Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel in Miami Earns Green Seal Certification Just in Time for Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary

Recently chosen as a Top 10 Luxury Hotel, a Top 10 Trendiest Hotel and a Top 25 Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® Awards, Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel continues to re-define its commitment to quality service and excellence in every area, including environmental responsibility, becoming Green Seal certified. 

Just in time for Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, the EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami announced that it received its Green Seal certification, a third-party validation that is part of a company-wide effort by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to become the first U.S. lifestyle boutique hotel company to attain 100 percent Green Seal certification at the Silver level across its 50 hotels in 22 major metropolitan cities.  

“We are truly proud of receiving this environmental designation in recognition of our efforts to ensure that EPIC is doing its part to contribute to a more sustainable world,” said EPIC General Manager Joe Schwingler. “The Green Seal certification reaffirms that EPIC is a top luxury hotel working towards sustainability and proactively pursuing environmental responsibility.” 

Green Seal certification is an important third-party validation of Kimpton’s more than 80 environmentally responsible operational practices. Under the Kimpton’s EarthCare program, Kimpton is able to more effectively measure its nationwide reductions in waste, energy and water consumption. 

Since it was first published in 1999, the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties, GS-33, has represented leadership in the industry. The standard can serve as a tool to help operations begin to take action to improve their operation and is available for Green Seal certification.

Certification requires an initial evaluation by Green Seal, including an extensive on-site audit of the property and annual monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance. The GS-33 standard recognizes three levels of environmental achievement:

  • Bronze: Entry level, meets essential environmental leadership elements
  • Silver: Meets a more comprehensive level of required leadership operations
  • Gold: Meets additional criteria demonstrating hotel is at the forefront of environmental leadership 

Kimpton’s innovative EarthCare initiatives date back to the company’s inception in 1981 and include several industry firsts such as in-room recycling bins and the use of non-toxic cleaners brand-wide. Through a new brand-wide Wines That CareTM program led by master sommelier Emily Wines, guests enjoy many featured environmentally preferable wines at the hosted evening wine hour at all Kimpton hotels. Diners at Kimpton Restaurants have access to increased sustainably produced wine selections on menus, can take advantage of in-house purified water through a national partnership with Natura® and enjoy sustainable seafood dishes in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Kimpton is a partner of The Nature Conservancy to support its “Plant a Billion Trees” campaign.  

Managed by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, EPIC is located at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, and combines the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amidst the energy and pulse of Miami. EPIC provides a distinctive lifestyle experience from its personalized service and attention, style and design, to its top-rated pool deck, restaurant and newly opened exhale spa. EPIC is located just a short distance from area beaches, local shopping districts and a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, restaurants, shops and theaters within walking distance. The hotel’s 411 rooms and suites are high on style, artfully designed by Cheryl Rowley, with furnishings that convey an understated sense of cool sophistication. All rooms and suites feature private balconies that provide breathtaking views of the city and bay. 

EPIC is located at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way. For more information on EPIC and/or reservations, please call (866) 760-3742 or (305) 424-5226 or visit www.epichotel.com.  

For more information on Green seal’s Lodging Standard, visit: http://www.greenseal.org/certification/standards/gs33_lodgingproperties.cfm

 To learn more about EarthCare and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, visit www.KimptonHotels.com, www.Twitter.com/Kimpton, or www.Facebook.com/Kimpton.

Spread the love!