April 2023 Insider | Sustainability
April 14, 2023 | DEI
Our Sustainability Program has been making strides with eco-friendly updates to lodging and condos, community initiatives, and creating awareness on what can be done locally and company-wide to make an impact. The program had to get back to basics during the pandemic, but we are thrilled to see most properties now back to providing bulk amenities, increasing their donations of soaps and linens, and ramping up cleanups. We’re also seeing the re-emergence of new initiatives that were put on hold.
We interviewed Heather Guay Yoo, Senior Director of Business Development and chair of the Sustainability Council, to get a better feel of the current state of the program and where we are headed as an organization.
Are there any new developments on the way in the next few years?
“As a food and beverage company, we have a duty and commitment to our customers to make sure we are being as sustainable as possible. This year, and moving forward, we will really be working with the Culinary Forum and our executive chefs across the nation to make sure we are in line with our competition while also trying to take it a step further.
We have looked into ocean-friendly certifications for the food & beverage outlets that make sense, in addition to composting and other waste initiatives at various units. We also continue to partner with Bob Douglas and the Purchasing Department regarding our vendors and eco-friendly options,” says Heather.
Who is a part of the sustainability council?
Members are from across the country from California to Florida and consist of GMs, Area Managers, Directors, and other decision-making team members.
If managers or employees want to get more involved, how can they?
“I certainly welcome anyone that has an interest in sustainability to reach out to their VP if they are not already on the council. There are local cleanups in most areas that employees can attend in addition to various opportunities in the DMV area near our headquarters in Fairfax. Any new ideas I would certainly ask people to feel encouraged to email or call me directly!”