Fifteen resorts operated by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) have achieved the prestigious Green Key rating for environmental conservation from the largest sustainable operations certification body in the world.  The accomplishment peaks MGM Resorts’ previous achievement of 12 properties designated with “Green Key” honors.

Since a previous assessment in 2010, Bellagio has risen in rank from “4 Green Keys” to “5 Green Keys” by updating energy efficient equipment and initiating new maintenance programs.  Bellagio has also implemented new operating policies and procedures, and enhanced its recycling efforts and sustainable food and beverage practices.  Circus Circus Las Vegas rose from “3 Green Keys” to “4 Green Keys” in the most recent assessment.

Three other properties - ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and Mandalay Bay Resort have maintained their “5 Green Keys” designation since 2010. Less than two percent of all current hotels that are rated have reached the elite “5 Keys” category.

MGM Resorts properties that achieved a “4 Green Keys” rating during the recent assessment include:  Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, Monte Carlo, The Mirage, Circus Circus Las Vegas, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss. and Gold Strike in Tunica, Miss.

This is the first-ever Green Key assessment conducted at The Signature at MGM Grand, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss., and Gold Strike in Tunica, Miss.

Green Key Global designates its ratings to hotels that exemplify the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout their properties. Green Key has more than 2,900 member hotels and is the foremost “green” ranking, certification and audit program in North America.

Green Key evaluates hotels on a scale of one to five Keys, with five Keys being the highest ranking. Results are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the hotel’s sustainability efforts.

Green Key member properties are listed at www.greenkeyglobal.com, a valuable resource for environmentally conscious travelers. Green Key rankings are recognized by major travel services including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia.

"MGM Resorts has been a highly engaged Green Key partner since the program was introduced in the United States," said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global.  "It is clear from how each property performed on the updated Green Key self-assessment that MGM Resorts is committed to continuous improvement in its sustainable operations, not simply content to rest on its laurels."

Under the leadership of MGM Resorts Chief Sustainability Officer Cindy Ortega and the Company’s sustainability division, the Company continues to expand its best practices to use resources more efficiently, reduce construction impact, minimize waste, manage supply chains and increase awareness.

“The enhanced designation reflects that our standards and best practices in environmental sustainability remain consistent throughout the company and continue to be improved. This further solidifies our commitment and responsibility to improving our environmental impact,” said Ortega. 

In 2009, ARIA Resort & Casino was awarded LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction from the U.S. Green Building Council.  In 2011, MGM Resorts was awarded 12 Green Key Hotel rankings for designation of green business operations. In 2012, Green Key Global’s Meetings Program awarded the “5 Green Keys” rating to the meetings and convention spaces within Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Las Vegas. For the past three years, MGM Resorts has been listed among Newsweek Magazine’s 500 most environmentally responsible companies in the United States.

For more information about MGM Resorts International’s commitment to sustainability, please visit: http://www.mgmresorts.com/offers/2012/07_annualcorporatesocialresponsibilityreport/index.html

About Green Key Global
Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification body offering a suite of programs and resources designed specifically for the lodging industry.  In the United States, delivery of Green Key programs is a joint venture between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.  For more information, visit www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com. 

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings, Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, the Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in three other properties in Nevada and Illinois. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life loyalty program delivers one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges and personalized rewards for guests at the Company's renowned properties nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world.

MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

Connect with MGM Resorts International on:

• Facebook
• Twitter

More from MGM Resorts International