Kingston Plantation and Kingston Shores Hotels Are First in Myrtle Beach to be Green Certified

Myrtle Beach, SC, November 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- 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

Kingston Plantation and Kingston Shores are owned by FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. The resorts are located along the famous Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach. Guests at both properties can enjoy access to recreational facilities including a 50,000 square-foot Sport & Health Club with indoor and outdoor pools, nine lit tennis courts, pro shop and state-of-the-art fitness equipment; Splash!, an oceanfront waterpark and lazy river; Par-72 Rees Jones-designed Arcadian Shores Golf Course; and a host of seasonal activities for adults and children. For more information, call 800-876-0010 or visit kingstonplantation.com or kingstonshores.com.

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