7.12.2006 - 10:06am ET

(CSRwire) Toronto- With already one of the most comprehensive environmental programs within the worldwide hotel industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced that it has partnered with the widely recognized US Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Program. This latest partnership with ENERGY STAR, which will focus on the company's fifteen US-based properties, is part of Fairmont's ongoing strategy to streamline its energy performance and reduce both utilities consumption and greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations.

A voluntary program, ENERGY STAR provides businesses with guidelines and resources necessary to achieve and maintain energy efficiency. The program involves ongoing measurement, tracking and benchmarking of a hotel's energy performance. An innovative energy performance rating system determines each building's eligibility for the ENERGY STAR label.

In accordance with the principles of Fairmont's own Green Partnership program, considerable emphasis is placed on energy conservation throughout the company. Various initiatives such as cogeneration at The Fairmont San Jose and extensive lighting retrofits at The Fairmont Washington D.C. have resulted in significant energy savings. Fairmont is also an advocate of renewable energy and recently purchased Eco-Logo certified Renewable Energy Certificates from the Pembina Institute. These certificates, derived from wind power, offset emissions from the brand's 249 check-in computers across North America resulting in an annual greenhouse gas reduction of almost 100 tonnes. A leader in sustainability within the hospitality sector, Fairmont was recently recognized for its environmental leadership with receipt of the 2006 Global Tourism Business Award from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

"We are proud to be part of ENERGY STAR and look forward to implementing the program's strategy at our celebrated addresses across the United States," said Michelle White, Manager, Environmental Affairs. "ENERGY STAR further strengthens our Green Partnership program and will greatly assist us in achieving our long term goals of improved operational performance and environmental protection"

ABOUT THE FAIRMONT GREEN PARTNERSHIP

Fairmont is committed to protecting the environment because it isn't just something that's "out there" - it's the place where each of us lives, works and plays. Pioneered by the company's Canadian properties in 1990, the award-winning Fairmont Green Partnership program is now growing internationally. This comprehensive initiative to minimize the impact of hotel operations addresses key issues including waste management, water and energy conservation, habitat protection, purchasing, and community outreach. In addition to publishing "The Green Partnership Guide", a going green handbook for the hospitality industry, individual Fairmont hotels and their employee Green Teams are innovating with special events and capital investments. www.fairmont.com/environment.

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

Featuring a collection of fabled castles, secluded lodges, storied meeting places and modern retreats, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opens the doors to some of the world's most celebrated addresses. With locations throughout ten countries, our 51 distinctive hotels - including The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs and London's Savoy - promise travelers rich experiences and lasting memories in unparalleled settings. Committed to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels, Fairmont will soon reflag five hotels in Kenya and anticipates the 2007 re-opening of New York's famed Plaza Hotel. Future Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also include locations in Cairo, Turks & Caicos, Abu Dhabi and Dubai's Palm Island. Fairmont Raffles Holdings International owns and operates 120 hotels worldwide under the Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta brands. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit http://www.fairmont.com.

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