HOWARD, PA.—For Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the 16-room, 18,500-square foot Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is just the first of many more green buildings to come. DCNR has committed to pursue the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for the inn and at least LEED certification for all of its future buildings. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is green from ground to rooftop and a great start for DCNR.
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle had its grand opening on September 2 earlier this month and innkeeper Charlie Brooks says guests first began staying at the inn the following day. Guests visiting the property located in the scenic Bald Eagle Valley of north central Pennsylvania, have a bird’s eye view of the adjacent 1,730-acre lake in Bald Eagle State Park.
Up on the roof of the inn is a solar thermal hot water system that meets most of the inn’s hot water needs. The system includes approximately two dozen tubes that are about 12 feet long and four to five inches in diameter. Below ground level 24 wells were placed and are part of a closed-loop, geothermal heating and cooling system.
Rainwater collected on one-half of the inn’s roof flows to four 600-gallon, above-ground cisterns. That water is then filtered and used to flush the inn’s dual flush toilets. An inch of rain on the roof equals 1,500 flushes, Brooks says. Rainwater collected on the other half of the roof is collected in a 300-gallon container and used to water area plants. The rainwater collection system will be taken off line during the winter months.
Energy Monitoring System
Throughout the property there is energy-efficient lighting. Minimal lighting is used on the inn’s exterior to reduce light pollution. Sensors in bathrooms ensure that the lights and exhaust fan go off 2.5 minutes after guests leave that room. Each guestroom has its own energy monitoring system to provide guests with a glimpse of that room’s energy consumption. “It’s a display panel that goes through a series of readings so guests can estimate the carbon footprint of their stay,” Brooks says.
During construction, the majority of construction waste was diverted from the landfill. Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber was used. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, adhesives and paints were used. Carpeting has recycled content and countertops are made from either reclaimed sunflower seed shells or concrete with recycled green glass. Green Seal certified cleaning products are used.
As much as possible, local artisans and materials were selected. The Mission style furniture was made by prisoners in the local Rockview state prison. The white oak wood used for the furniture was harvested within 200 miles of the inn. Additional work by local artisans includes a handcrafted stained glass mural, fireplace mantel, and door hardware in the guestrooms and common areas. Because the inn also highlights the birding opportunities at the park, it is filled with prints of John James Audubon, the renowned nineteenth century ornithologist, naturalist and artist.
Additional green steps taken include:
• Part of the parking lot consists of a grass on stone surface that easily absorbs water.
• The inn was located adjacent to park trails so that guests go not have to drive to get to them.
• All paper products and trash bags purchased have recycled content. The inn has a comprehensive recycling program.
• Instead of fabric softener, white vinegar is used.
• The inn has a towel and linen reuse program.
Brooks says he expects the inn to receive its LEED Gold plaque by the end of the year.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
