High Hotels Ltd., an affiliate of High Real Estate Group LLC of Lancaster, Pa., has achieved the Institute for Sustainable Development's highest level of recognition, Green Plus certification. The Green Plus program recognizes dedication to triple-bottom-line sustainability "People, Planet, Performance" by measuring business, environmental, and co-worker andcommunity practices. Seven organizations in a three-state area were awarded the designation along with High Hotels, and a total of 43 organizations are Green Plus certified.

"This newest Green Plus Certified class provides inspirational examples to other smaller enterprises," said Chris Carmody, Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development. "Sustainability is about changing attitudes and making smart business decisions that in turn strengthen the local economy, environment, and community," Carmody said.

"High Hotels has continued its robust progress along its sustainability journey by formalizing and championing its approach," said Frank McCabe, President of High Hotels. "Going through the process of achieving the Green Plus Certification" was extremely valuable and helped us expand and strengthen our triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability.

"Since the High® companies inception 80 years ago, our organization has embraced a number of guiding business principles related to sustainability, including fostering a positive work environment for employees and partners, conducting our businesses as responsible stewards of the environment, and investing profits responsibly to secure our future in ways that are also good for our community," said McCabe.

High Hotels has implemented energy-use-reduction efforts and invested in water conservation devices and practices. These efforts have included lighting retrofits, low-flow water fixtures, low-power modes on electrical equipment, an opt-in linen/ towel reuse program, increased efficiency in HVAC and water heating systems, and the establishment of significant energy reduction goals. Not only is the company making physical changes to its workspace, but it also is promoting employee engagement in sustainability issues and recommended behavioral changes both at work and home. High Hotels has formed co-worker committees at each hotel that champion energy reduction, recycling, responsible renovation, and continuing education/engagement.

About the Institute for Sustainable Development

The Institute for Sustainable Development is a North CarolinaResearch Triangle non-profit initiative of universities and chambers of commerce to help small businesses and their communities benefit from sustainable practices and to foster a new generation of sustainability leaders. The Institute's North Carolina university partners include Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham Technical Community College, Elon University's Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, North Carolina State University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The institute partners with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a 1,400 chamber of commerce network with 1.3 million business members, to offer Green Plus nationwide, and with seventeen regional chambers of commerce to provide sustainable business education in twelve states. It also runs a national Green Plus Sustainability Fellows program, training students from graduate schools around the country to help smaller enterprises understand and benefit from the triple bottom line. For more information, visit www.gogreenplus.org.

About High Hotels Ltd.

High Hotels Ltd., an affiliate of High Real Estate Group LLC, owns and operates eleven superior quality hotels in York, Lancaster (2), Harrisburg (2), Reading, and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Middletown, New York (2); Annapolis, Maryland, and Ewing, New Jersey. The organization is recognized as a leader and has received numerous awards for its excellent customer service. For more information on High Hotels, Ltd. please call 717-293-4446 or visit www.HighHotels.com and www.HighRealEstateGroup.com.