Environmental Sustainability: MGM Resorts International’s Sustainability Program Receives “Galaxy” Star Award from the Alliance to Save Energy | October 2014 CSR Newsletter

MGM Resorts International received the Alliance to Save Energy's highest honor, the "Galaxy" Star of Energy Efficiency Award at a special awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.. Each year, the Star of Energy Efficiency Awards are bestowed upon individuals, organizations, companies, government programs and learning institutions that have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency both in the United States and abroad.

Secretary Alexis Herman, a member of the company’s Board of Directors and the Chair of its Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the company. MGM Resorts was honored for reducing energy use at their Las Vegas properties by more than 420 million kWh and reducing annual carbon equivalent emissions by 100,000 metric tons through their Green Advantage sustainability platform.

“We know that our guests do not dismiss their environmental ideals when they pack their suitcases,” said Cindy Ortega, Chief Sustainability Officer for MGM Resorts. “Our 23 resorts and 62,000 employees are committed to providing memorable experiences for our guests, and that includes continuously implementing practices that reduce our environmental impact.”

The “Galaxy” Star award recognizes outstanding achievements in Energy Efficiency for entities earning more than $150 million in annual revenue. Previous recipients of the “Galaxy” Star include the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Kroger Co., Briggs & Stratton and U-Haul International.

“MGM Resorts International has already achieved impressive energy savings in its facilities through building management systems, employee driven efficiency efforts and other strategies. With the continued leadership of Jim Murren and Cindy Ortega, I look forward to seeing how the 2014 ‘Galaxy’ Star of Energy Efficiency builds upon these accomplishments in the near future,” said Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan.

Through its sustainability program, Green Advantage, MGM Resorts has reduced its annual energy usage by 14 percent since 2007. Earlier this year, MGM Resorts announced that it is joining the U.S. Energy Department’s Better Buildings Challenge, a national pledge calling for organizations to voluntarily reduce their building portfolio energy use by 20 percent in ten years.

Additonal October 2014 CSR Newsletter features: 

Diversity & Inclusion: MGM Resorts International Named "Best Company for Diversity"

Philanthropy & Community Engagement: MGM Resorts Foundation honored for charitable efforts