Debra “Wonder Woman” Patterson – The Savoy, London
While she may not possess super human abilities, her capacity to affect change is extraordinary!
When Fairmont took over The Savoy in 2005, the brand was determined to create an eco-friendly grand dame in the heart of London. In stepped Patterson, the former personal assistant to the general manager, who called on colleagues from all departments in the hotel and educated them about recycling and energy management.
By 2006, the hotel was named Fairmont’s Environmental Hotel of the Year, and for her efforts, Patterson took home Fairmont’s Enviro Star of the Year award.
With the recent restoration of this grand building, Patterson has continued to expand on the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Now in operations, one of her biggest pet projects has been the introduction of a new sustainable system that converts food waste into energy.
It’s estimated the new waste system generates enough energy to power 20 per cent of the hotel’s guestrooms.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, and while she hasn’t gotten a key to the city (yet), she was honoured as the 2011 Green Champion of the Year by the Considerate Hoteliers Association.
See more Fairmont Superheroes here
See all Considerate Hoteliers Association 2011 winners here