Department of Energy Recognizes HEI Hotels & Resorts for Leadership and Achievement in Better Buildings Challenge

NORWALK, Conn., May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Energy recognized HEI Hotels & Resorts this week for its continued success and leadership as a participant in the Better Buildings Challenge, announcing the company is on track to meet goals of reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. Since baseline year 2008, HEI Hotels & Resorts has reduced energy usage by 9 percent across more than 10 million square feet.

The company's participation in the Better Buildings Challenge underscores the company's commitment to energy conservation and its leadership in environmental stewardship. "We continue to be proud of our environmental and energy conservation record. Our industry-leading innovations and solutions smartly and effectively reduce energy consumption without sacrificing the guest experience," said Bob Holesko, VP of Facilities at HEI. "By participating in the Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge, we are able to share our energy-saving best practices, strategies and tips for the collective improvement of the hospitality industry."

In 2011, President Obama selected HEI Hotels & Resorts as a participant in the Better Buildings Challenge – a Department of Energy program aimed to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by the year 2020. With over 110 partners both public and private across industries, the program promotes operational transparency and the sharing of energy-saving strategies as well as approaches to overcoming barriers within the marketplace. In total, the 110 Better Buildings Challenge partners have committed two billion square feet to energy-saving practices, and in its first year, partners reduced energy intensity by 2.5 percent against the baseline year.

"Our partners are breaking through barriers to reducing energy intensity and achieving lasting results that save money and create jobs," said David Danielson, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "We applaud these partners for their leadership in making their organizations more energy-efficient which keeps American businesses competitive."

As part of the Better Buildings Challenge, the Department of Energy highlighted 50 showcase projects, including HEI Hotels & Resorts' operations at the Marriott La Jolla. The property deployed HEI's proven energy-saving programs like the Energy Looking Glass, HEI's own monitoring dashboard, and Energy SetPoint, which defines optimum settings for key systems (domestic hot water, chilled water, etc.). Additionally, HEI installed guestroom thermostats that operate based on whether each room is rented and/or occupied, stairwell motion sensing light that maintain minimum light for safety but fully power when motion is detected, LED lighting in public spaces, motion sensing vending area monitors and meeting room occupancy sensors. 

Anthony Rutledge, HEI Hotels & Resorts CEO said, "HEI prides itself as an environmental steward and leader in the green space. Our social responsibility is closely tied to our continued business success."

About HEI Hotels & Resorts
HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut with more than 40 properties in 16 states, creates socially responsible investment and employment opportunities through real estate portfolios of hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, Embassy Suites, and Hilton. HEI takes a holistic approach to creating value for its investors and employees by setting the highest standards across all aspects of hotel management and operation and focusing on the central principles of excellence and continuous improvement. HEI prides itself on some of the highest employee satisfaction scores in the hospitality industry, fuels local economic prosperity by investing in communities and is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. For more information about HEI, visit the company's website, www.heihotels.com.

SOURCE HEI Hotels & Resorts