Hotel Triton Named Model for Green Lodging Program/Press Release: September 29, 2004

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California Integrated Waste Management Board

S.F. Hotel Triton Named State Model For Conservation: Green Lodging Program encourages travelers to choose ‘eco chic’

SAN FRANCISCO—Next time you take a trip for business or leisure, think about more than whether or not your hotel has a workout room and a breakfast buffet-choose a lodging that puts a priority on taking good care of you and the environment. That’s the message of a new California Integrated Waste Management Board initiative designed to encourage travelers to stay at “green hotels,” hospitality establishments that save energy, water, and resources, and divert waste from landfill disposal through environmentally friendly business practices.

Secretary for the Environment Terry Tamminen of the California Environmental Protection Agency will help launch the State’s new Green Lodging Program in San Francisco on September 29, 2004, at the Hotel Triton. “Recycling cans, bottles, and plastic bags is commendable-but it doesn’t go far enough,” he said. “The hospitality industry is a vital partner in our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our day-to-day business operations and the Hotel Triton’s outstanding conservation efforts prove they are committed to being good stewards of the environment and the economy.”

A model of “eco chic” for its commitment to reducing energy and water consumption, as well as implementing numerous waste reduction practices and emphasizing organic materials, the Hotel Triton (www.hoteltriton.com) recycles 60 percent of its waste and exemplifies what it takes to be named to the State’s new Green Lodging Program list.

“Patronizing hotels that go above and beyond for the environment is something we hope every traveler in California will consider,” said Board Member Michael Paparian. “The Hotel Triton is a model Green Lodging facility and we appreciate their voluntary efforts to help California reach zero waste.”

Why are “green hotels” important to California?

An average-sized hotel purchases more products in one week than 100 California families do in a year.

The hospitality industry spends $3.7 billion a year on energy.

Typical hotels use 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room. Water-efficient fixtures reduce water and sewer bills by 25 to 30 percent.

Electricity use accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the utility costs in a typical hotel. Guest lighting accounts for 30 to 40 percent of hotel electricity consumption. Energy-efficient lighting can save 20 to 75 percent in energy use.

“We are thrilled that Kimpton's Hotel Triton has been selected as a model for conservation by the State of California,” said Michael Pace, Kimpton Hotels City Manager and leader of Kimpton Hotels Eco-Program. “The Hotel Triton, now a completely ‘green’ and eco-friendly hotel, was the first Kimpton Hotel to introduce eco-rooms. Earlier this year, the Hotel Triton also unveiled new celebrity designed eco-suites by Woody Harrelson, Andy Dick, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Knowing that we are part of a planet—not part of an industry—Kimpton is committed to offering travelers the option of eco-friendly accommodations. Kimpton’s future plans include outfitting each of our 38 hotels with an eco-floor. Making the choice to stay in any one of Kimpton’s eco-rooms provides environmentally conscious guests with a sense of responsibility, appreciation, and care for the planet."

To see a list of lodging facilities that offer State travelers a government rate, which includes the Green Lodging Program properties, please visit www.catravelsmart.com/lodguideframes.htm and select a destination city. Visitors will find participating member establishments listed by city. Hotels, motels, and other hospitality establishments earn a place on the list by meeting a broad array of criteria for resource conservation that demonstrate a dedication to environmental stewardship.

To be included in the Green Lodging Program, facilities must:

Establish recycling programs in common areas, guest rooms, and administrative areas.

Incorporate food scrap and yard waste composting programs where cost-effective.

Participate in donation programs for food, surplus furniture, electronics, and other items.

Use refillable amenity dispensers or minimally packaged items in recyclable materials.

Purchase in bulk to reduce excess waste from packaging.

Minimize use of disposable items.

Install energy- and water-efficient fixtures, lighting, and other equipment.

Use nontoxic (or less toxic) alternatives for cleaning supplies, paints, etc.

Adopt an environmental purchasing policy for preferable products such as recycled-content office paper, tissue, napkins, and more.

Develop annual environmental improvement goals.

For more information about the new California Green Lodging Program, please visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov/EPP/GreenLodging/.

Further details about the Hotel Triton’s extensive “eco chic” business practices are available by contacting Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants Senior Director of Public Relations Kathleen Bertolani at kathleen.bertolani@kimptongroup.com, (415) 955-5407.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the State’s leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes a zero waste California in partnership with local government, industry, and the public. This means reducing waste whenever possible, promoting the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protecting public health and safety and the environment.