Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and InterContinental Seoul Coex have both acquired EarthCheck Gold status, a global environmental certification. The hotel said that it was the first to obtain the Gold Level in Korea. The certificate is managed by the global environmental advisory EC3 Global. The hotel has been making conservation efforts since 1989, working to reduce waste, set energy conservation goals and encourage guests to participate in its efforts. All food waste from the hotels is sent to farmers to be used in compost. The hotel has also been awarded for its exemplary water conservation system. It recently signed an agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases.

(wylee@heraldcorp.com)