Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California, has earned LEED Silver status in the Existing Building (EB) category. The property implemented a number of green initiatives. The newly remodeled 379 guestrooms, including 10 suites, feature Green from Natüra bath amenities, which are completely biodegradable, including all packaging; Green Label Plus carpet in all guestrooms, certified by the Carpet & Rug Institute for low VOCs; low- or no-VOC paints; environmentally friendly custom designed mattresses from Monterey Mattress Company; Energy Star flatscreen TVs and refrigerators; low-flow water fixtures; and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood products.
The hotel also implemented a comprehensive program intended to improve indoor air quality. All staff has been trained to follow construction guidelines that limit VOC in paints, adhesives, and sealants; take part in regular, rigorous inspections of the air-conditioning system through building retro-commissioning; and the utilization of enzyme-based laundry detergents for cleaning linens and towels. Furthermore, housekeeping staff uses the Lotus® Professional Cleaning System, which is 50 percent more powerful than bleach, cleaning and disinfecting guest rooms with H203 ionized water and thus eliminating the use of harsh chemicals.
Hotel-wide changes include energy-efficient lighting upgrades; new carpet in Jacks Restaurant and Lounge made from rapidly renewable and all-natural latex and jute, making it 100 percent compostable; low- or no-VOC paints; wallpaper made with 20 percent post-consumer recycled material; water-conserving faucet aerators in all public restrooms; and sub-meters for landscaping to monitor how much water is being used and to more quickly identify leaks.
Portola Hotel & Spa’s hot water needs are met with two natural gas fired co-generation micro-turbines that generate on-site electricity while simultaneously producing hot water. Portola is the first property in Monterey to allow visitors to offset their carbon footprint with Renewable Energy Credits, balancing out a guest’s stay or an entire conference. In addition, the hotel purchased two years’ worth of carbon offsets.
