The Environment Council kicked off the ceremony for "Macao Green Hotel Award", at 15:00, on 29^th May 2007, , at the auditorium of Macao Art Museum.

     The ceremony counted on the collaboration of Macao Government Tourism Office; the support of Macau Hoteliers & Innkeepers Association; Macau Hotel Association; Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center; and Macau Hotel Employees Association.

     Following the launch of "Green Hotel" guidebook and a continuous effort towards environmental protection, the Environment Council introduced an award aiming at: promoting the importance of environmental management and acknowledge establishments that have adopted environmental practices on the operational ground; encouraging the industry with respect to the benefits of environmental management; and taking measures towards the concept of Green Hotel.

     The establishments operating in Macao are entitled to apply for Macao Green Hotel Award, which include: 5 and 4 stars Hotels; 4 stars Apart hotels; 5 and 4 stars Tourist complexes; 3 and 2 stars Hotels; 3 stars Apart hotels; and 3 and 2 stars Hostels. For assessment purpose, every establishment will be allocated to one of two categories.

     Candidates to Macao Green Hotel Award are subjected to three criteria of assessment, such as: Green Leadership and Innovation; Green Programme Performance; and Partner Synergy. The assessment process comprises three distinct phases: Desktop Assessment; Field Assessment; and the final Award Confirmation.

     The ceremony counted on the presence of the President of the General Council of Environment Council, Mr. Vai Tac Leong; the Director of Macao Government Tourism Office, Mr. Joao Costa Antunes; the Acting President of the Executive Committee of the Environment Council, Ms. Vong Man Hung; and the participation of two speakers from Hong Kong, the Area Director of Engineering and EMS Manager of Hotel Island Shangri-La, Mr. William Wong; and the Director of Human Resources and EMS Manager of Hotel Nikko, Ms. Alison Lam.

     Applicants for Macao Green Hotel Award, establishments are required to fill in an application brochure, which was provided at the ceremony, and send it to Environment Council, by email or fax, before 20^th July 2007. Payment is not required for award applications. The Environment Council provides further information on its homepage: www.ambiente.gov.mo.