We asked the NHLA chairperson for the Sustainability Committee, Andy Ginsburg, Director of Public Area at Aria Resort and Casino, to tell us about the property’s accomplishments and his responsibilities in his role.
“Aria was built to be the leader in sustainability. When we opened in December 2009, we had the world’s first CNG “compressed natural gas” limo fleet. Ninety percent of the building that was removed to make way for CityCenter was reused or recycled. Aria maintains an Eco-Key rating of 5 keys, the highest rating,” states Andy.
Aria hosts unique sustainable components
“There are several unique items here such as our air displacement in the casino. Air comes from slot bases and forces air up; not from the ceiling fighting hot air to cool below. Every guest room has a sunlight deflector at a 30-degree angle that displaces the heat that would come through windows. The most unique item would be our Central Plant. We generate over 30% of our own power and also control New York-New York and the soon to open T-Mobile arena,” states Andy.
“We were the world’s largest LEED certified project when we opened in 2009. I have been the Sustainability chair for the Aria campus since 2011 and we divert 65% of our waste to recycling. I have been in the hospitality industry for 36 years. My past 22 years have been in Las Vegas at Tropicana, Primm Valley Resorts, Treasure Island, The Mirage Casino Hotel and since opening, here at Aria. I am very passionate about the environment because I have 10 grandchildren and I feel responsible to leave the planet in good shape for future generations.”
Aria consistently receives awards
Aria was the recipient of the NHLA Stars of the Industry Sustainability Leader award in 2015, one of the highest honors in the industry. Other awards received in 2015 include Green Award Winner Hotel Casino Category, Las Vegas Business Press; Trailblazer, Metro Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award; and Finalist Best Environmental Stewardship, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. 2014 brought many awards including various awards from TripAdvisor, Green Keys, LEEP, EPA and AEE.
Andy accepted the position of NHLA chairperson for the sustainability committee for 2016. “Andy has taken an active role in providing education and resources for our members through his involvement in NHLA,” states Diane Gandy, NHLA President. “He has arranged tours of notable sustainable entities in Southern Nevada including Republic Services and the Aria facilities. His knowledge is a great asset for our committee and our members in assisting with implementation of sustainable measures as well as providing industry resources.”