NIANTIC, CONN.—The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is one the first properties in Connecticut to be certified for a new program that allows hotels, motels and other lodging owners to market their businesses as “green” in order to protect the environment. Installing the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat with ecoMODE from INNCOM International Inc. played a big role in helping the premiere four diamond waterfront New England inn and spa to achieve “Connecticut Green Lodging—Accommodating You and Our Environment” status.
The Connecticut Green Lodging program is a joint effort of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism designed to encourage and recognize lodge owners who implement environmentally friendly practices, such as taking steps to conserve energy and water and using toxic free cleaning products.
“INNCOM has been a cornerstone of our environmental initiatives since we opened our doors in 1989,” said innkeeper and owner Stephen Tagliatela. “They have been with us every step of the way, from the engineering of our building to determining the types of thermostat controls that would be best for our guests. In fact, the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat with ecoMode is the fourth generation energy-management system that we’ve installed to date.
Savings Led to Awards
“Connecticut has the highest electricity costs in the state,” Tagliatela said. “Thanks to INNCOM, we’ve saved substantial energy over the years, and it was those savings that helped us garner several awards, including being named the first full-service hotel in Connecticut to achieve the Energy Star ranking by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to becoming the first hotel in the state to achieve ‘Green Lodging’ status.”
Saybrook Point Inn Spa, along with Saybrook Point Marina, has been awarded more than 10 Green Circle awards from the Connecticut DEP, which also presented the Saybrook Point Marina with the first Clean Marina award in 2003.
Duane Buckingham, INNCOM chairman, has been instrumental in the property’s environmental initiatives since its beginning, Tagliatela said. He attributes the personal, close relationship between INNCOM management and hotel management to the success of the property’s energy program.
Solid Business Relationship
“The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is committed to incorporating positive environmental choices whenever possible in all of its business decisions while providing an outstanding guest experience,” INNCOM’s Buckingham said. “The property’s environmental initiatives have had a positive impact on its energy consumption, and have contributed to a rejuvenation of Long Island Sound. It’s been a sincere pleasure being their partner, and we look forward to continuing to help Stephen and his staff in all their hospitality and energy initiatives.”
Tagliatela said that “keeping everything current” is key to his property’s success and environmental stability.
“Just as computers have changed over the years, so have guestroom thermostats—which in essence are computers too,” he said. “As thermostat technology gets better and smarter, we as hotel owners and operators must get better and smarter with them. INNCOM provides us with that learning curve and gives us the tools we need to stay ahead of rising energy costs and keep our guests happy and comfortable. We couldn’t be as successful today without INNCOM.”
Go to the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa and INNCOM.
