CALGARY, ALBERTA—With the former president of BuiltGreen Canada as its director of procurement, and a team of other executives committed to eco-friendly building and operations, MasterBUILT Hotels is beginning to establish its reputation as a leading developer and manager of green hotels in the Western provinces of Canada. MasterBUILT currently manages a portfolio of one Microtel by Wyndham and three Super 8 hotels. The company owns the Microtel property in Saskatchewan. The Super 8 properties are located in Fort McMurray, Alberta; Cranbrook, B.C.; and in Calgary.
“An advocate of green design and energy efficient construction and operating practices, we actively share in the inherent responsibility for the sustainability and well-being of our planet and people,” the company says on its website.
Reducing energy and water consumption is the focus of the company, says David Bengert, director of procurement. At its Microtel hotel, for example, MasterBUILT Hotels focused on the structure of the building and specifically its windows.
“We went with a double-glazed glass with the energy efficiency of triple pane,” Bengert says.
Transition to LED Lighting
Lighting is also a priority, especially those bulbs burning 24/7. Recessed lighting and parking lot lighting are all LEDs. Bengert says the LEDs not only provide a pleasing color; they also reduce labor and waste as they will last up to seven years.
MasterBUILT Hotels invests in only the most energy efficient PTACs and utilize guestroom energy management systems that automatically manage/reduce energy consumption based on occupancy.
To reduce water consumption, low-flow fixtures are utilized, including toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush.
Lorna Knoll, director of operations for MasterBUILT Hotels, says the company recycles and is currently looking at composting in the breakfast area. At three of its properties, MasterBUILT Hotels uses ceramic plates during breakfast.
Green Purchasing Practices
To ensure a high level of indoor air quality, low-VOC paints are used. For construction, lumber is sourced from companies that have sustainable harvesting practices. Carpet is purchased from a vendor that recycles all of its carpet waste. That same company includes 50 percent recycled content in its carpet.
“We like to buy locally,” Bengert adds.
MasterBUILT Hotels requires participation in the Green Key Eco-Rating program and its properties must achieve at least a 3 Key rating.
MasterBUILT Hotels promotes sustainable transportation alternatives (public transit, bikes, shuttle services) to employees and guests.
When asked if his company had considered investing in renewable energy technologies like solar or geothermal, Bengert said the cost analysis did not work. “It was better to focus on energy efficiency,” he says.
In regard to pursuing LEED for its properties as part of LEED Canada, Bengert says his company is not currently pursuing the certification because it “can accomplish the same or more without the administrative burden [of LEED].”
Go to MasterBUILT Hotels.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
