COLORADO SPRING, COLO.—The rise of conscious traveling and resorts and destinations protecting, sustaining, and improving our planet is not only growing in popularity, but becoming the new norm for the travel and hospitality industry—something to celebrate as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22).
The good news is that one of America’s most historic hotels is already implementing eco-sustainable and responsible practices, the longest running, consecutive Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond, The Broadmoor.
Located in Colorado Springs, the 5,000 acre Broadmoor is one of the most unique resorts in the world offering luxury accommodations, award-winning dining, championship golf courses, and distinct wilderness adventures that you can’t find anywhere else all under one resort (think: sleeping in the clouds, fly fishing, cattle drives, and more). The great outdoors is part of this Grand Dame’s heritage.
Long List of Green Initiatives
With these offerings comes great eco-responsibility which the resort continues to expand upon with every new design refresh and upgrade. From growing its own produce on-site to reduce carbon emissions to changing over 30,000 light bulbs to reduce energy impact, the resort maintains and continues to expand upon a long list green initiatives throughout the campus. It even recycles its tennis balls by donating them to local senior living facilities (they use them on walkers and chairs) and local humane societies and dog parks. Its two golf courses are certified Audubon Sanctuaries.
The Broadmoor has been on the cutting edge of the sustainable food movement, including growing produce on the property’s garden and greenhouse for its 20 restaurants and cafés, as well as harvesting honey from its own hives and raising Wagyu beef at the resort’s ranch. The Broadmoor also leads a “Food Rescue” initiative providing a steady supply of donated food to the Springs Rescue Mission. These meals were originally prepared for buffets and events in hotels across the city that otherwise would have gone to waste—food that has never been out of the kitchen, which has had an environmental impact, as well as a social impact. Since 2017 over 23,000 pounds of food were repurposed.
This legendary sanctuary of the West has eco-sustainable actions in place throughout the entire 5,000-acre resort with each department having its own green initiatives—including golf, spa, retail, F&B, and housekeeping. The property continues to pioneer new ideas and opportunities to deliver on its commitment to community, cuisine and culture.
And there are several categories in which the resort manages sustainability: Energy Use; Waste Generation; Water Use; Renovations; Food Rescue; Social Impact; and Volunteerism. View the full list here of The Broadmoor’s Green Initiatives.
