ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Hilton Asheville, scheduled to open later this month, is one of the first major hotels in the United States to include a solar water heating system atop its roof. This system will be one of the largest installations in the Western North Carolina region. Water throughout the hotel, including the pool, will be solar heated, eliminating 25 tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of planting 7,377 trees. The solar water heating system is just one of the hotel’s many environmentally focused features.
The 165-room hotel is set in the heart of Biltmore Park Town Square, the largest mixed-use district outside of the city’s downtown. The Hilton Asheville was built to blend green practices with Hilton’s commitment to guest comfort, and was designed to obtain LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification is based on numerous metrics including energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Committed to the stewardship of its natural surroundings, the Hilton will reduce water usage by 30 percent through the installation of low-flow toilets, showerheads and sink fixtures. The hotel will also focus on reducing energy consumption by using Energy Star qualified CFL light bulbs, which use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Each kilowatt-hour saved preserves one pound of coal. The Hilton Asheville will also employ a recycling program for both guests and employees to further reduce raw materials, energy and air pollution. Select staff will even wear uniforms made out of regenerated plastic bottles.
Preferred Parking for Hybrids
Promoting lower emissions is also part of the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Guests may accept shuttle service in an alternative fuel shuttle, which reduces the burning of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The hotel will offer preferred parking for energy efficient hybrid vehicles. Additionally, guests may choose to bicycle as an alternative to driving, ultimately reducing the use of gasoline and the production of carbon monoxide.
Businesses committed to green travel will be attracted to the hotel’s state-of-the-art meeting facilities, 4,500 square feet of meeting space and green meeting policies that avoid the use of linens when possible.
The hotel is also home to Sparrow Spa, a destination spa featuring a full menu of services. The spa will exclusively use Eminence Organic Skin Care products, a European line that contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables.
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