Green Team members at Hyatt Regency Atlanta plant vegetables at the local food bank

We know that the strength of our impact on the environment and in our communities lies within the hands of our associates. That's why we developed Hyatt Thrive, our global corporate responsibility platform, in a way that builds on the passionate work that's been ongoing for many years at our hotels.
Earlier this afternoon, our CEO proudly named eight hotels recipients of our annual Hyatt Thrive Leadership Awards for exceptionally embodying the Hyatt Thrive ideals. Today and tomorrow, we'll share their inspiring stories of dedication to their environment and their communities.
How were the worthy hotels selected? Hyatt's Review Committee evaluated nominations based on impact, associate engagement, alignment with mission and values, innovation, and the property's long-term investment in their initiatives. Winners were recognized in the following three categories: Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement and "Doing It All."
Environmental Sustainability: Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Despite the limitations of a 45-year-old building in the midst of an urban landscape, this hotel has turned obstacles into opportunities. Hyatt Regency Atlanta has been tracking their environmental efforts since 1992. Since 2000, the team has achieved a 35 percent reduction in energy and a 36 percent reduction in water. The Green Team leads the hotel's robust recycling and composting program, which resulted in the diversion over 900 tons of material waste last year.

Green Team members at Hyatt Regency Atlanta plant vegetables at the local food bank
Community Engagement: Grand Hyatt Jakarta
After receiving a US$20,000 Hyatt Community Grant, this hotel grew it into an employee engagement project with significant economic and health improvements for a rural community below the poverty line. Over the past two years, with the help of 323 associates, 12 volunteer projects and a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Grand Hyatt Jakarta built 20 homes for 20 families - the last of which was completed this January. These newly built houses are equipped with indoor toilets, significantly improving the hygiene and sanitation standard of the village and reducing risk of infection.

Grand Hyatt Jakarta associates build homes with Habitat for Humanity
Doing It All: Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo
With a comprehensive approach to address environmental and community issues, Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo associates are hands-on with dramatic impact. The hotel Green Team's most recent projects include reusing condensed steam from boilers to heat hotel swimming pools, collecting rainwater for landscaping, and launching a carbon offset program for meetings. In the community, the hotel conducts an on-site training program to prepare high school students for roles in the hospitality industry. Launched in 2011, Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo's Formare School selects 20 students from low-income neighborhoods to participate in the year-long program led by Hyatt associates from various departments. Seventeen of last year's 20 students are now a part of the Hyatt family.

Students from Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo's Formare School
We're proud to honor these exemplary teams who are helping to build thriving communities around the world. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the stories behind the remaining Hyatt Thrive Leadership Award winners in each category.