'Canada Goes Green'

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. October 14, 2008

TORONTO, Canada, August 23, 2005. The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) recently announced that the Canadian lodging industry is taking the lead and responding to the looming energy crisis facing our planet with its 'Canada Goes Green' initiative.

At a press conference held at the Marriott Chateau Champlain,Montreal, the HAC, acccompanied by lodging and energy representatives from across the country, declared that as one of the largest industries in the world, it is time to make changes to the way in which it consumes energy.

Lodging properties make up the fourth most energy intensive type of commercial space. Through the 'Canada Goes Green' intiative hoteliers will commit to making a significant and positive environmental impact by improving energy performance, a move that will ultimately reduce operating costs as wel. This HAC's contribution to this intiative is its Green Key Eco Rating Program.

"The Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognise properties that are committed to improving their environmental performance", said Tony Pollard, HAC President. "Designed by hoteliers for hoteliers, the belief behind the program is simple; environmental leadership and responsibility makes business sense."

Kevin Walker, HAC Chair and owner of the Oak Bay Beach HOtel and Marine Properties in Victoria, B.C, announced that an additional 12 hotel companies (amounting to over 1000 properties and 126,000 rooms) now support the HAC Green Key Program.

"We are particularly delighted that Fairmont as a pioneer of the green hospitality movement is on board with all of its 21 Canadian properties, Atlific with its 30 properties, InnVestREIT with all 131 properties and CHIP Hospitality - a participant since 1999 - with its 30 properties," stated Walker.

"Our objective is a 10% reduction in energy across our industry," said Walker. "This will ultimately prevent 580 million pounds of CO2 emmissions annually - the equivalent of removing 50,000 cars from the road."

Also present at the news conference were representatives from ENERGY STAR, Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency, and New and Renewable Generation (NRGERN). From lodging and travel industry, the HAC Board of Directors was in attendance as well as the following individuals who spoke of their involvement:

• Michelle McKenzie, President, Canadian Tourism Commission

• John Dunn, Senior Vice President, Atlific Hotels and REsorts

• Bill Churma, Senior Vice President, CHIP Hospitality

• Joanne Papineau, Regional Director Public Relations (Quebec) Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

• Fred Bannon, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Westmont Hospitality Group

As well as the numerous independent properties that are involved in the Green Key Program, the following companies are now also active supporters:

• Best Western International

• Choice Hotels Canada

• Days Inn - Canada

• Easton's Group of HOtels

• InnVest - REIT

• Intercontinental Hotels Group

• Marriott Hotels of Canada

• Royal Host

• Travelodge Canada

The Hotel Assocation of Canada is the national organisation representing the lodging industry in Canada. Their membership encompasses the provincial and territorial hotel assocations, the corporate hotel chains, independent hotels,motels and resorts and many suppliers to the hotel industry. Their objective is to assist both national and international members as they endeavour to enhance their competitiveness and achieve their bottom line.