| Environmental Good Practice in Habitat Suites Hotel in Austin : United States | United States | 1991 | Full scale |
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS # 14
Background:
The Habitat Suites Hotel in Austin, Texas, United States has gained a reputation as a "safe haven from toxic chemicals and environmental ills that travelers must endure in ordinary hotels". Located three miles from the municipal airport and 6 miles from the city center, the hotel operates 96 suites - 72 with one bedroom and 24 with two. Each suite is equipped with a living room, breakfast bar and a full service kitchen. Meeting facilities are available for 50 persons. Restaurant services are available only for breakfast and conference meals.
Habitat Suites has a strong corporate, federal and state government clientele. Extended stay (30 days or longer) visitors contribute 10% of the total occupancy. Its Environmental Program stresses environmentally sound housekeeping.
Cleaner Production Principle:
Material substitution; Process Modification.
Cleaner Production Application:
When refurbishing :
| Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) were recovered from all discarded equipment. New purchases use established CFC alternatives |
| Fire extinguishers are refillable and halon-free. |
| Aluminum window frames were removed and a reflective roof cover added to avoid heat transfer |
| Only water-based paints were used |
| Carpets were laid with no adhesives. |
To reduce water consumption:
| Aerators have been fitted to sinks and shower heads, reducing water flow from 5 to 2.1 gallons (19 to 8 liters) per minute |
| Water saving toilets have been installed in all suites and staff toilets which use 1.5 gallons (6 liters) per flush, as opposed to the normal 3.5 gallons (13 liters) |
| Bed linen and towels are changed on request only |
| Washing machines are programmed for low water usage |
| Water-savings sprinklers in irrigation outlets are estimated to save 500 gallons (1,894 liters) a day |
| Native plant species that require less water are used for landscaping; |
Instead of chlorine, a nontoxic copper and silver ionization system is used to sterilize the swimming pool and spa. This involves passing a low alternating direct current (6-12 volts) between copper and silver electrodes, fitted in the returning line of the pool and spa. The current causes the release of virus-killing copper and silver ions which are carried into the pool and spa with the returning water. They give good residual protection, are unaffected by UV or heat and cannot be absorbed through the skin (The level required to sanitize waste is a fraction of that classified as safe to consume by the United States Environmental Protection Agency).
To reduce energy:
| Refrigerators are maintained at 38F (3C and the freezer at 5F (-15C) to minimize the use of electricity |
| Motion sensors turn the lights on and off in guest laundry rooms and public restrooms |
| The pool water circulation pump operates during peak hours only (10am-10pm) |
| Hot water is maintained at 125F (52C) in guest rooms and 140F (60C) in the laundry - sufficient for guest use and laundry. (Excess heating of water is energy and cost intensive). |
| Fifteen energy-efficient air-conditioning units have been installed and Habitat suites plans to gradually change over all units. |
Measures implemented for waste management:
| Grease traps have been fitted in all waste pipes |
| Paper towels are unbleached, unscented and recycled after use |
| Organic fertilizers with no herbicides are used for the garden |
All advertising stresses Habitat Suite's commitment to be a "green" hotel. It has an increasing number of visitors who suffer from environmental allergies and illnesses. It is a popular venue for meetings on environmental awareness and action. In addition to the traditional breakfast menu, which is 100% organic and additive- and preservative-free, a microbiotic breakfast option is also available.
At recruitment stage, staff are informed of the hotel's environmental commitment. Ongoing awareness programs are organize and cash rewards offered for "green" ideas.
Environmental and Economic Benefits:
The combined water-saving measures bring the hotel an estimated saving of US$ 9,000 in water consumption costs per year.
The use of fluorescent lighting and air-conditioning units alone save the hotel over 122,000 kw of energy per year, which equates to US$ 10,954.
The use of chlorine has been eliminated and the use of other maintenance chemicals has been reduced by 50%. Ionization is non-corrosive to the equipment and the pool and spa surface and there is a vast improvement in water quality. "Red eye" complaints have ceased.
Soils remain healthy due to usage of organic rather than chemical fertilizers in the gardens.
Constraints:
None reported.
Contacts:
Review Status
This case study was taken from the joint UNEP/International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) publication "Environmental Good Practice in Hotels: Case Studies from the IHRA Environmental Award." Each case study was judged in 1995 by UNEP-IE prior to inclusion in the publication. It was edited for the ICPIC diskette in June 1997.
Subsequently a technical review was conducted in September 1998 by Dr. Prasad Modak, Environmental Management Centre, Mumbai, India. For more information contact UNEPIE.