MGM Resorts International Receives Sustainability Honors From U.S. Green Building Council Nevada Chapter

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International was presented with two awards by the U.S. Green Building Council Nevada Chapter for its outstanding leadership in sustainable development and advocacy.  During the awards ceremony held in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts took home the awards for "Exceptional Leadership and Advocacy – LEED Project" and for "Organizational Excellence."  

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"One of our strongest values is practicing sustainable development to provide our guests with an exceptional experience when they come through our doors," said Cindy Ortega, Senior Vice President of the Energy and Environmental Services Division at MGM Resorts International.  "For us as a Company, environmental responsibility is a commitment that works across all levels of our organization.  CityCenter is a project that works to set a new standard for environmental leadership in Las Vegas and the built environment.  To raise this standard, however, we really rely on the talent and dedication of the green teams at each of our properties that ensure sustainability is integrated in every aspect of the company.  Without them, these initiatives and awards would not be possible."

MGM Resorts received the LEED Advocacy award for CityCenter, which, at 18 million square feet, and having achieved six LEED Gold Certifications, is the largest environmentally sustainable, mixed-use development in the world.  

At each property, MGM Resorts works to instill core values and beliefs around environmental responsibility to employees through dedicated green teams that lead and support a number of education and outreach programs.  The cornerstone of this effort is Conservation Begins at Home, a program that educates 60,000 employees about how they can incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives – both at home and at work.  This program illustrates practical examples of environmentally responsible actions and helps all property green teams encourage increased employee and guest involvement.  In addition, these teams host a variety of "Green Fairs" to show employees ways to save natural resources at home as well as publish and distribute newsletters that discuss the benefits of green activities, all to encourage people to incorporate elements of sustainability into their daily lives.

"The construction of CityCenter represents a significant milestone for the advancement of sustainability in the state of Nevada," said Rick van Diepen, President of the U.S. Green Building Council Nevada Chapter.  "MGM Resorts' commitment to green building from the earliest stages of design on the CityCenter project has resulted in a world class property that is not only a stunning design, but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the hospitality industry.  USGBC Nevada has also recognized MGM Resorts with an award this year the longstanding commitment it has made at the organizational level through their sustainability programs employed at each of the properties they own and manage.  We applaud MGM Resorts for their efforts and look forward to working with them as a valued partner in the future."

The USGBC Nevada Chapter awards are one of several impressive industry awards MGM Resorts has received for playing a key leadership role in bringing sustainability to the hospitality industry.  In November, CityCenter received the Travel + Leisure 2010 Global Vision Award for changing the perception of sustainability in Las Vegas and giving classic Vegas luxuries a new twist with cutting-edge green building techniques. Earlier this month, Newsweek named MGM Resorts International to its annual Green Rankings list as the highest-rated company in the gaming and casino space.  In July of this year, a total of 12 MGM Resorts properties were recognized by the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program. ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino received the highest, 5 Key rating, becoming three of only six hotels in the United States to have received the Eco-Rating Program's highest honor.

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, Illinois and Macau. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's Web site at www.mgmresorts.com.

About US Green Building Council Nevada Chapter

The U.S. Green Building Council - Nevada Chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has been an organizational leader in Nevada for green building and sustainability since 2003. We are the local voice of the U.S. Green Building Council and chapter members are key to raising awareness about green building in Nevada. Our core values of collaboration, environmental stewardship, education, networking and diversity drive us to make a positive difference in the built, natural, and social environments of the state.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International