Briefly in business

The California Integrated Waste Management Board, which is the state’s

primary recycling agency, has honored the Hilton Costa Mesa for its

efforts to reduce its production of trash.

The award is one of nearly 2,000 given to California businesses this

year under a board program to recognize companies making serious efforts

to cut waste.

The Hilton also won the award in 1996 and 1999.

Joe Bann, general manager of the hotel, said its program of recycling,

reuse of plastic containers and other measures were an indication of the

company’s belief that “conservation of natural resources should be of

concern to everyone.”The program has also produced cost savings for the

Hilton. Bann said the hotel’s energy costs have dropped by about $200,000

since 1992 as a result of the use of natural gas engines to produce heat

and electricity.