PLAYACAR, Mexico (Oct. 6, 2003) -- Viva Azteca, located in Playacar
in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, is the first hotel in the country to achieve
Green Globe 21 Certification. Since September 2002, the resort has
been working towards achieving this certification and has done so by accomplishing
all of the initiatives under the environmental action program as defined
by the World Tourism Organization, based on points agreed upon at the �Earth
Summit� and current legislation in Mexico.
| �We are very proud of Viva Azteca�s
management, staff and guests for achieving the Green Globe 21 Certification
for the property,� said Ettore Colussi, president of Viva Resorts.
�Since 1999, the resort has actively pursued programs that promote environmental
protection and preserve the natural environment that surrounds Viva Azteca,
allowing our guests to experience the beauty of Playacar,� he added.
The Green Globe 21 standards are based on water conservation; energy |
Viva Azteca
Playacar, Mexico |
conservation; conservation of the ecosystems; social and cultural development;
the principles of reduce, re-use and recycle; and storage and use of chemical
materials. The measures the resort undertook to meet these standards
and achieve Green Globe 21 Certification include the following:
| Creation of an environmental policy that outlines the resorts commitment
towards environmentally-friendly actions; abiding by all Mexican laws and
regulations; employing preferably local employees; working with local companies;
and purchasing environmentally-friendly, local products. |
| Developing an Environment Administration System that focuses on environmental
and social aspects and impacts; setting environmental and social targets;
setting a plan of action of environmental procedures for each of the hotel�s
departments to follow. |
| Creation of a plan of action for the use and conservation of water.
To properly use and conserve water, the resort installed the following:
new valves in the in-room bathrooms; tabs to control the number of gallons
per minute that are distributed through the water faucets; water-saving
tabs in each public bathroom; and water meters in the kitchen, laundry
room, swimming pool and gardens. Guests were also encouraged to re-use
bath and pool towels. |
| Creation of a plan of action for the use and conservation of energy.
To achieve this goal Viva Azteca installed timers in all of the air conditioners,
jacuzzis and pumps so these items would temporarily shut off when they
were not being utilized. The resort also installed low consumption
light bulbs and encouraged all employees to reduce energy consumption. |
| Creation of a plan of action for the conservation of the ecosystem.
This including the use of native flora and fauna species; cooperation with
sea turtle conservation organizations; and underwater conservation by the
Viva Diving Center. |
| To meet the goals of social and cultural development, Viva Azteca trained,
motivated and encouraged employees to be environmentally responsible and
suggested that they develop their own environmental initiatives as well.
The resort also provided suggestions to their suppliers and contractors
so they could make environmental improvements within their own businesses.
Viva Azteca worked in conjunction with various local organizations to organize
campaigns to clean neighborhoods and beaches and advised all customers
about the resort�s environmental protection efforts. |
| Viva Azteca�s reduce, re-use and recycle principles included the elimination
of the consumption of disposable products (cups, spoons, napkins, plastic
bags); use of recycled inkjets; creation of compost from kitchen organic
wastes into garden fertilizer; and separation of oils, plastics, aluminum
and paper for recycling. |
| The resort also initiated special procedures to reduce and handle chemical
products. |
As a result of these environmentally-friendly actions, Viva Azteca has
saved over US$25,000 in its first year and as a result the resort has applied
this savings towards expenses incurred for environmentally-friendly programs
and equipment over the past year.
Beginning in January 2004, Viva Azteca�s sister property, Viva Maya,
which is also located in Playacar, Mexico, will begin efforts towards achieving
Green Globe 21 Certification.
Green Globe 21 is an international system of certification for hotels,
through which hotels comply with a series for specific environmental standards
in their operations and are then evaluated against these standards in order
to obtain the prestigious Certificate.
Green Globe 21 is a vital designation for a hotel for two very important
reasons. A hotel certified by Green Globe 21 guarantees its clientele
that it takes into consideration the environment in its daily operation
and is not abusive towards nature and its resources, without sacrificing
the quality of its product and services. Furthermore, by maximizing
its resources, the hotel reduces its operational costs greatly, (mainly
in the areas of water and energy management, chemical substances and solid
and liquid waste management), which in return, provides sustainable development
of its business and by consequence, the community.
Set in a lush tropical setting, the 234-room Viva Azteca overlooks one
of the most pristine beaches in the Riviera Maya and is located just moments
away from a challenging 18-hole golf course. Beyond the resort�s
extensive activities and offerings, hotel guests are afforded additional
value as they are invited to use the facilities at the resort�s sister
property, Viva Maya, just a short walk away. |
