HAWAII BUSINESS AND EVENTS RECOGNIZED FOR GREEN PRACTICES

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2018

HONOLULU — This year’s awards for the Hawaii Green Business Program include innovative solutions to going green. A hotel that grows its own herbs on a rooftop garden and a community college that cut its electricity bill by 25 percent by installing energy management equipment are among the award recipients. A total of 26 businesses, organizations and events were recognized today for undertaking energy efficiency and sustainable business practices that will help their bottom line while advancing Hawaii’s clean energy goals.

“The recipients of the Hawaii Green Business Program awards have demonstrated that becoming greener and more sustainable not only benefits our environment, it makes good business sense,” Gov. David Ige said. “And by working to reduce Hawaii’s reliance on imported fossil fuels they are also helping us reach our clean energy goals,” he said.

The businesses and events were recognized during the Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) awards ceremony. HGBP provides technical 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), a division within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), and the Department of Health (DOH).

“We applaud this diverse group of businesses, non-profits and events for taking bold and creative steps to save energy and reduce waste,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “Through their efforts they can earn a return on their investment while strengthening Hawaii’s economic, environmental and energy security.”

From 2009 through 2018 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:

• 22.7 million kilowatt hours of electricity (enough to power 3,531 homes for one year)
• 203.2 million gallons of water
• $6.4 million in electricity costs

The honorees of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards are:
• Hale Koa Hotel
• Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
• The Kahala Hotel and Resort
• Marriott Maui Ocean Club
• The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
• Hawaii Convention Center
• Waialae Country Club
• Ferraro Choi
• Hawaii Pacific University, Aloha Tower Marketplace
• Honeywell Smart Energy
• Lanikai Juice
• Valley Isle Excursions
• Windward Community College
• Whole Foods Market Kahala

 

The Hawaii Green Business Awards also honored nine green events:
• Sony Open
• Global Tourism Summit
• VERGE Hawaii 2017
• Hawaii Library Association/Hawaii Association of School Librarians 2017
• Honolulu Board of Water Supply – Project Wet PDE3 Workshop
• Renew Rebuild Hawaii Forum
• Build and Buy Green 2017
• Sustainability in Higher Education Summit by UH
• Kona Brewers Festival

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.

2017-2018 Hawaii Green Business Awards Awardee Accomplishments

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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.

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

 

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