Press release from Old Edwards Inn and Spa:
OCTOBER 24, 2016 (Highlands, NC) Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC is one of only two hospitality providers in North Carolina to be awarded the cardinal designation from NC Green Travel Award.
The NC Green Travel Award is designated by Dogwood Flower and Cardinal symbols. To achieve a Dogwood, properties must meet or exceed the bar-setting green practices, which are outlined in the NC Green Travel application. Old Edwards Inn and Spa was awarded three Dogwoods and Cardinal under the program. “Three Dogwoods for NC Green Travel” is the highest award, created to give special recognition to businesses that clearly meet the requirements of a green property. The Cardinal designation is a special designation for properties that exceed the top score of 150 points. By exceeding that score by 25 points, Old Edwards Inn and Spa received the Cardinal emblem in addition to the three Dogwoods award. The NC Green Travel Awards are given by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach (NCDEAO) and the Center of Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina. NCDEAO is a governmental branch of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDNR) that strives to protect the natural resources of North Carolina. The NC Green Travel awards is designed to encourage the tourism industry to “go green” by recognizing businesses that have established an energy team, recycle material, excel in water efficiency, practice energy conservation, and strive to practice green standards.
As a luxury wellness resort with a focus on organic culinary and spa programs, Old Edwards Inn and Spa has been working toward more sustainable and energy efficient operations throughout the property. To this end, they have:
- Established a sustainable farm bringing organic and local food to their guests.
- Installed Icynene insulation reducing their energy bills by 50%.
- Replaced all T-12 bulbs with T-8 bulbs, an energy efficient alternative.
- Implemented an optional towel and linen re-use program for guests, which has been very well received.
- Participated in soap recycling.
- Conducted an Energy Assessment with the help of Waste Reduction Partners.
- Installed two plug-in vehicle charging stations.
- Installed LED lighting across all three properties.
- Implemented paper recycling program, to grow and include plastic and metals.
The Resort created a Policy Statement that describes their reasoning for maintaining a green initiative, “Old Edwards Inn wants to protect our shared environment in order to constantly improve the quality of our establishment for the betterment of our employees, guests and other stakeholders.” To this end, they also support the local Nature Center and Biological Station whose mission is to protect and sustain the unique ecological environment of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau.
To learn more about Old Edwards Inn and Spa, visit www.oldedwardsinn.com, or call 866-526-8008.
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