OAKLAND, CALIF.—The Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront announced it has received Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The hotel scored 43 points higher than the average hotel and 18 points higher than the Energy Star requirements. In a study conducted by California Travel & Tourism Commission and San Francisco State University, 37 percent of travelers specifically seek out green service providers and one in four travelers stated they use green service providers. The Oakland Homewood Suites is only the second hotel in Oakland to earn Energy Star certification from the EPA.
“Creating a thread between team members and guests in our green efforts is the foundation of our green practices,” says Rick Gabrielsen, CEO of Kupuna Hospitality. “This Oakland waterfront extended stay hotel improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically and making cost-effective improvements to its building. The Green Thread is what we now refer to as our individual efforts bound together to create a visible and sustainable culture.”
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront implemented occupancy based energy management systems in all 132 extended stay guestrooms. All HVAC and refrigeration equipment is maintained for optimal efficiency through Kupuna Hospitality’s Preventative Maintenance Planner. The entire building is outfitted with high efficiency lighting. Storage rooms and other areas that are infrequently occupied have timers or occupancy sensors to control lighting when rooms are not in use. The hotel is reviewing additional energy conservation measures to reduce natural gas usage at the property. As part of the E2A Program (Energy Efficiency Analysis), the Waterfront property is also evaluating renewable energy options including solar PV, solar thermal and cogeneration.
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