FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Lakeside, Calif.) March 4, 2009 – Barona Resort & Casino has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Commercial buildings, including hotels and resorts, that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency may qualify for the Energy Star. Barona was one of only 85 hotels in the state of California to receive this recognition.
“Barona is pleased to accept an Energy Star in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Jay Bart, director of safety, health and environment at Barona Resort & Casino. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship and lowering our carbon emissions.”
Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Barona has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used from approximately 180 households for a year.
“Whether you are running a grocery store, a school, or an office building, getting the most out of your energy dollars – while reducing your carbon footprint – just makes sense,” said EPA administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
Barona achieved an Energy Star rating due to its energy efficient equipment and diligent training of staff members. The resort property features a highly efficient HVAC, a system that heats, ventilates and air-conditions each room throughout the hotel and casino. Also, Barona’s staff have been trained to turn-off lights and set thermostats to unoccupied mode when guests are not in the room. Additionally, Barona has replaced all incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents throughout the entire hotel.
EPA’s national energy performance rating system provides a 1-100 scale that helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a rating of 75 or higher is eligible for the Energy Star. Commercial buildings that can earn the Energy Star include offices, bank branches, financial centers, retailers, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories and warehouses.
About Energy Star
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2006, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles. For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.
About Barona Resort & Casino
Ranked “Highest in Satisfaction in the Southern California Indian Gaming Experience” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction Study, Barona Resort & Casino blends the best of San Diego’s most elegant resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona is San Diego’s leading destination resort featuring 400 luxury guest rooms and suites, nine award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 3rd best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For current progressive amounts and Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662).
Barona Resort & Casino received the highest numerical score among casinos with a minimum of 2,000 slot machines in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Southern California Indian Gaming Casino Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,766 responses from gaming players who visited an Indian casino in Southern California between December 2007 and June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
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