Westin Denver Downtown Still Reaping Rewards From 2008 DNC

Getting the Democratic National Convention in 2008 was a huge coup for Denver. It brought throngs of people and international attention. The legacy of what the convention left behind, however, was just as impressive. In an effort to make the DNC one of the greenest conventions ever, we saw the emergence of things like Denver B-cycle, recycling on the 16th Street Mall, and the conversion of single occupancy vehicle commuters to transit and bicycle commuting.

Today, the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel announced that they have been honored for their long-term commitment to environmental responsibility by Host Hotels & Resorts. When did their green efforts begin? That’s right…during the DNC. Check out this article from the Denver Post on their award. Congrats to the Westin!

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Westin Downtown honored for its environmental efforts

By Howard Pankratz
The Denver Post

The Westin Denver Downtown Hotel has been honored for its long-term commitment to environmental responsibility by Host Hotels & Resorts.

The hotel said its environmental commitment was sparked during the Democratic National Convention when the hotel staff was challenged to reduce water use. At the time, the hotel said it implemented new water-saving shower heads which led to the hotel receiving the “Watts to Water” award from the city of Denver.

The award was given for significantly reducing its water and energy use.

Since the convention, the hotel said several programs have been undertaken to continue the hotel’s commitment to the environment. They include partnering with A1 Organics on a compost program, establishing an online in-room dining menu and guest directory, and moving from Styrofoam and plastics to soy or corn-based packaging for to-go/box meals.

The Westin has also installed Aqua Recycle which reduces water consumption in the hotel laundry by 80 percent. “Green is important to meeting planners,” said Tracy Blair, The Westin Denver Downtown’s director of sales and marketing. “Our sales and catering teams use sustainability awards and recognition as part of our sales presentation.”

 The Westin is located at 1672 Lawrence St.

Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.