California Green Lodging Program Expands, Names Hilton Hotels Corporation Newest Member

Travelers benefit when hotels protect the environment

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. October 14, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA, August 5, 2005. Beyond its outstanding commitment to customer comfort and enjoyment, Hilton Hotels Corporation is dedicated to environmentally friendly business practices that are beneficial to California's natural resources. For its "green" leadership to recycle, reduce waste, save energy, and conserve water-among many other efforts-the prestigious Hilton Family of Hotels this week joined the State of California's new Green Lodging Program.

Sponsored by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)-the state's lead recycling agency and a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Ca/lEPA)- the Green Lodging Program includes hospitality establishments that substantially reduce the environmental impact of their day-to-day business operations.

"We welcome the respected Hilton Hotels Corporation to the California Green Lodging Program," CIWMB Chair Rosario Marin announced today at a press conference held at the Hilton San Diego Resort in Mission Bay. "Governor Schwarzenegger's Environmental Action Plan strongly supports 'green' business practices that protect our air, land, water, and resources. The leadership demonstrated by the entire Hilton Hotels Corporation is deeply appreciated by the Governor and the people of California. In addition, their efforts to recycle and save energy are models for other hospitality providers and we encourage all hotel industry members to follow the Hiltons' excellent example."

The California Green Lodging Program encourages travelers to stay at "green hotels," hospitality establishments that save energy, water, and resources, and divert waste from landfill disposal through environmentally friendly business practices.

"Hilton has had a long-term commitment to operate our businesses in a manner that is beneficial to the environment," said Matthew J. Hart, Hilton Hotels Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our commitment started in the late 1990s when we began our lighting retrofit program and continued in 2000 when we introduced our 'Conserve to Preserve' program wherein guests are given the opportunity to have their linens and towels changed less frequently. These and other programs have been very successful, and I am pleased to say that Hilton Hotels Corporation was the first major hotel company to receive the EPA's Energy Star Award in 2001. Today, I'm also pleased that-through our participation in the California Green Lodging Program-50 of the Hilton Family properties operating in the state are now in the process of being certified 'green'."

As the newest member of the Green Lodging Program, Hilton Hotels Corporation's environmental policies include a commitment to conserve water through its linen reuse program, installation of low-flow water fixtures in guest rooms, timed landscaping sprinklers, and the use of water-efficient washing machines and dishwashing equipment. Additionally, the company uses programmable thermostats, sensor-equipped and energy-efficient lighting, as well as window tinting, to reduce air conditioning requirements. Hilton Hotels Corporation also recycles paper, metals, and glass, and donates items to charitable organizations, including toner cartridge recycling programs that benefit nonprofits.

Why are "green hotels" important to California?

• An average-sized hotel purchases more products in one week than 100 California families do in a year.

• The hospitality industry spends $3.7 billion a year on energy.

• Typical hotels use 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room. Water-efficient fixtures reduce water and sewer bills by 25 to 30 percent.

• Electricity use accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the utility costs in a typical hotel.

• Guest lighting accounts for 30 to 40 percent of hotel electricity consumption.

• Energy-efficient lighting can save 20 to 75 percent in energy use.

• Two percent of California's food waste comes from the hotel and lodging industry (about 112,000 tons/year.

• Waste generation can be as high as 20 to 30 pounds per hotel room per day; as much as 80 percent of these materials may be recyclable.

To see a list of participating lodging facilities please visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov/EPP/GreenLodging/ and select a destination city. Visitors will find member establishments listed by city. Hotels, motels, and other hospitality establishments earn a place on the list by meeting a broad array of criteria for resource conservation that demonstrate a dedication to environmental stewardship.

To be included in the Green Lodging Program, facilities must:

• Establish recycling programs in common areas, guest rooms, and administrative areas.

• Incorporate food scrap and yard waste composting programs where cost-effective.

• Participate in donation programs for food, surplus furniture, electronics, and other items.

• Use refillable amenity dispensers or minimally packaged items in recyclable materials.

• Purchase in bulk to reduce excess waste from packaging.

• Minimize use of disposable items.

• Install energy- and water-efficient fixtures, lighting, and other equipment.

• Use nontoxic (or less toxic) alternatives for cleaning supplies, paints, etc.

• Adopt an environmental purchasing policy for preferable products such as recycled-content office paper, tissue, napkins, and more.

• Develop annual environmental improvement goals.

Further details about Hilton Hotel Corporation's extensive "green" business practices are available by contacting Kathy Shepard, Vice President for Corporation Communications, at [email protected] or call (310) 205-7676.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the State's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes a zero waste California in partnership with local government, industry, and the public. This means reducing waste whenever possible, promoting the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protecting public health and safety and the environment. The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (www.calepa.ca.gov).