waste Systems for Food Waste Separation and Collection, Dixon Golf, Enterprise Technology Services, Grayhawk Golf Club, i-o Data Centers, John’s Refrigeration, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, PlanetEarthPromotions.com, Thunderbird Artists and Symfonic Marketing.

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As part of the Scottsdale bureau’s green programming, the Green by Design Awards recognize companies that exhibit outstanding green practices. Companies can nominate their business or another local company for the efforts they have made to become more environmentally friendly.

Awards will be presented in three categories:

1. Green: For the creation of green projects, programs or campaigns
2. Greener: For the improvement of pre-existing green projects, programs or campaigns
3. Greenest: For businesses that have both green business practices and offer green products or services

In all categories, entrants must demonstrate their effort to help preserve the environment or reduce their carbon footprint. This may include, but is not limited to: waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, green meetings, or a green product or service for consumers.

“The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is challenging local companies to do their part and utilize sustainable practices,” said Rachel Sacco, president and CEO at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We want to recognize those who are dedicated to maintaining the vibrancy of our destination, which is critical to our future.”

Visit www.ScottsdaleGreenbyDesign.com to download a nomination form (on the Green Community Resources page). Applications are due Sept. 1 and awards will be presented during a Scottsdale bureau event in the fall.

Winners of the Scottsdale Green by Design Awards will receive special public recognition by the Scottsdale bureau commemorating their efforts, as well as recognition on the Scottsdale Green by Design Web site, in a Scottsdale bureau quarterly e-mail blast to 100,000 leisure visitors, and in the bureau’s monthly “Spotlight on Scottsdale” tourism section in The Arizona Republic.

Last year’s awards were given to Hotel Valley Ho in the Green category, Fairmont Scottsdale in the Greener category and Edwards Design Group in the Greenest category.

Along with its Green by Design Awards, the Scottsdale bureau’s green efforts include working to promote the city’s sustainable offerings at the Green Build International Conference and Expo in November. To correlate with the conference, the bureau, along with the City of Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Downtown Group, is working on a special Green Street Scottsdale event to showcase sustainable ventures and provide conference attendees an opportunity to experience downtown Scottsdale. The event will include the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk, live music, artist demonstrations and exhibitions.

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