Central California Hotel Launches “Reduced Waste Conference Program”

Portola Hotel & Spa, the first LEED-certified hotel in Central California, has launched its new “Reduced Waste Conference Program,” advancing its long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. Developed in collaboration with Blue Strike Environmental, a mission-driven sustainability consulting firm, the program offers event organizers a way to reduce the environmental footprint of their gatherings while maintaining an elevated guest experience.

The hotel touts that the program "sets a new standard for responsible meetings," encouraging collaboration between the hotel, planners and attendees to reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions and increase the use of reusable and recyclable resources. From behind-the-scenes operations to guest-facing services, every element is designed to support environmentally conscious decision-making.

Core features of the program include eliminating single-use plastics when possible, using reusable service ware, sourcing seasonal and organic ingredients from local farms, implementing energy- and water-efficient practices, and partnering with environmentally conscious vendors and suppliers. A digital-first planning process further reduces paper waste, and qualified groups of 30 or more will receive a custom sustainability report following their event detailing key metrics such as carbon emissions avoided, water and food saved, waste diverted from landfills and insights on plant-based sourcing and sustainable seafood, aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines.

The “Reduced Waste Conference Program” was made possible through a close partnership with Blue Strike Environmental, whose expertise was instrumental in shaping the program and its reporting framework. Whether hosting a corporate retreat, industry summit or multi-day convention, organizers now have the tools and support to host eco-conscious events backed by measurable results for ESG reporting and internal benchmarks.

For more information, visit www.portolahotel.com/reduced-waste-conference-program.

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