LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Seven4one in Laguna Beach, Calif., is setting a new green standard with its new hotel in Orange County. It features a list of more than 35 green infrastructural and operational elements that enhance virtually every aspect of its daily operations. With this green approach—from bamboo-blend bath towels and green-certified mattresses to card-less door locks, a largely organic kitchen, lighting sensors, and Energy Star appliances—Seven4one differentiates itself from other hotels in the region with a forward-thinking approach to traditional hotel operations.
“It’s not that difficult to think green, plan green, and operate green,” says Seven4one general manager, Julia Cattaneo. “As more vacationers actively seek green accommodations where they can indulge with a conscience, Seven4one finds itself sought out for more than just its sleek Euro-style furnishings, intimate lounges, and rock-star-worthy personal attention. It hopes to serve as a model for the industry. Both management and staff are personally committed to environmental sustainability and believe in reducing our eco-footprint as much as possible. We each adhere to strict operational policies and procedures and measure our progress against meaningful benchmarks that are related to hospitality best practices and responsible business practices.”
There is no sacrifice in the hip vibe, quality of products, or the guest experience as a result of the 12-room hotel’s deeply green business model. Quite the contrary, says Cattaneo. “Seven4one caters to a discerning clientele, so we are very aware of the fine line between luxury and eco-friendly.”
As an example, the property’s purveyor of bath and body amenities has designed its high-end, environmentally sensitive products in refillable dispensers. The bathroom includes low-flow showerheads and sink aerators, dual-flush, low-flow toilets, and hot water from ISO 14001 certified tank-less water heaters (providing continual on-demand hot water that eliminates the wasted energy of traditional water heaters).
Eye Toward Energy Efficiency
Keyless and card-less pin-activated door locks mean no more traditional plastic keys, while 42-inch LCD flat-screen TVs and HVAC systems use low energy and eco-friendly components. Seven4one incorporates further green innovations through indoor and outdoor lighting sensors, energy-efficient windows, Energy Star appliances, and a decidedly modern landscape of native and low-water-use plants.
Operational and service-related initiatives include a guestroom towel and linen optimization policy, complimentary in-room spa water in lieu of overpriced plastic water bottles, chemical-free cleaning and laundry products, and daily newspapers on a request-only basis. Custom designed mattresses are green-certified and part of the EPA’s WasteWise Partnership. Hotel-wide, paper, plastic, and glass are recycled, single-use packaging is limited, and public restrooms feature laundered cotton towels (instead of paper).
The kitchen at Seven4one contributes to the hotel’s green philosophy by utilizing organic and locally grown or produced provisions. Chef de Cuisine Jessica Alexander avoids charbroiled and deep-fried foods and often procures foods that are natural, cage-free, or wild. The hotel offers the latest in organic spirits and purchases only Free Trade coffees and teas. Bartenders pour many of Seven4one’s signature martinis with organic vodka, while many of the hotel’s wine offerings come from wine makers who practice environmental and sustainable stewardship.
“Being first in a market has its benefits,” says Daniel Sussman, managing partner of The Brendan Group, the hotel’s developer. “As the first truly green and modern hotel in Orange County, California, and specifically world-famous Laguna Beach, we’re afforded some great marketing and promotional opportunities with other like-minded businesses. “Companies that practice a policy of green travel and meetings find themselves right at home and right with the environment when staying or meeting at our unique, contemporary hotel at the beach.”
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