RESORTS with lots of GREEN and little WASTE.......
By Lisa Marie, January 22, 2011
Oasis of GREEN in the South Pacific |
Jean-Michel's passion for the indigenous people of Fiji, their culture, traditions, warmth and natural hospitality have led him to create an eco-friendly resort with a unique environmental philosophy. "Here we strive to maintain nature's perfect balance by respecting and participating in the living vitality of our environment. Our ethic at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is to take as little from the environment as possible, to give back as much as we can, and to respect others with whom we share this place."Cavallo Point Lodge
Originally inhabited by the coastal Miwok tribes, Horseshoe Cove - the beautiful setting for Resort Cavallo Point, became home to Fort Baker long before there was a Golden Gate Bridge. In 1866, the U.S. Army acquired the site for a military base to fortify the north side of the Golden Gate. The 24 buildings around the 10-acre parade ground at Fort Baker took shape between 1901 and 1915. The Army post remained active through World War II. The property, long since abandoned by the US Government, is now the site of a gorgeous waterfront Cavallo Point Resort and Spa.
Cavallo Point is set apart by guiding principles that focus on its environmental and social ethos. Its stakeholders are proud of creating a welcoming and environmentally responsible experience for visitors, while restoring historic Fort Baker for generations to come.
Green Philosophy
Cavallo Point's long list of initiatives to support sustainability, stewardship and preservation reflects the commitments of all stakeholders involved in this treasured National Park site. Since the project's inception, environmental initiatives have been a priority.
U.S. Green Building Council had awarded LEED Gold Certification to Cavallo Point, after myriad efforts to make the project as green as possible. These include dozens of activities, among them re-use of historic materials, landscape restoration with native plants, and use of green building elements. The lodge also works to meet the Green Seal Environmental Standard for U.S. Lodging Properties. Some eco-efforts create awareness among visitors, like naming our meeting rooms after local rare, threatened and endangered species, such as the Mission Blue butterfly. Cavallo Point is proud to have received numerous honors for its green efforts.
The Institute at the Golden Gate
As part of Cavallo Point's commitment to sustainability, the Institute at the Golden Gate made its debut in fall 2008. Created by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service, the Institute promotes dialogue, collaboration, shared problem solving, and action for a sustainable world. Gathering global leaders in the non-profit, government and business sectors, the Institute connects scientists, policy makers, youth leaders, and non-profit and business managers to develop solutions to critical issues. Programs focus on sustainability, national parks and protected areas, environmental arts and communication, resource conservation and other topics to improve the health and quality of our environment.
California Solar Adventure
Post Ranch Inn - Big Sur, CA
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| Solar Panels - Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur CA |
The Post Ranch Inn, located off the scenic Highway 1 in California is recognized throughout the world as a leading green coastal property. Two years ago, they switched on a 990-panel solar installation, the largest hotel solar project in California and one of the largest in the United States. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the system is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 611,000 pounds annually. That is equivalent to removing more than 50 vehicles from the road or serving nearly 39 U.S. households’ electricity needs.
The solar array is owned and operated by Recurrent Energy, a distributed power company and leading provider of onsite solar energy. Post Ranch buys its electricity generated by the system from Recurrent Energy through a power purchase agreement (PPA) at an estimated lower rate than Post Ranch would pay the utility company. In addition, Post Ranch is now insulated from future utility increases. After 15 years of operation, the hotel can purchase the system at a nominal cost and produce free electricity for itself.
“This solar project is a remarkable event at Post Ranch Inn, which, this year, celebrates its 17th anniversary,” said Mike Freed, managing partner at Post Ranch Inn. “We are now able to run much of the hotel with energy generated at the hotel. We hope Post Ranch will become an example of how solar can be installed with little cost, yet deliver all the benefits. The hotel industry is perfect for solar as energy consumption is highest during off-peak hours. Contact: www.PostRanch.com
From the moment you arrive, Post Ranch's respect for the land and commitment to the environment are evident. Guests are chauffeured in a Lexus Hybrid. The solar array minimizes energy use. Lodgings are built from sustainable materials and complement natural surroundings.
Landscaping uses native plants and is drought-resistant. Our cleaning system is biodegradable. Grounds provide habitat for the endangered Smith’s Blue Butterfly, California Red-Legged Frog, Western Pond Turtle and California Condor.
A long-time leader in responsible tourism, Post Ranch’s goal is to create a distinctive, luxurious guest experience that melds seamlessly with environmental and social stewardship.
Originally posted by: SOLAR ENERGY MONITOR
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