The Willard InterContinental is one of Washington, D.C'.s oldest and finest luxury hotels. With a star role in America's history, the hotel is a centerpiece to the capital’s culture and politics. This is where Abraham Lincoln stayed prior to his inauguration, where Ulysses S. Grant popularized the term “lobbyist,”  and where Martin Luther King finished his “I Have a Dream” speech. 

As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, the Willard has been a founding member of the Avendra program since 2001.  The relationship was strengthened when Katrin Motk, a long term veteran of purchasing and hotel employee, was promoted to Director of Purchasing in October 2008. 

“I do a lot of research,” said Katrin, “and I appreciated how the Avendra customer portal (myAvendra.com) makes the product analysis easy and comparisons very clear. I’ve also found the Avendra team very responsive to all of my questions, no matter what time of day. ”

Very shortly after her arrival, Avendra showed Katrin how, by simply scheduling master food deliveries differently, she could move into a much more advantageous purchasing bracket and realize big savings -- without compromising quality or changing a single product. 

The Sustainability Challenge
Change is part of the culture for this luxury hotel.  Led by General Manager Hervé Houdré, the staff at the InterContinental Willard has committed to an award-winning sustainability program entitled, "Willard InterContinental - The Next 100 Years." The holistic plan is comprised of numerous interwoven sustainable projects designed for a luxurious urban hospitality experience in harmony with social and ecological consciousness.

Katrin was pleased to find that Avendra featured “green” suppliers and often shared tips on environmental best practices.  She found support for her priorities, including a request that the Avendra-approved produce supplier reclaim the cardboard from produce deliveries, which eliminates more than 40 pounds of waste each day. As Katrin continues her sustainability research, she shares potential “green” suppliers and ideas with Avendra.

Today, the Willard’s environmental program achievement includes using 100% wind energy to power the hotel, using “green” chemicals for in-house laundry and a complete switch to CFL lighting, and management continues to push for better eco-performance and LEEDS certification. Their 2008 Sustainability Report is available along with detailed information on the Willard’s sustainability initiatives at  www.willarddc.com/sd.

To assist, Avendra suppliers attended a recent Vendor Advisory Board event where they were invited to showcase their environmental progress in terms of products, packaging and processes. More change to come.

Leaving a Legacy
In the end, Avendra has become a valuable and supportive resource for these eco-savvy customers. “We are passionate about preserving the environment,” summarized Katrin. “Our goal is to become the standard bearer in sustainable luxury hospitality, and preserve our legacy for the next 100 years.”