Caesars Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest gaming company with $8.83 billion in revenue in 2011, has been recognized for commendable environmental sustainability practices.
Two of the company’s casinos on Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Casino and Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino, have received the prestigious Gold Certification from Travelife, a certification system dedicated to achieving sustainable practices within the tourism industry.
Caesars Entertainment, which was known as Harrah’s Entertainment until 2010 and whose brands include Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Flamingo, and Planet Hollywood, launched “CodeGreen,” its comprehensive sustainability program, in 2004.
The company has set broad goals for improving its environmental performance, including a 40 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 from a 2007 baseline. Thus far, Caesars is on track to achieve a 10 percent carbon emissions reduction by this year and a 15 percent reduction in water use by 2020 from a 2008 baseline.
“Since the inception of CodeGreen nine years ago, our Tahoe-based properties have made great strides in conservation practices including reducing energy consumption, water conservation, and reprocessing and reusing post consumer waste,” said John Koster, Regional President at Caesars Entertainment.
“It is exciting to see our commitment to environmental sustainability and social policy celebrated by members in our community and recognized by world certification bodies like Travelife,” he added.
Travelife’s robust sustainability criteria require applicants to undergo an extensive auditing process that focuses on environmental sustainability and social responsibility. In 2013, only four U.S.-based hotels out of 400 worldwide are Gold Certified, three of which are Caesars properties.
“Over the years, Caesars Entertainment properties have displayed a strong commitment to sustainability and in meeting Travelife’s comprehensive requirements,” said Sören Stöber, Travelife Business Manager. “These properties’ history and dedication to sustainability initiatives continue to profoundly benefit the community they serve.”
The two properties also received the “2012 Blue Ribbon Award” in the category of “Large Green Business” from the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber and Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA).
“The Awards were conceived as a mechanism for highlighting and honoring the creativity, persistence and contributions of local businesses and their people,” said Chamber CEO Betty Gorman. “The Chamber and LTVA wanted to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and businesses, especially those directly or indirectly related to tourism.”
Caesars Foundation, which is funded by a percentage of operating income from the company’s resorts, has also made significant contributions towards advancing Caesar Entertainment’s corporate social responsibility goals.
In November, for example, the Foundation embarked upon a yearlong collaboration with Rebuilding Together to make crucial housing repairs for low?income families, the elderly, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
“The basic need for a safe and healthy home is something we can all relate to,” said Gwen Migita, vice president of sustainability and community affairs at Caesars Entertainment. “By providing much needed repairs and sustainable upgrades, we hope our efforts will make a lasting impact on these individuals’ well?being and their wallets.
Caesars Foundation gave $128,000 to sponsor the program. In 2011, the Foundation distributed nearly $8 million to nonprofit organizations across the United States and overseas.
Article by Harry Stevens of Justmeans, appearing courtesy 3BL Media.
