RCI affiliates lead the way in sustainability

RCI has announced the most recent winners of the RCI Green Award programme in the US, which recognises the most environmentally-conscious resorts within the company’s exchange network.

Now in its seventh year, the award programme sees resorts go through a comprehensive audit, assessed by their sustainable practices in areas including energy and water conservation, waste management and community outreach. The evaluation process, winner selection and verification system was completed by third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, LLC.

Brian Bruno, vice president of content and brand marketing for RCI and head of the brand’s sustainability programme, said: “Our affiliates are in the great position to be at the forefront of sustainable hospitality practices.

“At RCI, we’ve help to make the environment a top priority, and by recognising those resorts that have gone above and beyond expectations, there’s an even greater incentive among them to go green. These affiliates prove sustainable innovations are worth it and show that resort luxuries and amenities do not have to be sacrificed when implementing green practices.”

Carlsbad Seapointe Resort

The Silver RCI Green Award went to the Carlsbad Seapointe Resort in Carlsbad, California. Instead of discarding used soap bars and bottled amenities, the resort safely donates these items to impoverished countries to combat hygiene-related diseases.

For sustainable heating, the property installed solar heating for onsite swimming pools and pool restrooms.

Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff

The Gold RCI Green Award recognised Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff on The Big Island of Hawaii for the second consecutive year. The resort’s botanical gardens proved a huge draw, where guests are able to walk the grounds to find a multitude of indigenous plant species.

All the plants are mapped out on Google Earth, making it easy for visitors to find the foliage on their smart devices. Additionally, the resort’s staff also participated in clean-up efforts along the historic Kua Mo’o Trail nearby.

Wyndham Branson at the Meadows

For the second year in a row, Wyndham Branson at the Meadows in Missouri earned the top prize of the Platinum RCI Green Award for its multi-faceted approach to sustainability.

The resort’s employees have all completed comprehensive sustainability training and are highly engaged in implementing sustainable strategies on-site, like using green cleaners to tidy up guest spaces.

The RCI Green Award programme is open to all RCI affiliates in North America, and the application process does not involve a fee. RCI also offers a Green Resource Center on its affiliate website for developers looking to expand their sustainability efforts. The application process for next year’s programme will begin in October 2018.