These 5 U.S. Hotels Are Taking a Unique Approach To Sustainability

Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, North Carolina:

This employee-owned hotel uses 39.2% less energy than a conventional hotel/restaurant by using ultra efficient materials and the latest construction technology. Geothermal energy is used for the restaurant’s refrigeration equipment, instead of a standard water-cooled system, saving significant amounts of water. Lastly, the sun’s energy heats hot water with 100 solar panels covering the 4,000 square feet of rooftop (enough hot water for a hundred homes). Absolutely amazing! Proximity Hotel is one of the first LEED Platinum “green hotels,” and has been a leader in sustainability practices.

The Orchard Garden Hotel, San Francisco, California:

The Orchard Garden Hotel is the first hotel in California to be LEED certified. The hotel has implemented several sustainability initiatives, such as composting all waste materials and using compact fluorescent or LED lighting exclusively. Orchard Garden Hotel uses menus/collateral/paper that is 100% recycled and inks used on all collateral and stationery are soy-based.

Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville, California

This Napa Valley resort uses gorgeous woods throughout the hotel that are milled from salvaged trees. The hotel uses an underground geothermal system which heats and cools the guest rooms, the spa, and the domestic hot water supply. Almost no offsite energy is used. Hidden on the flat rooftops are 940 solar panels that provide significant amounts of the hotel’s electrical demand!

Hotel Skyler Syracuse, Syracuse, New York:

Every effort was made to incorporate regionally-produced and reclaimed materials into the interior design of this 58-room upstate New York Hotel. The lobby is accented by a stained glass window reclaimed from St. John's Church, in Oswego, and the bar serves sustainable wines, beer, and liquor.

Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee, California:

This hotel is literally carved out of the natural allurement of its surroundings. Cedar House combines innovative architecture with the symbiotic relationship between mind, body and soul. The hotel believes in "an active lifestyle destination with a strong environmental conscience."