Hotel Giant Makes the Leap toward “Greener” Living-


It seems that, in the midst of our rapidly deteriorating environment and economy, many large corporations are making the switch over to renewable energy. The reasons are plenty; renewable energy credits (RECs) for energy saved, possibility to hold onto excess power and distribute to energy companies for a profit, and not to mention, added publicity from their change to sustainable green energy. The Hilton Hotel chain has recently earned green lodging certification for one of its hotels in Florida and has installed carpeting made from more than 70 percent recycled materials at its Home2 Suites, their latest affordable extended stay green hotel archetype. In order to earn the One Palm certification under the Green Lodgings Program, hotels must execute multiple green applications in energy and water conservation, indoor air quality, waste reduction and environmental education. Additionally, the hotel must employ the most efficient environmental supervision practices for one year and supply the state program advisory with supporting information to make Two Palm rank. The controlled state program has three certification levels and was put in place to support hotels in executing cost saving alternative energy practices that aid in waste reduction and conservation of precious natural resources.

The Marco Hilton in Florida is the first Collier County inn to earn the Two Palm status from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and has applied green practices by replacing windows with thermal pane tinted insulation glass, landscaping with water saving efficiency in mind, installing automatic urinals in public restrooms, as well as using energy saving LEDs and more effective water heaters. The chain has integrated efficient and endurable changes into its design and construction of the Home2 Suites and has recently announced that the renewable energy developments made in these suites will help cut their CO2 emissions 20 percent and water 10 percent by the year 2014. The Home2 Suites implements superior post consumer recycled carpeting from InterfaceFLOR, which is the first carpet corporation awarded the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in North America. The carpet tile in the prototype guestroom maintains a Platinum rating for the NSF 140 sustainable carpet assessment standard and meets CRI Green Label Plus Certified air quality standards. It includes 35 to 36 percent pre-consumer recycled matter and 33 percent post-consumer recycled content, containing about 70 percent total recycled materials. The transition to renewable, clean power is difficult and sometimes very costly, but the reality is even small changes can make a huge difference in energy conservation and environmental impact.