Fifteen MGM Resorts International Properties Awarded Top Green Key Global Eco-Ratings for Conservation

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen resorts operated by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) have achieved the prestigious Green Key rating for environmental conservation from the largest sustainable operations certification body in the world.  The accomplishment peaks MGM Resorts' previous achievement of 12 properties designated with "Green Key" honors.

Since a previous assessment in 2010, Bellagio has risen in rank from "4 Green Keys" to "5 Green Keys" by updating energy efficient equipment and initiating new maintenance programs.  Bellagio has also implemented new operating policies and procedures, and enhanced its recycling efforts and sustainable food and beverage practices.  Circus Circus Las Vegas rose from "3 Green Keys" to "4 Green Keys" in the most recent assessment.

Three other properties - ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and Mandalay Bay Resort have maintained their "5 Green Keys" designation since 2010. Less than two percent of all current hotels that are rated have reached the elite "5 Keys" category.

MGM Resorts properties that achieved a "4 Green Keys" rating during the recent assessment include:  Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, Monte Carlo, The Mirage, Circus Circus Las Vegas, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss. and Gold Strike in Tunica, Miss. 

This is the first-ever Green Key assessment conducted at The Signature at MGM Grand, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss., and Gold Strike in Tunica, Miss.

Green Key Global designates its ratings to hotels that exemplify the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout their properties. Green Key has more than 2,900 member hotels and is the foremost "green" ranking, certification and audit program in North America.

Green Key evaluates hotels on a scale of one to five Keys, with five Keys being the highest ranking. Results are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the hotel's sustainability efforts.

Green Key member properties are listed at www.greenkeyglobal.com, a valuable resource for environmentally conscious travelers. Green Key rankings are recognized by major travel services including AAA, Travelocity and Expedia.

"MGM Resorts has been a highly engaged Green Key partner since the program was introduced in the United States," said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global.  "It is clear from how each property performed on the updated Green Key self-assessment that MGM Resorts is committed to continuous improvement in its sustainable operations, not simply content to rest on its laurels."

Under the leadership of MGM Resorts Chief Sustainability Officer Cindy Ortega and the Company's sustainability division, the Company continues to expand its best practices to use resources more efficiently, reduce construction impact, minimize waste, manage supply chains and increase awareness.

"The enhanced designation reflects that our standards and best practices in environmental sustainability remain consistent throughout the company and continue to be improved. This further solidifies our commitment and responsibility to improving our environmental impact," said Ortega. 

In 2009, ARIA Resort & Casino was awarded LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction from the U.S. Green Building Council.  In 2011, MGM Resorts was awarded 12 Green Key Hotel rankings for designation of green business operations. In 2012, Green Key Global's Meetings Program awarded the "5 Green Keys" rating to the meetings and convention spaces within Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Las Vegas. For the past three years, MGM Resorts has been listed among Newsweek Magazine's 500 most environmentally responsible companies in the United States.

For more information about MGM Resorts International's commitment to sustainability, please visit: http://www.mgmresorts.com/offers/2012/07_annualcorporatesocialresponsibilityreport/index.html

About Green Key Global
Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification body offering a suite of programs and resources designed specifically for the lodging industry.  In the United States, delivery of Green Key programs is a joint venture between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.  For more information, visit www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com. 

SOURCE MGM Resorts International