Hyatt Regency Trinidad Achieves Green Key Certification: Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality

Port of Spain, Trinidad – May 22, 2024 – Hyatt Regency Trinidad has been awarded the prestigious Green Key Certification, becoming the first hotel in Trinidad to receive this distinguished recognition. This milestone underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and sets a new standard for eco-friendly hospitality practices both locally and globally.

The official Green Key award and flag were presented to Hyatt Regency Trinidad during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. This accolade highlights the hotel’s dedication to sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. By obtaining Green Key certification, Hyatt Regency Trinidad not only enhances its reputation but also serves as an inspiration for other hotels to pursue similar eco-friendly initiatives.

“We are excited and proud to be the first hotel in Trinidad to be awarded Green Key status,” remarked Michael Hooper, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad. “This distinction signifies our ongoing commitment not only as part of the growing number of Hyatt hotels worldwide achieving this status but also as leaders spearheading environmentally responsible practices.”

Hyatt Regency Trinidad has demonstrated remarkable dedication to minimising its environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout its operations. Key initiatives that contributed to this certification include:

• Energy Efficiency: Implementing advanced energy-saving systems to reduce consumption.

• Waste Reduction: Comprehensive recycling programs and the substitution of single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives.

• Community Engagement: Donating vegetable and fruit scraps to the Emperor Valley Zoo to support animal nutrition.

Patrick Borely, the Director of Engineering and Lead of Green Key Team at the hotel, has been diligently serving as the hotel’s liaison and preparing its application for certification. He commented,  “the Hyatt Regency Trinidad was pleased to have a local operator in Trinidad and Tobago that facilitated and worked together with us to bring the certification to reality. Otherwise it would have meant involving an overseas provider. I would encourage other hotels in Trinidad to seek green Key certification as it would lift the standard of the industry”

Presenting the award to Haytt was Green T&T Board of Director Willard P. Harris, who had this to say: “”As the first hotel in Trinidad to achieve Green Key status, Hyatt Regency Trinidad serves as an inspiration and leader in the industry. After almost a year of preparation and fulfilment of stringent criteria, the achievement is significant, and the hotel now plays a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry”.

The Green Key certification is coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a global voluntary eco-certification program. With over 6,000 certified hotels and establishments in 60 countries, Green Key is the leading standard for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the tourism and hospitality sector. The certification process evaluates establishments on various criteria, including environmental management, energy conservation, waste management, and water conservation.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Green T&T serves as the National Operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Green T&T is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Green Key program within the country. Working in partnership with government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality establishments, Green T&T promotes sustainable practices, raises awareness about environmental conservation, and drives the growth of ecotourism.

The CEO of Green T&T, Joanna Moses-Wothke had this to say: “Chain hotels that prioritise environmental sustainability play a critical role in combating global climate change, while simultaneously achieving cost savings and enhancing their brand reputation. We applaud Hyatt Regency Trinidad for their unwavering commitment to obtaining environmental certification and aspire for it to serve as an exemplary model within the industry. “