HEI Wins U.S. EPA's 2012 ENERGY STAR© Sustained Excellence Award

NORWALK, Conn., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded HEI Hotels & Resorts a 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of the company's continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. EPA recognized HEI's accomplishments at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. marking the 20th anniversary of ENERGY STAR.

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HEI, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2006, is honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. HEI's commitment to protecting the environment focuses on an effective deployment of capital that targets proven technology in lighting upgrades and HVAC systems, teamed with outstanding operational programs such as its custom dashboard called the Energy Looking Glass (ELG) and innovative incentive programs for key hotel personnel. This combination of capital and operational awareness has allowed HEI to save 20.2 percent on energy costs company-wide since the program began in 2005.

"Corporate social responsibility isn't just a catch-phrase at HEI, but something we work hard to demonstrate every single day," said HEI CEO Gary Mendell. "On behalf of the thousands of HEI employees across the nation, we are honored by EPA's recognition and remain committed to being a responsible environmental steward for our communities and future generations."

Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future through participation in ENERGY STAR.

Over the past 20 years, American families and businesses have saved nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from more than 350 million vehicles with help from ENERGY STAR.

"HEI has been committed to our Social Responsibility programs for many years while partnering with ENERGY STAR in our efforts to increase energy efficiency at all of our hotels is a key aspect of our programs, which helps protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Bob Holesko VP of Facilities HEI Hotels & Resorts

The 2012 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from about 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program, EPA is proud to recognize HEI Hotels & Resorts with the 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "HEI and all our ENERGY STAR award winners are helping Americans find cost-effective ways to save energy in everything we do, which is good for our climate, our health, and our future."

About HEI
HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut with 42 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.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. About 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

SOURCE HEI Hotels & Resorts