Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC is the first hospitality provider in North Carolina to be awarded the NC Green Travel Award by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach (NCDEAO) and the Center of Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina.  NCDEAO is a governmental branch of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDNR) that strives to protect the natural resources of North Carolina. The NC Green Travel awards is designed to encourage the tourism industry to “go green” by recognizing businesses that have established an energy team, recycles material, excels in water efficiency, practices energy conservation, and strives to practice green standards.”

As a holistic wellness resort with a focus on organic culinary and spa programs, Old Edwards Inn and Spa has been working toward more sustainable and energy efficient operations throughout the property. To this end, they have:

• Established a sustainable farm bringing organic and local food to their guests.
• Installed Icynene insulation reducing their energy bills by 50%.
• Replaced all T-12 bulbs with T-8 bulbs, an energy efficient alternative.
• Implemented an optional towel and linen re-use program for guests, which has been very well received.
• Participated in the Global Soap Project to help those in need.
• Conducted an Energy Assessment with the help of Waste Reduction Partners.

For the past three months, a student intern from the University of North Carolina, Mary Nell Johnson, has assessed Old Edwards Inn energy usage and resource efficiency. A Strategic Energy Plan (SEP) was completed outlining green steps that Old Edwards Inn and Spa plans to implement over the next five years. These plans consist of reducing water, energy, and waste throughout their facilities through the use of energy effective products. In addition, Adrian Boutwell, engineer from Waste Reduction Partners (WRP), completed an energy assessment at the resort and submitted recommendations for implementing energy savings across the property.

According to Melissa Delany, of Old Edwards Inn and Spa, “We are very excited about our efforts to go green and the NC Green Travel Award.” Recently the Inn created a Policy Statement that describes their reasoning for making this change “Old Edward Inn wants to protect our shared environment; in order to constantly improve the quality of our establishment for the betterment of our employees, guests and other stakeholders.” To this end, they also support the local Nature Center and Biological Station whose mission is to protect and sustain the unique ecological environment of the Highlands/Cashiers Plateau.

The NC Green Travel Award is designated by dogwood flower symbols. To achieve a dogwood, properties must meet or exceed the bar-setting green practices, which are outlined in the NC Green Travel application. Old Edwards Inn and Spa was awarded two dogwoods under the program. “Two Dogwoods for NC Green Travel” is the second-highest award, created to give special recognition to hotels that clearly meet the requirements of a green property.

To learn more about Old Edwards Inn and Spa, visit www.oldedwardsinn.com, or call 866-526-8008.