When I was contacted this past week by someone representing the Synthetic Turf Council, I was a little skeptical. Can something mostly made from oil-based material—synthetic turf—be environmentally advantageous? Turns out a strong environmental case can be made for using synthetic turf instead of natural grass—especially in areas of the country where water is scarce (click here for Council’s recent report). In fact, according to Rick Doyle, president of the Atlanta-based Synthetic Turf Council, if one is pursuing LEED certification for a new or existing building, using synthetic turf can help one earn from six to 14 points (Water Efficient Landscaping, Recycled Content, Rapidly Renewable Material, Innovation in Design).
Maintaining natural grass can have a significant environmental impact. The Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates that every square foot of natural grass replaced with synthetic turf saves 55 gallons of water per year. At the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Rodrigo A. Carrillo, project manager, expects to save 8 million gallons of water this year thanks to a new synthetic lawn. Last year, because of the use of synthetic grass, the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas saved almost 144 million gallons of water.
Those using synthetic turf also do not need to use fertilizer or pesticides. These can pollute groundwater and ultimately impact human health. Of course lawn mowing is eliminated as well. According to the EPA, a push mower emits as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars. A riding mower emits as much as 34 cars.
Appearance Constantly Improving
Aesthetically, Doyle says synthetic grass has come a long way in just the last three years. “There’s been constant innovation in the industry,” he says. “The grasses are much more realistic today.” The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York uses it on its 38th floor terrace yoga deck. The Hotel Vitale in San Francisco lined their fourth story rooftop with it to create a multi-use area.
Yes, synthetic turf costs more than natural grass. The time period for a return on your investment will vary depending on numerous factors—cost of water saved, whether or not any rebates or tax credits are factored in, etc. When considering synthetic turf, be sure to ask your local water utility or turf vendor about possible rebates or credits. A list of vendors can be found in the Buyer’s Guide on the Synthetic Turf Council website.
Doyle says synthetic turf is made all over the world but a great deal of it is made in Dalton, Ga. It is tufted or woven with the same machines that make carpet. Synthetic turf can contain recycled content. One Synthetic Turf Council member has partnered with Yellowstone National Park to divert nearly 300 million plastic bottles from landfills each year. The bottles will be recycled into synthetic turf products and carpet backing.
I asked Rick if any studies had been done that directly compare the environmental impacts of identical patches of synthetic and natural grass. He said he was not aware of one. It would be an interesting comparison. Based on the evidence presented so far, however, there seems to be a pretty strong case for synthetic turf, especially in desert and tropical locations.
What has your experience been with synthetic turf? I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Green Lodging News Adds Neo-Metro as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Neo-Metro as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Neo-Metro specializes in contemporary bath decor that has the classic and industrial look of stainless steel. The miniLOO is a toilet that’s made from 80 percent recycled stainless steel. Neo-Metro’s waterless urinal has furthered Neo-Metro’s commitment to the environment by utilizing a proprietary technology that does not require messy and expensive liquid replacement cartridges. Neo-Metro’s System M2 multiple-station wash basins offer a highly-customizable platform, for the optimal level of function, sustainability, and water savings. For more information, e-mail info@neo-metro.com, call (800) 591-9050, or go to www.neo-metro.com.
Who is Your Environmental Champion?
In our Personnel Profile section we frequently profile individuals who lead sustainability efforts at either the corporate or property level. (Click here for examples.) We are always looking for new people to profile. Do you have someone in mind for our Personnel Profile section? Be sure to contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor of Green Lodging News, at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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