Harrah’s earns EPA Environmental Quality Award

Harrah’s recently announced that it has become the first gaming corporation in the U.S. to receive an Environmental Quality Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region Two, for its outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality within the sector.

Harrah’s recently announced that it has become the first gaming corporation in the U.S. to receive an Environmental Quality Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region Two - New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The award is given each year to organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality within the sector.

“We’re so proud of our employees for their many suggestions and for their active participation and awareness engagement in our ‘Go Green’ campaign,” said J. Carlos Tolosa, Harrah’s Eastern Division president. “They are directly responsible for helping us become the first gaming corporation ever to win this award. This accomplishment underscores our continuing commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Since 2002, Harrah’s has made green improvements at all of its Atlantic City properties, including Bally’s, Caesar’s, Harrah’s and Showboat. The properties have utilized more efficient lighting, nontoxic cleaning chemicals, thermostats that limit energy use, more efficient boilers, chillers and air handlers, and more eco-friendly refrigerants.

With nearly 16,000 employees actively participating in the company’s “green efforts”, Harrah’s has cut over 94 million pounds of carbon dioxide per year. In addition, Harrah’s recycles 50,000 gallons of cooking oil waste each year from its kitchens, uses waterless urinals that each save 30,000 gallons of water per year, annually recycles 1.6 million pounds of cardboard, and has eliminated 1.1 million polystyrene beverage cups. Harrah’s also has purchased two hybrid vehicles to support local transportation requirements.

“These exemplary environmental stewards have gone above and beyond for environmental change in local communities,” said EPA regional administrator Alan J. Steinberg. “Let their extraordinary contributions remind us all that we can make our world a better place and that companies, individuals and organizations can inspire others and make a lasting difference.”

“We constantly review every facet of our business to see how we can conserve even more to have a positive impact on our environment, and at the same time provide our guests with a first-class experience,” Tolosa said. “We are honored by this recognition and will continue to do our part to reuse, reduce and recycle.”