by Brianna Crandall — September 2, 2016 — JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, the largest hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, has achieved one of the most stringent environmental hotel certifications available — Green Seal certification at the Silver Level — setting the pace for other luxury hotels and resorts.
By submitting to a thorough review and on-site audit by the nonprofit third-party certifier Green Seal, the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live helps protect human health and the environment by reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and by instituting green management policies that include environmental purchasing and hazardous substance handling, all requirements of the Green Seal Standard for Hotels and Lodging Properties (GS-33).
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE (dark building on right) achieves Green Seal Silver certification for reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and instituting green management policies.
Specifically, JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE uses nontoxic, biodegradable housekeeping products; nontoxic paints with minimal VOCs (volatile organic compounds); energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and fixtures; and water-efficient, drought-resistant landscaping. The hotel has a recycling and composting program, with compost collection containers located in all kitchens and in the employee dining room. Over 5,000 tons of cardboard, paper, scrap metals, plastics, glass and food waste has been recycled.
Leftover banquet and catering food is donated to Food Finders, a nonprofit organization that rescues perishable food and delivers it to local shelters, soup kitchens and food distribution centers. The hotel also donates leftover bath soap and bottled shower amenities to Clean the World, an organization that recycles and distributes cleansing products to impoverished people worldwide.
Additionally, the hotel offers a wide range of alternative transportation opportunities, including bicycle support, discounted parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, carpools and vanpools, and an employee rideshare program, and there is extensive public transportation within walking distance.
Javier Cano, general manager, JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, commented:
We are constantly looking for ways to lessen our impact on the environment, and hope to inspire our guests and others to do the same. Sustainability is a real, everyday practice, and our ongoing efforts to conserve water, reduce energy and recycle not only enhances our guests’ experience, but also shows our commitment to positively impacting our community and the world we live in.
Gary Petersen, director of the Green Seal West Coast office, pointed out:
The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE sits in the high-profile L.A. LIVE entertainment complex within walking distance of the Staples Center and the L.A. Convention Center. As the largest hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, their efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainable practices will have a tremendous positive effect on the health of their guests and staff, as well as the neighborhood.
For more information on how the Green Seal Standard for Hotels and Lodging Properties (GS-33) certification helps hotels protect human health and the environment, visit the Green Seal Web site.
