Home Green Hotel Focus Arizona Biltmore’s Green Initiative Includes Long List of Action Steps

Arizona Biltmore’s Green Initiative Includes Long List of Action Steps

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PHOENIX—The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa has committed to setting the standard among resorts for an environmentally friendly operation with the implementation of an all-encompassing green program.

“Adopting environmentally friendly practices is no longer an option but a necessity, and at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa we are committed to becoming an industry leader in this growing trend,” said Julia Thorn, director of corporate communications. “That’s why we have developed our Green Initiative that is extraordinarily comprehensive and sustainable, covering every aspect of our operations and every department of the resort, from water-saving plans and biodegradable supplies to organic products in the spa.”

The goal of the Green Initiative is to significantly reduce the Arizona Biltmore’s global footprint, create a more efficient and environmentally friendly operation, and establish the Arizona Biltmore as an environmentally responsible resort. To achieve this, the resort has identified actions, initiatives and practices that have been put into effect throughout the resort; additional steps are planned this year and into 2009. A Green Committee, composed of executives from every department of the resort, was established to oversee development and implementation of the plan, monitor and adjust as necessary the existing initiatives, and explore additional avenues of action. The resort is currently in the process of being certified by Green Seal.

A few items among the many actions currently being taken:

General

• Converted to compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent overhead lighting.
• Recycling resort-wide including cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastic, printing cartridges, batteries, etc.
• Using environmentally safe, certified green, cleaning products in guestrooms, public areas, etc.

Spa

• Use chemical-free, organic and vegan products that work with the body.
• Use clean-burning flameless candles in treatment rooms and throughout the spa.

Grounds

• Converting to electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
• Use reclaimed water from the canal for watering.
• Return plant containers that are not biodegradable to growers for recycling.

Rooms & Suites

• Offer water-saving options for sheets and towels in guestrooms.
• Convert to organic cotton linens and bathrobes.
• Use low-flow toilets and showerheads.

Public Areas & Front Office

• Paperless check-in and check-out for guests.
• Key cards made from recycled corn products.

Office and Operations Areas

• Distribute documents such as memos, reports and contracts by e-mail only, unless a printed hard copy is required.
• When printing or copying is required, encourage two-sided printing/copying, using the smallest margins possible, using scrap paper, etc.
• Use water coolers rather than water bottles.
• Turn off lights, computers, etc. in offices when not in use.
• Added recycled-paper, motionless towel dispensers in 90 areas of the hotel.
• Turn off lights and air-conditioning when rooms are not in use.

Dining & Banquets

• Purchase food from local and organic growers whenever feasible.
• Use reusable containers for beverages, food and condiments whenever possible.
• Recycle cooking/fryer oils into diesel fuel.
• Arranging compost pickup for food scraps.

Trip Reduction Programs

• Carpool parking.
• Free bus passes.

Many additional actions are planned in the months ahead, from offering recycling in guestrooms and public areas to installing new weather stripping on windows and doors and thermal film on windows.

Meetings & Events

The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa also is working closely with groups to make meetings and events greener by adopting appropriate products and practices. These range from providing water coolers rather than individual water bottles, to using recyclable and biodegradable paper products for materials, signs, etc., to opting for cans rather than glass for beverages.

Go to the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

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