Two airports have recognized the sustainability efforts of HMSHost Corp.
For the fifth consecutive year, Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) awarded HMSHost its Annual Green Gateway Environmental Excellence Award for the company’s accomplishments in waste reduction and energy conservation.
HMSHost reduced solid waste by 15,000 pounds by using laundry service rather than disposable wiping towels, and saved more than 34,000 watts of energy in 2014 by utilizing incandescent lights with LEDs, while also donating more than 20,000 pounds of food to Sea-Tac’s food bank.
“As Sea-Tac Airport and our surrounding community continue to experience unprecedented growth, it’s vital that we manage our growth in an environmentally responsible manner,” says Bill Bryant, Port of Seattle commissioner. “We’re proud to honor business partners such as HMSHost who continually set the standard of environmental leadership through their innovative approach to addressing sustainability.”
HMSHost also took two awards in the inaugural GreeningATL Excellence Awards at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). The company received an Innovation award for dedication to the environment. The award, airport officials say, was due in part to its seeking Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design status for all of its restaurants and for donating 21,000 packaged items to the Salvation Army in order to help eliminate food waste.
Tim Slaney, a vice president of operations at HMSHost, also was individually awarded an Innovative Leadership Award.
“At Hartsfield-Jackson, we don’t want to be known as just the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, but also the most sustainable airport,” said Aviation General Manager Miguel Southwell. “Our guiding principles are very clear. We are focused on striking an effective, meaningful balance between environmental sustainability, economic stability and social responsibility. Today’s award winners illustrate our collective and demonstrated commitment to these goals.”
