Warrenton, Virginia, August 30, 2004

Kevin Carter, 540 347-1300

AIRLIE EARNS HIGHEST “GREEN” HONORS FOR ITS ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

Warrenton, VA., August 30, 2004 - Airlie Foundation and Conference Center's position as a regional leader in environmental commitment was underscored today with the announcement that Airlie has been awarded the coveted "Green Seal" certification from the internationally recognized organization of the same name-one of only 40 facilities nationwide to receive this designation.

Green Seal is a private, not for profit organization that distinguishes products and services which demonstrate a commitment to the environment and adhere to the Organization’s rigorous guidelines for waste management, water conservation and energy efficiency. Airlie was introduced to Green Seal through a partner in its Greening the Lodging Industry Program, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Airlie Foundation President Kimberly Head noted the Green Seal certification is the third recent environmental award received by Airlie in recognition of its sustainable business practices and environmental initiatives. Airlie has been a member of the DEQ’s Environmental Lodging Program since 2001 and received their Environmental Excellence award in 2003. This February Airlie was the first conference center in Virginia to attain the DEQ's highest ranking, the Exemplary Environmental Excellence "E3" award. To date the Center is the only lodging property in Virginia to hold both DEQ and Green Seal certification.

Airlie has been working with DEQ and Green Seal for nearly two years to reach a level of environmental responsibility that Head says significantly exceeds what private and government certification programs require. "For over 40 years Airlie has been known as the ‘natural place to meet’; sustainability continues to be an ongoing focus of the Conference Center’s mission and is increasingly essential in today’s world”. Airlie's environmental initiatives include the following:
  • Company Environmental policy
  • Green procurement policy
  • Green Team
  • Environmental training for all staff
  • Use of recycled content paper products
  • Recycling program
  • Compost Program
  • Organic culinary garden
  • Integrated pest management
  • Use of non toxic paints, cleaning products and detergents
  • Linen and towel reuse program
  • Energy efficient compact fluorescent & LED lighting throughout the property
  • Organic grounds keeping and nature preserve on the property
  • Emphasis on nature based recreational activities
Airlie General Manager Kevin Carter says the list continues to grow. “Two current projects include installing a green house to extend the season of the organic culinary garden and introducing electronic registration on Airlie's website to reduce paper waste”. As the 2nd largest employer in Fauquier County, and part of an economic sector that is the largest in the nation, Airlie is proud to be setting an example. Carter credits the Center’s environmental performance in large part to its staff and a zealous Board of Directors. “Education is essential; they (staff) understand that every bottle recycled, is one less bottle in the land fill… that every effort makes a difference”.

Airlie plans to celebrate its recent Green Seal status with a good old fashioned staff picnic (complete with green cake and cookies). After that it’s back to bi-monthly green team meetings and new ideas to keep greening Airlie.