We will have to wait until next spring to see it but the Green Leaf Inn is expected to be one of the most innovative lodging establishments ever to open in North America. Located on five acres in Delavan, Wis., the 19-suite property will showcase renewable energy technologies including solar, solar thermal, wind, cogeneration, and geothermal. The combination of systems will make the inn a net zero energy property, meaning that it will produce more energy than it consumes. The inn will also feature an on-site aerobic waste water treatment system. Yes, that means human waste will be treated on-site. There will also be an 18,000 gallon rainwater storage tank to store water that will be reused on the property.
I spoke with Fritz Kreiss and Catherine McQueen, the co-owners of the inn this past week and will be writing an article about the project for Green Lodging News this coming week. Be sure to look for it.
Fritz and Catherine, a husband-and-wife team, both have no lodging experience. Catherine has a background in restaurant management. Fritz operates Alternative Utility Services Inc., a consulting firm that helps businesses buy energy services, as well as Community Green Energy LLC, which promotes renewable energy. Both firms are based in Lake Geneva, Wis.
Green Luxury with Little Footprint
Guests staying at the inn will not sacrifice any of the comforts they would expect in a hotel. In fact, the Green Leaf Inn will be a luxury property and each suite will have its own hot tub.
Much besides the renewable energy systems will be eco-friendly. As much of the furniture, fixtures and equipment will be sourced from within 500 miles of the inn. Some food will be grown on-site. Food waste and other organic waste will be composted. Some graywater will be reused. Heat from hot water flowing down the shower drain will be used to help heat incoming cold water. A charging station will be available for electric vehicles.
The owners are determined to make Green Leaf Inn a learning center. “All of the [renewable energy systems] will be online,” Catherine says. “It will be there as a resource for builders, consumers and for education for different school systems.” Interested guests may receive complete product/system information through strategically placed QR codes.
A YouTube channel has been set up to update construction progress (click here for it). By the end of May, a partner website, GreenBuildTV.com, will be launched and will further document every step in construction and design via white papers, video and online postings.
Once again, be sure to watch for the feature article on the Green Leaf Inn. I am looking forward to visiting it once it opens next year.
Employment Opportunity
Chris Lane, Vice President of Environmental Affairs with Xanterra Parks & Resorts, has resigned his position. He wrote to tell me he would like to find a replacement as soon as possible. Those interested in the position should contact him at clane@xanterra.com, or by phone at (303) 600-3409. The position is based out of Denver.
Who is Your Company’s Green Champion?
Every two or three weeks Green Lodging News features a sustainability/green champion in its Personnel Profile section. I am currently seeking suggestions for individuals to profile. Got someone to nominate? Contact me at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2012?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2012. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2012 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
