A Waikiki hotel with a rooftop garden and a restaurant that switched to biodegradable takeout containers were among the 14 recipients of this year’s Hawaii Green Business Awards.
The awards — sponsored by the state Department of Health; the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii — were presented by Gov. Neil Abercrombie during a ceremony last week.
"It’s encouraging to see local businesses and government agencies continue to take the lead in incorporating energy efficiency in their own practices," Abercrombie said. "These honorees complement the state’s efforts in reaching our Hawai‘i Clean Energy goals."
The recipients of the 2013 Hawaii Green Business Awards were:
» Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki Hotel. The hotel achieved a 24 percent reduction in electricity use with the implementation of energy- and water-efficiency measures and an electronic room key card system.
» Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. The resort implemented Hyatt’s "Thrive" sustainability program, which includes health and wellness programs, education and personal advancement, economic development and investment, and environmental sustainability. The resort expanded its chef’s garden on the third-floor rooftop deck as part of the program.
» The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas. The resort made a commitment to reducing energy consumption by 30 percent and water consumption by 20 percent by the year 2020.
» Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk. The hotel was recognized for its reduction of electricity and gas use in 2012 and the installation of a 440-volt quick charger for electric vehicles.
» Blue Hawaii Lifestyle. The Ala Moana retailer distinguished itself "through its dedication to green operations and offering mostly locally produced products" and its efforts to reduce waste.
» Kona Brewing Co.’s Koko Marina Pub and Brewery. The restaurant implemented several changes, including replacing Styrofoam soup containers with a 100 percent recycled-content product and takeout boxes that are biodegradable. Water conservation practices are used throughout the restaurant, including bathroom low-flow water fixtures.
» BOCA Hawaii. The company has taken steps to reduce its impact on the environment at its store and through race events it hosts. BOCA sells a number of reused and recycled-content products and has installed new energy-efficient lighting while achieving a 12.1 percent reduction in energy use.
» KYA Design Group. KYA was recognized for establishing itself as a "leader in sustainability in Hawaii through its design work, community collaboration and environmentally conscious operations." The company reduced its waste by 40 percent from 2009 levels using techniques like on-site vermicomposting along with recycling.
» Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii Loa campus. HPU has implemented a university-wide double-sided printing policy, composts 100 percent of its green waste on-site, uses a rain catchment and garden system, and offers numerous recycled-content products in the HPU bookstore.
» City and County of Honolulu’s Ewa Beach Fire Station. The fire station was the first project for the City and County of Honolulu to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
» Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Accounting and General Services. The agencies were recognized for their "commitment to environmental stewardship" at the Kalanimoku Building. There has been a 20 percent reduction in energy use in the building as a result of efficient lighting and control systems, upgraded air-conditioning equipment and the addition of a photovoltaic system on the roof.
» Environmental Protection Agency and General Services Administration. The agencies implemented several improvements to the EPA’s operations at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building, including the installation of low-flow faucets, dual flush toilets, a high-efficiency water-pumping station and energy-efficient lighting.
