For immediate release
September 15, 2003

A continued commitment to sound environmental practices at The Banff Centre has resulted in a recent upgrade to a "four-leaf" status from a "three-leaf" status through the Hotel Association Of Canada (HAC) Green Leaf^TM Eco-Rating Program.

This program recognizes environmental achievements by rewarding a property with one to five green leaves - one leaf for a minimum commitment to a set of environmental principles, and two or more if a company maintains that commitment and applies those principles.

"This is a great validation of our efforts and reflects the work of many people here to run and manage the Centre responsibly," said Norbert Meier, vice-president, Hospitality and Conferences and the Centre’s chief environmental officer. "This upgraded status places us among the environmental leaders in the Bow Valley."

As part of the program, TerraChoice Environmental Services Inc. evaluated the Centre in 10 different categories including energy use, water consumption, waste reduction, and guest services. The resulting four-leaf designation means that the Centre has shown national industry leadership in terms of environmental performance for both its management and facilities.

TerraChoice began the HAC Green Leaf^TM Eco-Rating Program in 1998 to meet the lodging industry’s desire to provide quality guest services, while minimizing the impact on the environment. There are currently about 60 participating hotels in Alberta.

- 30 -

<Return to Top>

Back to Media Releases Page
Back to Communications Home Page
Back to The Banff Centre Home Page