Eco 411
Eco Author | 1:21 pm | December 29, 2009 | Hotel | Add a comment
Did you know that recycling buildings is considered the “original” green? For what can be more environmentally friendly than recycling an entire building? Reusing existing buildings is one of the core principles of Sustainability. By virtue of the fact that you have chosen to stay at the Napa River Inn, a locally owned and operated Historic Hotel of America, you have already made a green choice in your travel plans. The continued use of our existing buildings and neighborhoods reduces the amount of demolition and construction waste deposited in the landfills and lessens the unnecessary demand for energy and other natural resources required by new construction. And with careful planning and maintenance, historic buildings can be made more energy efficient while still respecting their unique character.
So thanks! And here are a few more ways you can help us “go green”:
By understanding that the Napa Valley is a precious yet endangered Agricultural Preserve. Water availability in areas of the valley has all but disappeared. Please pardon us if the water pressure is not quite as strong as what you may be used to at home. And please help us conserve water by turning off faucets and requesting to launder only what you need. For more information on how you can help and be a member of the local community, go to www.napalandtrust.org.
Eco Author | 12:41 pm | December 18, 2009 | Hotel | Add a comment
Chic, cool and collected; W San Francisco is also a hotel with a conscious for being green. We have recently received a green certificate from AH&LA and are in the process of becoming LEED EB certified as well as a nominee for the CH&LA “Good Earthkeeping” Award. The green program at W SF began as a grass roots gathering of employees who wanted to ‘do the right thing.’ Within a year, the gathering evolved into a full-blown green committee with monthly meetings, constant improvement in incorporating green initiatives, and a passion for sustainability driven by all employees and not by a ‘management mandate.’
As part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s Sustainability Council advisor committee (representing over 900 hotels worldwide), we are committed to adopting practices that support sustainability, move toward zero waste and reduce our climate footprint. We have implemented the ‘Make a Green Choice’ program which allows guests the opportunity to forgo daily housekeeping services and receive a $5 credit towards Food & Beverage during their stay. Additionally, our guests can assist in reducing the climate footprint by choosing to explore the city with the use of our complimentary PUMA bikes.
W SF not only strives to provide green choices for our guests but for our talent too! We will be participating in ‘Save the Bay’, a philanthropic initiative in which employees will come together to help restore an area near the Dumbarton Bridge. We’ve also incorporated recycling tips into our current training program for all new employees. We realize sustainability doesn’t stop here and we’re constantly searching for learning opportunities to help make the hotel (and the world!) a better, greener place!
Eco Author | 4:01 pm | November 27, 2009 | Service and Supplier | Add a comment
In developing your big idea, McCalls has devoted their efforts to minimize our impact on the surrounding environment. We have completed the San Francisco Green Business Program enrollment form and checklist, demonstrating a devotion to Federal, State, and local regulations in regards to resource conservation, waste
minimization, and pollution prevention practices. McCalls has been enthusiastically implementing green business practices in all areas of business:
McCalls respects our environment, and is dedicated sustainable business practices. We believe our efforts do make a difference. Join us in protecting our natural resources in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area.
Eco Author | 2:43 pm | November 20, 2009 | Event Venue, Service and Supplier | Add a comment
“For freelancers, contractors and telecommuters sharing office resources doesn’t only help them save money, but is a sustainable practice that helps reduce their carbon footprint,” said Roman Gelfer, CEO of the two-year-old company. “Although coworking is already a sustainable way to work, as a leader in our field we felt it was important to go green all the way.”
One of the biggest challenges for the membership-based organization was making sure that not only its employees, but also its customers are following green practices. In order to achieve high rates of participation, Sandbox staff held workshops on the basics of recycling and composting and helped all members implement double-sided printing. Sandbox also collects customers’ electronics and batteries and recycles them through Rainbow Groceries, a SF Green Business Program member.
Sandbox partnered with Give Something Back, another SF Green Business Program member, to buy green office supplies. Now, all office, break room and bathroom papers at Sandbox are made of at least 50% post-consumer recycled paper.
Eco Author | 2:39 pm | November 13, 2009 | Event Venue | Add a comment
Located just steps from the Moscone Convention Center, this contemporary, green building is scheduled for Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Innovative elements such as cabinetry made of crushed sunflower seed husks and countertops made of recycled newspaper are incorporated into the Urban Center, though all green building features of the Urban Center are purposefully understated. Commenting on these features, writer Kenneth Caldwell notes, “SPUR will be the kind of place where sustainability is integrated into policy, or everyday life… anticipating the future, when green design isn’t showcased; it’s a matter of fact.”
Rental of the entire Urban Center offers exclusive use of three event floors including: the 1st floor Gallery, 2nd floor Public Assembly Hall and 4th floor Penthouse with terrace, providing over 3,840 sq feet of space for up to 425 guests. The Urban Center can also be rented on a floor-by-floor basis and is ideal for intimate or large-scale, dynamic meetings and events.
With creative planning, the space can also be utilized for much larger groups. SPUR partnered with Cappa & Graham, Inc. to transform a public thoroughfare and neighboring nightclub into a seamless and elegantly branded block party for the Urban Center Grand Opening party, accommodating 2,500 guests. Photos from the stunning Urban Center Grand Opening party are available here.
For Urban Center rental information: Brendan Lange, SPUR Urban Center Manager, rentals@spur.org or 415-644-4296. Media Contact: Kelly Hardesty, khardesty@spur.org.
 |
 |
 |