The Greening of Shell Vacations Hospitality

At Shell Vacations Hospitality, we understand our duty to help protect mother earth through Recycling, Conservation & Sustainability. That is why our company has made strides over the years to become more eco-conscious through various conservation efforts and major renovations using "Green" technology and products. While there's still lots of work to do, here's an example of what we're doing to help preserve this planet.

Recognized in Scottsdale, Arizona as a Green Award Winner

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau revealed the winners of the Green by Design Awards at its Quarterly Update Meeting on Nov. 3 as part of its sustainability initiatives. Orange Tree Golf Resort was recognized for exhibiting outstanding sustainability practices.

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.

Recognized in Hawaii as a Kuleana Green Business

Recently, the West Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Kuleana Green Business Committee recognized Shell Vacations Hawaii resorts as a Kuleana Green Business for their green, eco-conscious efforts. Started in 2005, the Kuleana Green Business Program is the first program in the State of Hawaii that promotes ethical and socially responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. To be awarded this owner, businesses must demonstrate their kuleana (right and responsibility) to generate profits while also creating positive impacts in their social and natural environments.  Hiigh standards are set for each business including integrity, commitment and respect in their engagement with employees, customers, community, and the most importantly the environment.

Learn more about this honor by visiting the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce's website and by visiting the Hawaii resorts that are recognized:

• Holua Resort at Mauna Koa Village
• Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy
• Kona Coast Resort
• Paniolo Greens
• Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai

Paniolo Greens living up to its name with new solar-powered system

The Resort announced plans earlier this year to install a state-of-the-art, commercial scale photovoltaic (PV) electrical system to power its large multi-use building.  That project is now complete, and the system is up and running, providing over half of the building's electrical power, using nothing more than sunlight. The system is comprised of panels mounted on top of the eastern, western, and southern portions of the roof of the building.

The results will be significant.  Use of the system is projected to save the equivalent of over 4,000 barrels of oil - oil that would have to be imported into Hawaii -  while keeping some three million pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.  Impressive?  Yes. But that's just one example of the many measures we're is taking across the continent to "go green".

More "Green" efforts at Star Pass Golf Suites

Like all Shell Vacation Hospitality Resorts, Starr Pass Golf Suites is committed to continually looking for opportunities to "go green."  Among the measures the Tuscon-area resort has taken include conversion to Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use a fraction of the energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. One bulb can save $60 each year!  The resort is also in the process of replacing its dishwashers, refrigerators and washers/dryers with Energy Star-qualified appliances, which use 25% less energy than conventional models.

Water Conservation efforts pay off at Kona Coast Resort

It may not cost $4 a gallon yet, but water is unquestionably the most precious of natural resources for the population of Hawaii's Kona Coast today.  After all, the region is the driest in the state, averaging as little as two inches of rainfall annually, meaning that virtually all fresh water must be pumped in from the other side of the Big Island.

It comes as no surprise that water conservation is the primary focus of "going green" efforts at Kona Coast Resort.  What is surprising is the ever-increasing number of measures the resort is taking to reduce water usage and associated costs.

"We're doing everything we can to save every drop of water possible," explains Cintia Dutra, General Manager of Kona Coast Resort.  "The entire irrigation system has been revamped, with new sprinkler heads and nozzles to improve distribution and efficiency, and improved controllers to better monitor irrigation use."

"Also, to get our guests involved, we've introduced a Green Unit Service, which allows you to limit linen changes to once or twice a week and eliminate unnecessary cleaning services."

It's Easy Being Green at the Orange Tree Golf Resort

In an effort to be more “green-minded,” the Orange Tree Golf Resort has implemented several new programs that will assist us reducing our carbon footprint, save water, reduce waste and minimize use of chemicals on the property.

Over the summer the Orange Tree Golf Resort implemented a new solar water heating system that will provide hot water for the resort’s on-site laundry operation and a portion of our guest rooms. It is estimated that the Orange Tree Golf Resort will decrease the associated natural gas bill by 50% and eliminate approximately 100 tons of carbon emissions annually.

We feel that an increasing number of travelers are seeking out environmentally-friendly lodging options and so far the response on our solar water heating system has been extremely positive. It’s a win-win for everyone – guests like it, it’s good for the environment and in the long run we save money too.

Stay tuned for more green ideas from our staff...we have lot's of them!