MGM resorts, Kimpton hotels recognized with Green Seal certification

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by Rebecca Walker — September 17, 2010—MGM Resorts International and Kimpton hotels have received green certification for almost two dozen properties in California, Nevada and Michigan.

In the recent surge of certifications, the green validation of 12 MGM Resorts recognizes efforts to reduce energy and water consumption and other environmental impacts at some of the larger, high-profile properties in the U.S., including two hotels in Las Vegas’ new CityCenter development and the Bellagio.

The certifications for MGM Resorts are also significant because of the company’s use of the Green Key rating system. Green Key is best known in Canada and is a recent addition to the third-party systems used by the lodging industry in the U.S. Other early adopters include the Hyatt and Carlson hotels.

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants celebrated the Green Seal certification of 10 San Francisco properties recently. The hotels received certification at the silver level, the second-highest of three, under the Green Seal Standard for Lodging Properties, GS-33.

The achievement means that more than 80 percent of the 50 Kimpton hotels now hold Green Seal certification. The boutique hotel company is aiming for 100 percent Green Seal certification at the silver level or better.

In addition to its hotels, MGM Resorts has a 50 percent investment interest in the 67-acre CityCenter development. So far, six buildings in the complex, which opened last December, have been awarded LEED-Gold ratings—the 47-story Mandarin Oriental, a non-gaming hotel and residence; the Crystals retail and entertainment district; the Veer Towers, a residential development with two 37-story glass towers; the ARIA and the Vdara.

For more information, see the Green Seal Web site.