News: Green Is Universal kicks off today at Universal Hollywood

Posted at 1:58 PM EST (1858 GMT)

Nov. 5th, 2007 -- Via Press Release: The famed stainless steel Globe that has long welcomed guests to Universal Studios Hollywood will be transformed into a living plant and L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa, joined by actress Frances Fisher, will present the company with the Environmental
Media Association's first "Green Seal Award" ever given to a theme park as Universal kicks off a week-long series of events raising environmental awareness on Monday, November 5.

Universal Studios Hollywood has undertaken a company-wide initiative to raise awareness among guests and employees, increase recycling ratios to reduce solid waste streams, switch to alternative fuels, conserve energy to reduce its carbon footprint, conserve water and adopt the principle of sustainability as a core business value.

In partnership with the Environmental Media Association, Universal
Studios Hollywood presents week-long "Green is Universal" events November 5-10. The program will include a calendar of daily events for employees and guests, giveaways of recycled or other environmentally themed products and incentives for green transportation alternatives. The event will culminate with a free Eco-Fair on Saturday, November 10, featuring over 20 organizations presenting entertaining programs, demonstrations and interactive exhibits allowing guests the opportunity to see, hear and touch the latest in green technology while enjoying a unique entertainment experience.

"We've modified many of our daily practices and we're adopting new
technologies that will allow us to deliver a world-class entertainment experience with a world-sustaining approach," said Larry Kurzweil,President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. "Environmental awareness has become a significant element of our company's culture."

The following are highlights of the week's events at Universal Studios Hollywood:

Tuesday, November 6
Tote-bag Giveaway -- Free giveaway of recyclable bags for guests at stores within Universal Studios Hollywood, courtesy of Coca Cola.

Wednesday, November 7
The Hybrid Zone -- Universal Studios Hollywood offers free parking to all cars bearing a California Clean Air Vehicle Sticker.

Thursday, November 8
Tree-Saving Thursday:  No paper to be used for Thursday employee meetings. Also, Universal Studios Hollywood employees will team with TreePeople to beautify the 45-acre Coldwater Canyon Park in L.A.

Friday, November 9
Alternative Transportation Day:  Employees are encouraged to carpool, take the Metro or bicycle to work.

Saturday, November 10:
Free Eco-Fair -- Universal Studios Hollywood and the Environmental Media Association present the Universal Eco-Fair.  Over 20 organizations will participate, promoting green living and offering a day of unique family fun.

The program represents Universal Studios Hollywood's ongoing commitment to "green" education and "green" action, as well as the division's support for parent company NBC Universal's weeklong programming effort, Nov. 4-10. NBC Universal has announced a worldwide effort to include programming during that week on all NBC networks and platforms as part of its "Green is Universal" ongoing initiative. Plans include the broadcast of specials and the staging of consumer-focused and employee-focused events.

Looking forward, Universal Studios Hollywood has identified key
initiatives in the areas of recycling, energy conservation and green fuel technologies. The new "The Simpsons" ride -- to open at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando in Spring 2008 -- will incorporate green technologies including variable speed motors and energy-efficient lighting. In addition, measures are being taken to sharply reduce the solid waste-stream through increased recycling and "green" sourcing policies.
   
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.,
includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex; the Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride," "Shrek 4-D(TM)," "Jurassic Park(R) - The Ride," the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds," and the upcoming Spring 2008 new mega-attraction based on the blockbuster hit
series, "The Simpsons." Universal CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. UniversalCityWalk Cinemas, offering the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles, features 19 screens including one of Southern California's largest IMAX(R)venues and newly renovated stadium-style seating.