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Greening of Hospitality Industry
Kingston Plantation and Kingston Shores Hotels Are 1st In Myrtle Beach To Be Green Certified
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at Kingston Shores and Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation are green certified by the Green Hospitality Alliance . They are the only hotels to receive the distinction in Myrtle Beach. Both hotels received a One Palmetto Tree ranking. The Green Hospitality Alliance is a program of the South Carolina Hospitality Association and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling designed to help hotels, motels, restaurants and other hospitality facilities go green. The intent of the program is to ensure the hospitality industry leads by example by implementing cost-effective practices to preserve and protect South Carolina’s environment and quality of life.
 
To be certified, hotels and restaurants must complete an audit of each property's compliance with environmental initiatives that are designed to create a more sustainable environment including energy efficiency, water conservation, recycling, environmentally safe cleaning, reduction of waste, ongoing maintenance and purchasing habits. Properties are rated based on compliance with these eco-initiatives, from a single Palmetto Tree to three Palmetto Trees.

“We initiated earth-friendly programs a few years ago to save our most precious resources – energy and water and to reduce solid waste,” says Bob Barenberg, managing director of Kingston Plantation and Kingston Shores. “These efforts are part of our commitment to reuse, reduce and recycle whenever possible. We are thrilled to have the official designation from the state and to be leaders in Myrtle Beach.” Some of the green initiatives at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites include:
  • Using non-toxic cleaning products that are biodegradable and safe for people, animals and the environment
  • Using energy efficient technologies and conservation practices for lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, food service appliances, office equipment and transportation
  • When possible, using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal
  • Conserving water
  • Purchasing food from local and regional vendors when possible
  • Using chemical and chlorine-free products
  • Improving operational practices to prevent pollution
  • Recycling glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, grease, ink and toner, oil and antifreeze
  • Restricting the use of pesticides and garden chemicals in landscaping and golf course and introduce organic fertilizers and soil amendments
  • Training employees on environmental policy and procedures
  • Installing florescent lighting
  • Installing Smart tech thermostats in all guest rooms
  • Using a salt generated chlorination system for one swimming pool with plans for all
  • Switching to energy efficient laundry equipment
  • Reclaiming water from ponds for irrigation
  • Converting to hybrid vehicles and using electric golf carts
  • Using food pulper to compress food wastes, which are then recycled into animal feed and fertilizer
  • Switching to energy/conservation thermostats on HVAC systems
  • Instituting a towel and linen re-use program
For more information, call (800) 876-0010 or visit kingstonplantation.com or kingstonshores.com.
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