Portola Hotel & Spa is Monterey's premier environmentally conscious hotel and is proud to be a U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Certified property. The first truly "green" hotel in Central California, Portola Hotel & Spa strives to support the green efforts within the community and establish sustainable initiatives throughout the hotel.

 

Voted the #6 Best Eco-Friendly Hotel by USA Today 10Best Award Readers, Portola Hotel & Spa continues to recognize the importance of implementing sustainable practices throughout the numerous meetings and events held at the hotel with their Reduced Waste Conference Program.

 

 

A Collaborative Approach to Responsible Events

The Reduced Waste Conference Program is a collaborative effort between the hotel, meeting planners and conference attendees to minimize landfill waste, reduce carbon emissions and utilize reusable resources. Through a variety of environmentally conscious practices and initiatives, the hotel and organization agree to ensure every meeting and event aligns with its dedication to sustainability. 

 

In alignment with these efforts, Portola Hotel & Spa will provide post-event reporting detailing the environmental impact of the contracted event. Portola Hotel & Spa is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of events hosted at the hotel. As part of this commitment, clients agree to collaborate in implementing environmentally responsible practices throughout the planning and execution of their event.

 

The Reduced Waste Conference Program will not distract nor detract from the conference or event. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Minimizing waste generation by utilizing reusable or recyclable materials wherever possible

  • Conserving energy and water resources by adopting efficient practices in event setup, operation and breakdown

  • Choosing locally sourced, seasonal and organic food and beverage options to reduce carbon footprint and support local businesses

  • Partnering with environmentally conscious vendors and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability

 

Whether you're planning a corporate retreat or a large-scale conference, this program allows your event to reflect the values of your organization while contributing to global sustainability goals.

 

“Sustainability, much like our clients, is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The sales process gives us the opportunity to learn more about the goals and budget of each event. This allows us to creatively customize our sustainability approach in collaboration with each planner; whether it’s taking simple, no-cost steps to minimize food waste or incorporating activities that positively impact our community.”

– Stephanie Vidovich, Sales Manager, Portola Hotel & Spa.

 

 

Mindful Catering

Pre-Event

  • Menus are designed with food waste prevention in mind

  • Shared menu planning with concurrent groups reduces overproduction and kitchen labor

  • Clients receive conference guidelines via e-signature for seamless digital planning

 

During Your Event

  • Screen-based agendas and signage reduce paper usage

  • Pre-poured water service is limited for events under 100 guests to conserve resources

 

Post-Event Reporting

Within 10 days, you’ll receive a custom sustainability report with metrics including:

  • Carbon emissions avoided through smart lighting and energy conservation

  • Gallons of water saved by avoiding unnecessary pre-pour setups

  • Pounds of food saved by accurate portion planning

  • Recycled and composted waste diverted from landfills

  • Locally sourced and plant-based food data to demonstrate climate-friendly choices

  • Sustainable seafood metrics aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recommendations

 

 

Waste Management & Upcycling

  • No single-use plastics, paper cups or bottled water

  • Reusable silverware, chin, and linenless tables standard across venues

  • Separate compost, recycling and waste stations at all events

  • Donated wine corks support local children’s museums

 

Kitchen & Sourcing Excellence

The Portola Hotel & Spa culinary team works closely with local farms and purveyors to provide:

  • Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients

  • Plant-forward menu options to reduce your event’s carbon footprint

  • Sustainable seafood that meets nationally recognized standards

All sourcing and food waste data is integrated into your final Sustainability Report, giving your organization tangible results to share with stakeholders.