RCI affiliates recognised for Best Sustainability Practices

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

Third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, selected winners based on their innovations in energy and water conservation, waste management, community outreach, and environmental management.

Brian Bruno, vice president of content and brand marketing for RCI and head of the brand’s sustainability programme, said: “At RCI, we’ve helped to make the environment a top priority, and by recognising those resorts which have gone above and beyond expectations, there’s an even greater incentive among them to go green.

“We are extremely proud of our affiliates all over the world who for years have lead by example, demonstrating improved systems to help reduce waste and utility costs.”

Pool area at the Cliffs at Princeville

The Cliffs at Princeville in Kauai, Hawaii, was awarded the highest honour in the RCI Green programme, the Platinum RCI Green Award. The resort was able to take advantage of Hawaii’s natural climate to eliminate air conditioning and heating units, contributing to significant energy savings.

The resort also participates in the Hawaii Green Business Program, a state-funded programme that assists and recognises businesses that strive to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Carriage Hills Resort

Excellent employee participation in various community environmental events and the development of a ‘Greening Committee’, which holds regular meetings to plan and improve sustainability practices, earned Carriage Hills Resort in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada, the Gold RCI Green Award.

The Silver RCI Green Award recognised Wyndham at Waikiki Beach for its irrigation system and utilisation of native plants to reduce water usage onsite. This resort also houses vending machines that are Energy Star certified.

Wyndham at Waikiki Beach

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 2019.