by Brianna Crandall — February 13, 2013—Fifteen resorts operated by MGM Resorts International have achieved the prestigious Green Key rating for environmental conservation from the lodging industry’s worldwide sustainable operations certification body. The accomplishment peaks MGM Resorts’ previous achievement of 12 properties designated with “Green Key” honors.
Since a previous assessment in 2010, Bellagio has risen in rank from “4 Green Keys” to “5 Green Keys” by updating energy-efficient equipment and initiating new maintenance programs. Bellagio has also implemented new operating policies and procedures, and enhanced its recycling efforts and sustainable food and beverage practices. Circus Circus Las Vegas rose from “3 Green Keys” to “4 Green Keys” in the most recent assessment.
Three other properties—ARIA Resort and Casino, Vdara Hotel and Spa, and Mandalay Bay Resort—have maintained their “5 Green Keys” designation since 2010. Less than two percent of all current hotels that are rated have reached the elite “5 Keys” category, notes MGM.
MGM Resorts properties that achieved a “4 Green Keys” rating during the recent assessment include: Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, Monte Carlo, The Mirage, Circus Circus Las Vegas, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Gold Strike in Tunica, Mississippi.
Green Key Global designates its ratings to hotels, motels and resorts that exemplify the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout their properties. Green Key evaluates hotels on a scale of one to five Keys, with five Keys being the highest ranking. Results are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Green Key’s more than 2,900 member properties are listed on the organization’s home page a valuable resource for environmentally conscious travelers. Green Key rankings are recognized by major travel services including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia.
Under the leadership of MGM Resorts Chief Sustainability Officer Cindy Ortega and the company’s sustainability division, the company continues to expand its best practices to use resources more efficiently, reduce construction impact, minimize waste, manage supply chains and increase awareness. For the past three years, MGM Resorts has reportedly been listed among Newsweek Magazine’s 500 most environmentally responsible companies in the United States.
