 Political pundits may argue whether Virginia will be a Blue or Red state on Election Day, but when it comes to Old Dominion’s growing hospitality and meetings industry, Virginia is definitely turning into a Green state. In 2007, the Virginia Beach Convention Center became the state’s first convention center to be recognized as a Certified Virginia Green Facility. Now Benchmark Hospitality International is also turning Virginia Green.
The three Benchmark Hospitality International conference centers located in the state—The Founders Inn and Spa, in Virginia Beach, Virginia Crossings Resort, in Richmond; and Lansdowne Resort, which is located near Leesburg have earned the Virginia Green Lodging certificate of Environmental Commitment by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
 "One of our primary goals is to be an integral, positive part of our community," said Ellen Ruane, General Manager, The Founders Inn and Spa. "This includes doing our part to conserve our region’s natural resources."
The Virginia Green Lodging Program is an initiative of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality , in conjunction with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association to advance pollution prevention methods in the state’stourism and hospitality industry. Virginia Green Lodging encourages  hotels, resorts, meeting venues and other hospitality operations to be aware of their impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce this impact.
"We are very proud to be a part of Virginia’s ‘Green’ initiative as we strive to always be positive corporate citizens and  a responsible neighbor to our community," said Tom Manno, Managing Director, Lansdowne Resort. "This includes doing our part to conserve our region’s natural resources."
Virginia Green participants must meet the program's "Core Activities," which include recycling, minimized use of Styrofoam and other disposable materials, and implementing policies that provide efficient water usage and energy efficiency. At a minimum, the properties must show a commitment to core activities, such as optional linen service, recycling opportunities, water conservation, energy conservation and green conferences.
In addition to receiving the Green Lodging Certificate, Virginia Crossings Resort has been presented with the Clean Business Award, given each year to local businesses that demonstrate excellence in landscaping management, waste management and recycling.
"Our team actively works to maintain the highest standards of environmentally intelligent business procedures," said Tom Cupo, General Manager, Virginia Crossings Resort. "This recognition is very meaningful."
 The Founders Inn and Spa, which features a new $5 million full-service resort spa, grand scale pool, includes 240 guestrooms, 25,000 square feet of exhibit space, 20 separate meeting rooms, teleconferencing, and computerized, custom lighting for six stage areas in its Virginia Ballroom.
Virginia Crossings Resort features 183 spacious master guestrooms and suites, 25,000 square feet of dedicated  meeting space, which breaks out into 23 meetings rooms, three executive board rooms and a ballroom seating up to 400 people as well as 18 holes of championship golf and multiple dining outlets.
Lansdowne Resort includes 45,000-square-foot Conference Center that encompasses a Grand Ballroom,  Amphitheatre, Boardrooms and elegant outdoor function space as well as 305 freshly renovated luxury guestrooms and suites, the luxurious Spa Minérale, 45 holes of championship golf, a new 45,000 square foot clubhouse, and six dining outlets.
Last year, another Benchmark conference center, Chaminade at Santa Cruz was recognized for being green. The venue was awarded the Green Business Certification by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors |
