News Hour:
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, announced the winners of its annual RCI® Green Award program today, recognizing Wyndham Ocean Boulevard with the highest honor.
Now in its fifth year, the RCI Green Award program recognizes the most environmentally-conscious resorts within the company’s exchange network. The application process includes a thorough audit of green practices with stiff competition among the many properties that admirably implement sustainable business initiatives.
Applicants for the RCI Green Award were evaluated on innovations in energy and water conservation, waste management, community outreach and environmental management. The evaluation process, winner selection and verification system was completed by third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, LLC.
“Five years ago, we launched the RCI Green Award program to applaud those affiliates that show that running a business can be about making a positive impact on the world while also driving bottom line results,” said Brian Bruno, vice president of content and brand marketing for RCI, and head of the brand’s sustainability program. “At RCI, we take sustainability very seriously and incorporate it into our own company practices. Because it is part of our ethos, we are proud to work with many other amazing companies that prove that green resort properties can be high quality, amenity-rich and luxurious while maintaining their responsibility to the environment.”
The Platinum RCI Green Award winner, Wyndham Ocean Boulevard, exemplifies exceptional sustainability practices throughout its operations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The property uses an energy management system in all tower units to turn off the HVAC system when the balcony door is ajar, uses variable frequency drives on its pools, lazy rivers and parking garage exhaust fans and uses LED lighting in its parking garages and picnic area. To promote sustainable transportation, the property offers two electric vehicle charging stations, and resort management teams use bicycles to commute to and from work.
The Resort at Seaside in Seaside, Oregon, took home the Gold RCI Green Award for its impressive sustainability and community outreach programs. The resort installed UV reflective window film in all units to significantly reduce energy consumption and also implemented a food donation program so that guests can donate unused food to the South Community Food Bank at the end of their vacation.
The Silver RCI Green Award went to the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge in Sevierville, Tennessee. The property sponsors and participates in several community initiatives, including road and river clean ups, a Pollinator Garden Planting initiative and various community and fundraising events. On property, the environmentally-friendly practices even extend to the golf course where the golf carts are solar powered.
