Kamehameha Schools recently garnered a state Green Event Award for incorporating 25 eco-friendly practices at its annual Sustainability Council retreat. The green practices included paperless communications, reusable drinking containers, and retreating within walking distance of KS offices.
Gov. David Ige presented the award to Sustainability Manager Amy Brinker and Community Engagement and Resources Director Sydney Keliipuleole at the 2015 Hawaii Green Business Awards at the state capitol.
Brinker chairs the KS Sustainability Council, a cross-functional team that strives to create a healthier learning and working environment at KS, while reducing overhead costs and increasing revenue.
“This award is significant because it shows that Kamehameha Schools can successfully implement waste reduction, transportation and other strategies for the many events it organizes,” says Brinker.
“Recognition of efforts in sustainability is often a way to award the early adopters and encourage the early majority to follow suit,” she said. “The business sector makes a huge impact in Hawaiʻi, so the incorporation of sustainable practices is not only good for business, it is good for the people and ʻāina of Hawaii.”
KS has incorporated robust recycling practices at its Kawaiahaʻo Plaza headquarters. Efforts are also underway to develop energy, water, waste, carbon and agricultural baselines for Kawaiahaʻo Plaza and Kamehameha’s K-12 campuses on Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi island.
“In the state that beats the country in renewable energy and conservation, many of your businesses are leading the way,” Ige said to this year’s 24 award-winning businesses.
“You have all demonstrated your commitment to energy efficiency and resource conservation and have successfully incorporated creative, innovative green practices into your operations and events.”
The Green Event Award is presented by the Hawaiʻi Green Business Program, which is supported by the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the State Department of Health, and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. See the program's Green Event checklist for ways to plan eco-conscious event.
Pics by KS Photographer Michael Young.
Recognition of efforts in sustainability is often a way to award the early adopters and encourage the early majority to follow suit. The business sector makes a huge impact in Hawaiʻi, so the incorporation of sustainable practices is not only good for business, it is good for the people and ʻāina of Hawaiʻi.
Amy Brinker , KS Sustainability Manager
Kamehameha's sustainability efforts include a robust recycling program at its Kawaiahaʻo Plaza headquarters.
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