First Certified Green Hotel in Santa Barbara County

Preserving our Planet for the Future

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel wanted to do it's part to help preserve our planet for future generations. The hotel staff embraced the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County and looked at all aspects of the property’s operation for ways to improve efficiency and minimize impacts to the environment. Measures undertaken include energy efficiency, water conservation, introduction of bulk soap and shampoo dispensers in guest rooms to reduce plastic bottle waste; as well as upgrading lighting throughout the hotel and installing controls on vending and ice machines to reduce energy use. Landscaping around the property is monitored closely for water efficiency and new native and water wise plants added. Recycling programs are in place throughout the hotel, including kitchens. Employees are encouraged to rideshare and runs a monthly raffle for participating staff.

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is the first hotel in Santa Barbara County to complete the Green Business Program process—a county-wide collaborative effort of local governments, special districts, non-profits, utilities, chambers of commerce, and waste haulers (Info: www.greenbizsbc.org) .
General manager of the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Mike Hendrick states, “I am very excited about our drop in energy and water consumption, our savings in trash, our new car pool program, our new free lights, and our new bulk soap and shampoo program. I feel these efforts will change the way hotels do business. ”

Santa Ynez Marriott Green Hotel - Near Solvang , CA

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott enivromentally friendly hotel offers exceptional lodging only 3 miles from the Danish town of Solvang, CA. Solvang is a must see attraction on your visit to the Santa Ynez Valley. Explore Solvang's unique shops, many restaurants, and outdoor theatrefest.

Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County Certifies Five More Green Businesses Including First Lodging Property
~Local Businesses Save Resources AND Money

Santa Barbara, CA – The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County is a county- wide effort partnering local governments, special districts, non-profits, utilities, chambers of commerce, and waste haulers. The program currently offers certification for businesses in the following sectors:  office/retail, restaurants, automotive shops, and lodging establishments with more to be added in the coming year.

Today, the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County announced the certification of five more County businesses: “We are happy to announce the first hotel to complete the Green Business Program certification process as well as a locally-owned restaurant, and three diverse professional offices,” said Program Director Frances Gilliland, “These enterprises are excellent examples of how to run successful, sustainable businesses while also focusing on a sustainable environment.” They are:   Blackbird Architects (Santa Barbara), Santa Ynez Chumash Tribal Government Building (Santa Ynez), Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel (Buellton), Shoreline Café (Santa Barbara), and Van Atta Landscape Design (Santa Barbara).

On Wednesday, November 18,  2009, at 11:00 am, a press conference and certification presentation will be held at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel, 555 McMurray Road in Buellton. The Marriott invites the public to attend this free event honoring all five businesses as well as previously certified businesses. Complimentary refreshments and tours of the County’s first “Green Business Program Certified” hotel also will be offered.

The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County certifies businesses that go above and beyond complying with applicable regulations and required measures to implement additional actions in areas such as waste reduction and recycling, environmentally preferable purchasing, energy efficiency and conservation, water conservation, air pollution prevention, and transportation using a checklist tailored to their industry type. The program is free, voluntary, and offers assistance and incentives, including an official Green Business certification decal and free promotion upon completion of the required and recommended actions. The goal of the program is to help businesses become models of sustainability, while saving money and enhancing the environment.

BACKGROUND on the newly certified Green Businesses:

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel, Buellton
Michael Hendrick, General Manager
(805) 688-1000 or www.syvmarriott.com

““I am very excited about our drop in energy and water consumption, our savings in trash, our new car pool program, our new free lights, and our new bulk soap and shampoo program. I feel these efforts will change the way hotels do business. If you or your business is not seriously considering doing this program, you are wasting money.” Mike Hendrick, General Manager

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is the first hotel in Santa Barbara County to complete the Green Business Program process. Hotel staff embraces the goals of the program, and look at all aspects of their property’s operation for ways to improve efficiency and minimize impacts to the environment. Key among many measures the Marriott has undertaken includes energy efficiency and water conservation. The Marriott has upgrading lighting throughout the hotel and installed controls on vending and ice machines to reduce energy use. Landscaping around the property is monitored closely for water efficiency and new native and water wise plants have been added throughout. Another effort is the introduction of bulk soap and shampoo dispensers in guest rooms to reduce plastic bottle waste. Recycling programs are in place throughout the hotel, including in the hotel restaurant kitchen. Employees are encouraged to rideshare and the hotel now runs a monthly raffle for participating staff.