SAN JOSE, CALIF.—In partnership with City Bees, The Fairmont San Jose’s Sustainability Team have installed honey beehives on the hotel’s rooftop. Beekeeper Robert MacKimmie will establish nascent beehives, each containing approximately 35,000 bees. When the beehives mature in four to eight weeks, they will each house up to 50,000 bees.
“The cultivation of honey beehives marks the latest step in The Fairmont San Jose’s legacy of environmental stewardship,” says Kelley Cosgrove, general manager. “Pollinating insects play a critical role in maintaining natural plant communities and ensuring production of seeds in most flowering plants.”
“By focusing on an under-utilized architectural feature, we are creating a new ecological niche, a support platform for pollinators re-inviting nature into an urban environment,” adds the hotel’s sustainability champ, Michael Miller.
The beehives are estimated to produce approximately 100 pounds of honey which will be served to guests as part of the hotel’s commitment to offering local, organic, sustainable cuisine. This house-harvested honey will be used in soups, salad dressings, pastries, ice cream and desserts.
Honey beehives can also be found at sister properties including The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, The Fairmont Dallas, The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, and The Fairmont Algonquin in St. Andrews, Canada.
Go to the Fairmont San Jose.
