Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the greening of its three Virginia resorts: The Founders Inn and Spa of Virginia Beach; Virginia Crossings Resort of Richmond; and Lansdowne Resort located near Leesburg. Each property has been presented with the Virginia Green Lodging Certificate of Environmental Commitment by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

This acknowledgement underscores the commitment of each resort to minimizing its environmental impact by conserving resources wherever feasible in its operations. At a minimum, the property has committed to core activities, such as optional linen service, recycling opportunities, water conservation, energy conservation and green conferences.

“One of our primary goals is to be an integral, positive part of our community,” states Ellen Ruane, Benchmark’s general manager at The Founders Inn and Spa. “This includes doing our part to conserve our region’s natural resources.”

“We are very proud to be a part of Virginia’s ‘Green’ initiative as we strive to always be positive corporate citizens and a responsible neighbor to our community,” states Tom Manno, managing director of Lansdowne Resort, Benchmark Hospitality’s east coast flagship property. “This includes doing our part to conserve our region’s natural resources.”

In addition to receiving the Green Lodging Certificate, Virginia Crossings Resort has been presented with the Clean Business Award, given each year to local businesses that demonstrate excellence in landscaping management, waste management and recycling.

“We are very pleased to accept these awards,” states Tom Cupo, Benchmark’s general manager at Virginia Crossings Resort. “Our team actively works to maintain the highest standards of environmentally intelligent business procedures. This recognition is very meaningful.”

The Virginia Green Lodging Program is an initiative of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to advance pollution prevention methods in the tourism and hospitality industry. Virginia Green Lodging encourages hotels, resorts, and other hospitality operations to be aware of their impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce this impact.