Integrated resort recognised for pursuit of green footprint
(Macao, May 11, 2012) – The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Macao SAR government has recognised The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel for its environmental sustainability efforts with a 2011 Macao Green Hotel Award, assigning the integrated resort a gold category designation – the highest possible ranking. The award markedly demonstrates the resort’s ongoing commitment in promoting property-wide initiatives toward environmental conservation.
Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd., says, “We are very pleased and honoured to be the recipient of a Macao Green Hotel – Gold Award. It represents an important recognition of the Venetian Macao’s tremendous work in implementing a variety of green measures, and encourages our team to continue those efforts. We will continue looking for ways to further advance our green programmes and to maximise their effectiveness.”
In order to contribute to the global effort toward environmental sustainability, The Venetian Macao has rolled out a variety of strategies and actions throughout the property. The installation of 250,000 energy-saving light bulbs and the improvement of the air conditioning systems in 2011 contributed to the reduction of 14 million kWh of energy consumption, representing a 13 per cent decrease (US$5.3 million) in the yearly electricity bill. A specially-designed and computerised chiller plant cuts down power usage by 20 per cent (16 million kWh) per year. The resort’s participation 2011 “Earth Hour” once again showcased its support of the World Wide Fund’s global initiative to switch off lights for a full hour. The resort also participates in “Macao Energy Conservation Week,” organized annually by the MSAR Office for the Development of the Energy Sector (GDSE). In addition, water conservation measures in the building, including the installation of special shower heads, water flow controllers and an automatic irrigation system, save a total of 342 million litres of water each year – enough to fill 120 Olympic swimming pools. Recyclable materials such as paper, plastic and aluminium cans are also separated from the general waste.
The Venetian Macao and Sands Macao were awarded the Macao Green Hotel Award for the first time respectively in 2008 and 2009. Each award is valid for three years, with the performance reviewed annually by the Macau Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA).
Organised by the DSPA and co-organised by the Macau Government Tourist Office, the Macao Green Hotel Award programme was launched in 2007 and seeks to leverage the importance of environmental management to honour hotel establishments that are demonstrably committed to green practices. The assessment criteria include the hotel’s commitment toward its environmental objectives, the accomplishments of its green programs, and its efforts to encourage its suppliers and contractors to implement their own strategies. A presentation ceremony for the 2011 awards is scheduled for June.
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About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (HKSE: 1928, Sands China or Company) is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS), and a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company owns and operates THE VENETIAN® Macao-Resort-Hotel, THE PLAZA™ Macao and SANDS® COTAI CENTRAL at the COTAI STRIP® development and SANDS® Macao Hotel on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities, a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, world-class entertainment at the CotaiArena™ and high-speed CotaiJet™ ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s property development projects on Cotai have the goal of transforming Cotai into Asia’s premier entertainment and business destination.