RCI Green Awards Recognize Sustainable Businesses in the Hospitality Industry

The world’s leading external exchange company, RCI, recently announced the latest winners during their sixth annual Green Awards. Each year, RCI presents awards to hospitality companies within their exchange network that are working to be environmentally-conscious as a way to recognize their efforts.

RCI audits the green practices of different companies including energy and water conservation, waste management, and community outreach. This is then evaluated to choose a winner by third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, LLC.

“Hospitality properties have great potential—and great responsibility—to reduce the impact their operations have on the environment,” said Brian Bruno, vice president of content and brand marketing for RCI and head of the brand’s sustainability program. “Many of our affiliated properties are doing fantastic work in areas of sustainability and are leaving positive marks on their communities, and the recipients of the RCI Green Awards are exceptional examples. As a brand that takes sustainability practices seriously in our own operations, RCI is proud to work with affiliates that have a similar guiding philosophy.”

The Platinum RCI Green Award was presented to Wyndham Branson at the Meadows for their commitment to sustainability. This property participates in a comprehensive recycling program, and a community outreach program that many staff members participate in by giving hours of their time by doing local environmental cleanups and donating home goods.

Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff was recognized with the Gold RCI Green Award. The resort sources all of its landscaping and vegetation from native Hawaii, and also encourages guests to get involved in recycling through instruction signs and recycling bags and bins in each room.

The Silver RCI Green Award was presented to the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge in Tennessee. This resort property hosts multiple environmental cause events and includes the surrounding community. They also participate in biannual road and river cleanups and implemented a butterfly garden at the Eugene Huskey Environmental Center.

The annual RCI Green Awards are achievable by all RCI affiliated resorts in North America. Resort properties can apply to be considered at no cost. The process for next year will begin in October. RCI also provides its affiliates with a Green Resource Center online to help properties expand their sustainability efforts. Learn more about RCI on their official website.