HAWAII BUSINESSES AND EVENTS RECOGNIZED FOR GREEN PRACTICES

For immediate release: May 17, 2017

HONOLULU — A hotel that diverts up to 30 percent of its waste from the landfill and saves more than 10 million gallons of water annually is among the recipients of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Program awards. A total of 13 businesses and eight events were recognized today for pursuing energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help their bottom line while advancing Hawaii’s clean energy goals.

“These businesses and events have gone the extra mile to demonstrate their exemplary stewardship of the environment and strong commitment to helping Hawaii achieve energy independence,” said Gov. David Ige. “The State of Hawaii has an ambitious goal to reach 100 percent clean energy by the year 2045. This is a tall order, but with the commitment of local businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations we can make Hawaii’s clean energy future a reality.”

The businesses and events were recognized during the Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony. HGBP provides assistance to businesses committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The awards were presented by Gov. Ige and hosted by the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Department of Health and the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association.

“The exceptional efforts by this year’s Hawaii Green Business Program awardees to save energy and reduce waste show what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “By improving operational efficiency, procurement procedures, regulatory compliance and community relations, HGBP members are able to earn a return on their investment while supporting a more sustainable Hawaii.”

From 2009 through 2016 HGBP has assisted and recognized more than 100 businesses and government entities, from the hospitality, commercial office, retail, restaurant and food service sectors, resulting in the following savings:

  • 18.9 million kilowatt hours of energy (equivalent to powering 2,940 homes for one year in Hawaii)
  • 136.8 million gallons of water
  • $5.7 million in electricity costs

The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:

  • Ala Moana Hotel
  • Aqua Pacific Monarch
  • The Equus
  • Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
  • Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
  • The Kahala Hotel and Resort
  • The Modern Honolulu
  • Ohana Waikiki Malia by Outrigger
  • Artizen by MW
  • Bills Sydney
  • HDR, Inc.
  • Honeywell Smart Energy
  • Ibis Networks

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored eight green events:

  • HTA 2016 Annual Tourism Conference
  • IUCN 2016 World Conservation Congress
  • German-Hawaii Clean Energy Symposium 2016
  • Kona Brewers Festival 2017
  • Sony Open in Hawaii 2017
  • TEDx Honolulu 2016
  • University of Hawaii Sustainability in Higher Education 2017
  • VERGE Hawaii 2016

For a description of the awardees and their energy efficiency efforts, please see the separate awardee accomplishments document. For more information on the Hawaii Green Business Program, visit greenbusiness.hawaii.gov

Awardee Accomplishments (PDF)

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ABOUT HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.  With the state’s goal to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2045, HSEO is leading the state’s charge toward clean energy independence. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii port as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.
For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov

For more information, contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Yonan Jr.
Communications Officer
DBEDT State Energy Office
(808) 587-3860
[email protected]

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