GRAY LINE OF SEATTLE EARNS FIVE STAR RATING FROM KING COUNTY’S ENVIROSTARS PROGRAM - 10/06/2008
Top rating recognizes ongoing efforts for environmentally friendly business practices

Seattle, WA, October 6, 2008 — Gray Line of Seattle has earned the highest green rating possible—five stars—from King County’s EnviroStars program, earning it recognition for improving the environment and reducing hazardous waste.

Businesses certified by EnviroStars, which is sponsored by King County’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, are given a two- to five-star rating based on their demonstrated commitment to reducing hazardous waste. The higher the star rating, the more proactive the business has been, and the more recognition they receive. The program also provides consumers with an objective way to identify environmentally sound businesses.

“We are proud to receive the coveted five-star rating from the EnviroStars Program,” said Judy Sprute, Gray Line of Seattle’s director of sales. “Gray Line of Seattle is actively working to protect and preserve the environment in the Pacific Northwest in many ways.”

EnviroStars upgraded Gray Line of Seattle from a four-star rating to a five-star rating based on a number of recent initiatives undertaken by the company through its Go Green Campaign. They include: using ultra-low sulfur fuel in coaches, having an energy review by Seattle City Light, replacing two-cycle engines with four-cycle engines, a radiant heating system that recycles waste oil and a neighborhood park cleanup effort.

“Gray Line has worked to become a more environmentally aware business since 1996, long before any of our competitors,” said Sprute. “We’ve been working to reduce our impact on the environment in every part of our business, from engines to light bulbs. Our Go Green campaign has been very successful, and the five-star rating is an important recognition for us.”
Gray Line now uses ultra-low sulfur fuel in its motor coaches, resulting in the most environmentally friendly large fleet in Washington State. The company employs a wash water recycler that reuses 92 percent of water used in the washing of motor coaches, a radiant heating system that recycles waste oil to heat the shop and wash bay floors, and water-oil separators that gather run-off water from the parking lot. Any incidental fuel spillage is prevented from reaching storm drains because storage tanks are located within containment areas. Spill kits are stationed in the refueling area, near oil storage tanks and in the shop for rapid cleanup and containment of any spill.

Gray Line also ensures all cleaning compounds it uses are environmentally friendly, recycles anti-freeze and incorporates the best management practices when finally disposing of anti-freeze, and recycles all paper, glass, plastic and aluminum in its administrative workspace.

The company recently underwent the largest private motor coach engine re-power program in North America replacing two-cycle engines with four-cycle engines which are more fuel-efficient and reduce CO2 emissions. Additionally, Gray Line requested a review by Seattle City Light to help reduce waste and save energy; subsequently it has replaced exit signs and shop lighting with efficient long-lasting bulbs, as well as included motion sensor lighting in its facility.



Editor’s note: Photos available here. http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WWw2:FaD:zqb


About Gray Line of Seattle
For more than 90 years, Gray Line of Seattle has been the area's premier full-service tour operator specializing in Pacific Northwest vacation packages, customized sightseeing and package tours, charter services, and airport shuttles to hotels and cruise ships. A division of Holland America Line, Inc., Gray Line of Seattle operates the largest fleet of luxury motor coaches in the Pacific Northwest. Information: 800/426-7505 or www.graylineseattle.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.