Portola Hotel & Spa Launches Reduced Waste Conference Program in Partnership with Blue Strike Environmental

Monterey, CA - June 9, 2025 - Portola Hotel & Spa, the first LEED®-Certified hotel in Central California, has launched its new Reduced Waste Conference Program, advancing its long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. Developed in collaboration with Blue Strike Environmental, a mission-driven sustainability consulting firm, the program offers event organizers a seamless way to reduce the environmental footprint of their gatherings while maintaining an elevated guest experience.

Portola Hotel & Spa's Reduced Waste Conference Program sets a new standard for responsible meetings, encouraging collaboration between the hotel, planners, and attendees to reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and increase the use of reusable and recyclable resources. From behind-the-scenes operations to guest-facing services, every element is thoughtfully designed to support environmentally conscious decision-making.

Core features of the program include eliminating single-use plastics when possible, using reusable service ware, sourcing seasonal and organic ingredients from local farms, implementing energy- and water-efficient practices, and partnering with environmentally conscious vendors and suppliers. A digital-first planning process further reduces paper waste, and qualified groups of 30 or more will receive a custom Sustainability Report following their event detailing key metrics such as carbon emissions avoided, water and food saved, waste diverted from landfills, and insights on plant-based sourcing and sustainable seafood, aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® guidelines.

"Portola Hotel & Spa has been at the forefront of green hospitality for years, and this program represents the evolution of our foothold as an industry leader," said Terri D'Ayon Joyce, Director of Sales & Catering at Portola Hotel & Spa. "With the launch of Portola's Reduced Waste Conference Program, planners now have a seamless way to align their events with their environmental goals without sacrificing quality or guest experience. The hotel isn't just reducing waste; it's setting an example for how conferences and meetings can drive real change."

The Reduced Waste Conference Program was made possible through a close partnership with Blue Strike Environmental, whose expertise was instrumental in shaping the program and its reporting framework. Whether hosting a corporate retreat, industry summit, or multi-day convention, organizers now have the tools and support to host eco-conscious events backed by measurable results for ESG reporting and internal benchmarks.