ORLANDO, Fla. (November 5, 2007) – In an historic move for the theme park industry, Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) today unveiled a precedent-setting commitment to use alternative or “green” fuels in 100 percent of its service vehicles and mobile equipment. UOR President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Davis announced the new fuels initiative today in kicking off “Green Is Universal” week to spotlight environmental awareness for theme park guests and employees.
“We will focus on becoming the greenest resort possible,” said Davis, who was joined by actress and environmental activist Wendie Malick (NBC TV’s Just Shoot Me) for today’s announcement. “We have switched to alternative fuel sources because it’s the right thing to do for the environment. Our engineers have spent several months researching such options as Biodiesel and Ethanol, their impact on our vehicles and what it could mean to our overall operation. Everything we’ve learned is positive and we’re proud of this historic commitment to ‘green fuel’ usage.”
“Green Is Universal” runs November 5-10 and represents a continuing commitment to “green” education and “green” action across all business units of NBC Universal, including Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando’s schedule includes “Eco-Fairs” featuring related information, entertainment and displays; daily events for employees and guests; and giveaways of recycled or other environmentally-themed products. Also on the itinerary are exclusive provisions for theme park guests arriving in hybrid vehicles on Friday, November 9; special encouragement and incentives for UOR employees who carpool; and a demonstration of the innovative “green” film-making behind the theatrical release “Evan Almighty.” More information and tips on “green” lifestyles are available online at www.GreenIsUniversal.com.
Malick, whose acting career includes numerous film and television credits, has become one of Hollywood’s most proactive voices for sound environmental practices. “Nothing makes one an advocate for the environment like a kid you love. We need to teach by example. Kids are like sponges,” said Malick. “They observe the choices we make, the environments we seek out, the way we treat each other and our planet. I'm very pleased to be here at Universal Orlando with my favorite kid and celebrate the idea of combining amusement and consciousness.”
Universal Orlando’s conversion to alternative fuels includes the use of B-20 Biodiesel for use in its diesel-powered vehicles; E-10 Ethanol for all gasoline vehicles and equipment; and E-85 Ethanol for current FlexFuel vehicles. The use of green fuels will result in 260 fewer tons annually of polluting carbon dioxide emissions by UOR service vehicles.
Alternative fuel sources are not the only elements of UOR’s commitment to sound environmental stewardship. Energy conservation and recycling also play dominant roles in the theme park’s overall environmental focus. Examples include:
• Recycling of more than 241,880 pounds of used cooking oils by Universal Orlando restaurants in 2006, and the testing of ways to utilize that recycled oil as another fuel source within the theme park;
• Annual recycling of 886 tons of cardboard from park operations. One ton (2,000 pounds) of recycled cardboard in turn conserves 17 trees, 6,953 gallons of water, 463 gallons of oil, 587 pounds of air pollution, 3.06 cubic yards of landfill space and 4,077 kilowatt hours of energy; and
• Broader usage of energy-saving fluorescent lighting and more efficient industrial equipment such as chillers, cooling towers and hydraulic motors.
“The environmental commitment by Universal Orlando is evolutionary in its approach, and we will implement the critical learning gained along this journey whenever and wherever we can,” said UOR’s Davis. “There is a future generation of young people who are counting on today’s adults to make the right decisions where our planet and environment are concerning. Universal Orlando Resort will do its part.”
About Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has created some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture’s most compelling films and stories. Guests experience two exciting theme parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre restaurant, shopping and nighttime entertainment complex; and three magnificently themed on-site hotels – the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Flagship experiences featured in the theme parks include “Shrek 4-D,” “Dr. Seuss Landing,” “Jurassic Park River Adventure,” “Revenge of the Mummy” and “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.” More information is available at www.universalorlando.com.