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Homestead Preserve's Old Dairy gets 'Virginia Green' status
HOT SPRINGS - Homestead Preserve's Old Dairy Community Center was recently named aVirginia Green Conference Center by the Department of Environmental Quality.
Virginia Green, a partnership program supported by the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association and Virginia is for Lovers, recognizes tourism-related businesses and organizations that demonstrate a responsibility to the environment andVirginia's natural resources.
To become eligible for Virginia Green status, facilities must make a commitment to, at a minimum, water efficiency, energy conservation, supporting green conferences and events, providing recycling, eliminating the use of Styrofoam, and reducing disposables.
According to Jessica Stephenson, Program Director of Homestead Preserve's nonprofit foundation, Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust, the Virginia Green program allows Old Dairy and other facilities like it to serve as examples of environmental stewardship in the tourism industry. "Green tourism has a niche, and we can fill it," she explains. "Our desire is to raise awareness that it isn't difficult for businesses to take care of the environment."
Currently, Old Dairy actively recycles aluminum cans, plastic products, and office paper. All staff members use personal mugs and water bottles in place of Styrofoam and disposable containers. The building was renovated with low flow toilets and leak detection technology. All lights in Old Dairy were replaced with compact florescent bulbs, an efficient heating system was installed, and all appliances and office equipment are Energy Star certified. Finally, Old Dairy will offer conference guests a Green Events package with total recycling and waste reduction options.
Restoration and renovation of the Old Dairy Community Center in Warm Springs was completed in May 2007. This facility of historic structures has space available for reservation for both Homestead Preserve owners and theBathCountycommunity at large.
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