Press Kit
Media Contact: Catherine Boire
Tel #: 707-255-5997
Email: CBoirePR@aol.com
WALKING THE “GREENPATH”
AT ASILOMAR CONFERENCE GROUNDS
DNC Parks & Resorts at Asilomar’s comprehensive environmental management program, GreenPath, demonstrates an exemplary commitment to protecting the natural resources and environment of this very special “Refuge by the Sea.”
During the past seven years, as part of their GreenPath program, the oceanfront conference retreat has reduced water consumption by 9.5 million gallons, saved 530,500 kilowatt hours of electric power, saved 92,340 therms of natural gas, reduced trash disposal by 1,411 tons, and recycled 295 tons of cardboard, 906 tons of empty containers and 237 tons of paper. In addition, the purchase of new electric vehicles has reduced gasoline use by 4,158 gallons in the past two years.
Key elements of Asilomar’s GreenPath program include:
• Incorporation of environmental considerations into all business decisions
• Continuous promotion of ecologically sound values through educational and interpretive programs with communication strategies directed at employees, guests, suppliers, communities, regulatory agencies, and others in its business network
• Dedication to sustainable programs to achieve reductions in the generation, discharge, and emission of waste to the air, land, and water
• Programs to anticipate and respond to future environmental requirements and issues
“At Asilomar, we are committed to finding new ways to protect our habitat, preserve our park resources, reduce the environmental impact of our operations, improve the visitor experience, and inspire others to adopt this exemplary spirit of conservation and ‘green’ responsibility,” explains Rick Wood, Asilomar Facilities and Environmental Manager.
Asilomar’s GreenPath program complies with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, including:
ISO Registration – The prestigious registration through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This registration - ISO 14001 - requires Asilomar to adhere to a strict schedule of independent environmental audits, which are performed annually, in additional to Delaware North Companies’ annual internal environmental audits and those required by local, state, and federal regulators.
California Green Lodging Program – Achieved “Leadership Level” status in this Travel Guide program developed by the California Integrated Waste Management Board in partnership with the Department of General Services to identify statewide lodging units as defined by a set of “green” criteria. Asilomar is the only identified “green” lodging within the city of Pacific Grove.
Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program -- Asilomar is the first Monterey County lodging unit to be certified “green” by the Monterey Area Green Program. This pollution prevention task force recognizes community businesses that are voluntarily operating in an environmentally responsible manner. To earn the “green” certification, Asilomar demonstrated compliance with all regulatory agencies and exceeded program criteria for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.
GreenPath involves employees at all levels within Asilomar’s various departments and requires coordinated communications regarding all aspects of the program, its progress and goals by a “Green Team” of managers. Every Asilomar employee receives a GreenPath orientation and awareness training upon hiring, and subsequent refresher training. Weekly and/or monthly department meeting agenda incorporate an environmental topic of the week and the monthly employee newsletter features a column on tips and topical updates written by Asilomar’s Environmental Manager.
In addition to a comprehensive recycling program, Asilomar has taken several steps to further its waste reduction efforts, including ensuring the safe disposal of batteries, computer and electronic equipment, reducing the generation of hazardous waste, installing bulk amenity dispensers in guestrooms and public restrooms, composting organic kitchen waste and donating surplus food products to local charitable organizations.
Asilomar’s Housekeeping Department has spearheaded the installation of energy efficient laundry equipment as well as the replacing of hazardous cleaning products with an alternative non-toxic bio-degradable Green Seal Certified line of products, replaced the use of harmful pesticides with a product made from an orange peel extract, and the Retail Shop offers a variety of environmentally friendly/recycled paper souvenirs.
Sustainability is also specified in Asilomar’s ongoing renovation plan as existing materials and equipment is recycled to a new location or use and environmentally sound materials ranging from low-flow showerheads, waterless urinals, electric hand dryers, fluorescent lamps, and recycled upholstery, carpet materials are chosen during facility upgrades.
Recognizing its role as a steward of this magnificent and historic California State Park, DNCP&R at Asilomar strives to continue to develop environmental initiatives and educational activities that ensure the continued enjoyment of Asilomar by many future generations.
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