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Arizona Biltmore Committed to Setting
Eco-Friendly Standard Among Resorts with
All-Encompassing ‘Green Program’
PHOENIX – The Arizona
Biltmore Resort & Spa is committed to setting the
standard among resorts for an environmentally friendly
operation with the implementation of an all-encompassing
green program.
"Adopting environmentally
friendly practices is no longer an option but a
necessity, and at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa we
are committed to becoming an industry leader in this
growing trend," said Julia Thorn, director of corporate
communications. "That’s why we have developed our Green
Initiative that is extraordinarily comprehensive and
sustainable, covering every aspect of our operations and
every department of the resort, from water-saving plans
and biodegradable supplies to organic products in the
spa."
Biltmore Flower Gardens - photo
courtesy
P&G Communications |
Pool and Cabana - photo courtesy
P&G Communications |
The goal of the Green
Initiative is to significantly reduce the Arizona
Biltmore’s global footprint, create a more efficient and
environmentally friendly operation, and establish the
Arizona Biltmore as an environmentally responsible
resort. To achieve this, the resort has identified
actions, initiatives and practices that have been put
into affect throughout the resort; additional steps are
planned this year and into 2009. A Green Committee,
composed of executives from every department of the
resort, was established to oversee development and
implementation of the plan, monitor and adjust as
necessary the existing initiatives, and explore
additional avenues of action.
A few items among the many actions currently being
taken:
General
Converted to compact fluorescent bulbs and
fluorescent overhead lighting.
Recycling resort-wide including cardboard, paper,
aluminum, plastic, printing cartridges, batteries, etc.
Using environmentally safe, certified green, cleaning
products in guest rooms, public areas, etc.
Spa
Use chemical-free, organic and vegan products that
work with the body.
Use clean-burning flameless candles in treatment
rooms and throughout the spa.
Grounds
Converting to electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
Use reclaimed water from the canal for watering.
Return plant containers that are not biodegradable to
growers for recycling.
Rooms & Suites
Offer water saving options for sheets and towels in
guestrooms.
Convert to organic cotton linens and bathrobes.
Use low-flow toilets and shower heads
Public Areas and Front Office
Paperless check-in & check-out for guests.
Key cards made from recycled corn products.
Office and Operations Areas
Distribute documents such as memos, reports and
contracts by email only, unless a printed hard copy is
required.
When printing or copying is required, encourage
two-sided printing/copying, using the smallest margins
possible, using scrap paper, etc.
Use water coolers rather than water bottles.
Turn off lights, computers, etc. in offices when not
in use.
Added recycled paper, motionless towel dispensers in
90 areas of the hotel.
Turn off lights and air conditioning when rooms are
not in use.
Dining & Banquets
Purchase food from local and organic growers whenever
feasible.
Use reusable containers for beverages, food and
condiments whenever possible.
Recycle cooking/fryer oils into diesel fuel.
Arranging compost pick-up for food scraps.
Trip Reduction Programs
Carpool parking.
Free bus passes.
Many additional actions
are planned in the months ahead, from offering recycling
in guest rooms and public areas to installing new
weather stripping on windows and doors and thermal film
on windows.
Meetings & Events
The Arizona Biltmore
Resort & Spa also is working closely with groups to make
meetings and events greener by adopting appropriate
products and practices. These range from providing water
coolers rather than individual water bottles, to using
recyclable and biodegradable paper products for
materials, signs, etc., to opting for cans rather than
glass for beverages.
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