In line with Starwood’s recently unveiled sustainable meetings practice program, incorporating the best practices of sustainability into the meetings experience, Starwood has created a dedicated Global Citizenship team, which encompasses environmental sustainability, to establish policies and develop programs that will help Starwood achieve its sustainability goals. Several examples include using electronic signage, access to green transportation services, meeting tables that do not require table coverings, using china service, replacing conventional bottled water with environmentally friendly alternatives, donating leftover food and incorporating recycling bins in meeting spaces.

“We believe that economic growth and the well-being of society are inextricably tied to the health of the environment,” said Boston Park Plaza general manager, Stuart Meyerson. “Accordingly, we embrace our responsibility to the environment and are committed to integrating leading environmental practices and sustainability principles into our core business strategy.” A recent promotion “Spring on the Green” was designed to match client savings and then be donated on behalf of the Boston Starwood Hotels toGrow Boston Greener.  This offer took place at The Boston Park Plaza, Sheraton Boston, Westin Waterfront, Westin Copley and W Boston. Grow Boston Greener is a campaign to plant 100,000 new trees in the city by the year 2020.

Starwood Hotels in Boston have many unique, property specific green initiatives currently in practice. The Boston Park Plaza is working to become 100% dumpster free and encourages all associates to attend a local recycling corporation “Save that Stuff” training to generate awareness and understanding. The Sheraton Boston Hotel has created “Alive on Five,” a green meeting experience, in partnership with NativeEnergy. NativeEnergy measures the amount of carbon produced by every meeting room on “Alive on Five” and executes projects that remove that excess carbon from the atmosphere. The Westin Boston Waterfront offers preferred parking for hybrid cars. The EPA has awarded the Westin Copley Hotel with a grant through the Massachusetts Waste Wise program and The W Boston Hotel has eliminated plastic bottles from the meeting experience and serves only distilled infused water in their studios.

Committed to incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into all day to day operations, Starwood Hotels continue to focus on energy and water conservation, waste minimization and enhanced indoor environmental quality. Guests are asked to “Make a Green Choice,” allowing them to decide how often to refresh towels and linens in guestrooms. Additionally, many of these hotels have introduced single stream recycling and food composting and are improving the efficiency of their energy managements systems, heating, and cooling facilities.