Three of Fairmont's Victoria and Vancouver eco-friendly hotels have announced the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, in partnership with GE Energy Industrial Solutions.

Two GE DuraStation™ EV charging stations have been installed at The Fairmont Waterfront, while The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and The Fairmont Empress each have one station. The DuraStation's design offers Level II charging, which reduces charging time from 12-18 hours to 4-8 hours, depending on the size of the vehicle's battery. The hotels will make the charging stations available to guests and other travellers.

"Sustainable travel is important in order to minimize our industry's impact on the planet. This is what Fairmont's Green Partnership Program is all about -- and we're proud to add to the city's electric vehicle infrastructure," said Sharon Owen, energy manager for The Fairmont Waterfront.

Fairmont Rewards Guests for "Driving Green"
The Victoria and Vancouver green hotels involved in the project have also created a program that provides guests who drive electric or hybrid vehicles with complimentary valet parking (a value of over $40/night). Local diners will also be given complimentary valet parking for their hybrid or electric car when they enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurants (dinner only, minimum purchase of $100).

Fairmont's Green Partnership Program and Climate Savers
Fairmont's Green Partnership Program, the company's award-winning environmental initiative, is focused on minimizing the impact of hotel operations on the environment. Fairmont was the first luxury hotel group to address climate change by pledging to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. For information on Fairmont's Green Partnership program and its Victoria and Vancouver eco-friendly hotels, visit //www.fairmont.com/waterfront/vanity/Greeninitiatives.htm or www.fairmont.com/environment.