Radisson LAX Hotel Achieves Green Seal Silver Certification

Los Angeles, CA - November 30, 2009 --The Radisson Los Angeles Airport Hotel has achieved Green Seal™, Inc’s Silver Level certification under the GS-33 Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties. This significant accomplishment gives the Radisson LAX the distinction of being the first hotel within the Radisson brand and one of only four hotels in the state of California to achieve Green Seal lodging certification.

“It’s an honor to be among the leaders in L.A.’s hospitality industry making strides in environmental stewardship. We are thrilled to be associated with Green Seal, and are very proud to have achieved the Silver certification,” says Cindy Boulton, Area Managing Director. “Our team understands the duty we have to protect and maintain the beautiful natural resources we’ve been blessed with, and we take our responsibility very seriously.”

The decision to “go green” at the Radisson LAX began as a vision in the mind of Area Managing Director, Cindy Boulton, and grew from the influence of multiple stakeholders including the guests themselves. “It’s clear that today’s traveler is conscious of the ecological effects that travel has on our environment, and they are looking for ways to minimize their travel carbon footprint,” says Boulton. “One of the best ways to do so is by choosing a hotel that is committed to environmentally sensitive business practices. We set out to ensure our business was doing just that.”

Steps that the Radisson LAX has taken include minimizing waste and increasing recycling efforts, improving energy efficiency through lighting and equipment upgrades, conserving water with low-flow plumbing fixtures, and using environmentally friendly cleaning and laundry products. Guests can participate by using the recycling containers in their rooms and throughout the property, utilizing the towel and linen reuse program, and controlling the use of lighting and air conditioning in their rooms. Employees are trained to recycle appropriately, manage resources wisely, and report under-performing equipment promptly. An environmental purchasing policy ensures that environmental and life-cycle impacts are considered in making purchasing decisions. The hotel’s Green Team oversees compliance with green initiatives by regularly inspecting each department and monitoring daily business operations.

While earning the distinction of Green Seal’s Silver Level certification marks a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of an ongoing process for the Radisson LAX team. “Being green is a continual process, and one that is integrated into our long-range business plan,” says Boulton. “We are continually searching for ways to improve and advance our sustainable business practices.”

Established in 1989, Green Seal is a national non-profit organization that has developed science-based certification standards for products and services that meet rigorous environmental requirements. The GS-33 environmental leadership standard for lodging properties requires hotels to demonstrate sustainable business practices in the areas of waste minimization and reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and environmentally sensitive purchasing.

Just minutes from beaches, shopping and dining, the Radisson Los Angeles Airport Hotel is the closest hotel to Los Angeles International Airport, with easy access to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach. With over 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, the 580-room hotel is the perfect venue for successful conferences and events. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and free high-speed Internet access. The Radisson LAX is operated by Portfolio Hotels & Resorts of Oak Brook, IL; the company also manages the Orchard Hotel and Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco, two of the additional Green Seal certified hotels in California.

About Portfolio Hotels & Resorts:
Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, Portfolio Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company that specializes in managing unique, boutique-style hotels, destination resorts and significant branded urban hotels in major and destination markets. For more information, visit portfoliohotels.com.