by Michele Veasey
Classic Elegance and Green Operations Blend Seamlessly in New Hampshire
The Lodge at Jackson Village has been an Environmental Partner in the NHSLRP, achieving Champion status through the implementation of many energy and water conservation and waste reduction efforts. The family-owned business reflects their commitment not only to a warm and relaxing experience for their guests, but also a connection to the community and long-standing environmental ethics. Employees at the Lodge must sign an Environmental Commitment Pledge agreeing to abide by the property’s green guidelines. In addition to their environmentally friendly operations, they installed solar panels to run attic fans, purchased a hybrid, 50 mpg company car and participate in community clean-up days. The owner’s latest project is involving the community in the construction of two “tiny” houses which focus on minimizing materials use while providing a cozy, practical home.
The Mountain View Grand Resort, a new member in the NHSLRP, came in as an Environmental Champion. Last year the resort erected a wind turbine behind the hotel to provide clean, renewable energy to the hotel. Electricity needs not met by the turbine are provided through the purchase of Green-e certified wind energy. These efforts have resulted in the resort being the first hotel in New Hampshire to become an EPA Green Power Partner. In addition to numerous efforts in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste and hazardous chemical reductions, the resort grows or purchases local produce for their menu when possible. The resort also shares their love of the environment and history of the area with their guests. With an eye to the property’s past, the resort restored farming operations with the addition of heritage-breed sheep, pigs and chickens, encouraging guests to explore and learn. “Mountain View Grand Resort is committed to being a hospitality industry leader in environmental sustainability,” according to the hotel’s managing director, Christopher Diego. “It is at the heart of our business, connecting our employees, our operations, our guests, our community, and the environment. It is very important to us to be recognized as Environmental Champions. We believe that by embedding these principles of sustainability into our business we can make a positive impact on the future of Mountain View Grand and the larger world.”
The White Mountain Hotel & Resort has been an Environmental Partner in the NHSLRP for several years and has worked continuously during that time to employ new technologies and ideas to reduce their environmental impact. Their work has resulted in achieving Environmental Champion status in the program. The hotel is in the process of replacing hallway lighting with the latest LED technology. Room key cards are made of recycled materials and cleaning supplies are Green Seal certified, providing both the employees and guests with healthier indoor air. In addition to many more environmentally-friendly operational initiatives, the hotel invites guests to help them support the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, helping to assure that current and future generations will be able to continue to enjoy the beauty and natural splendor of the White Mountains. Carol and Gary Sullivan, Owners of the WMH said "As residents and business owners in NH, we are reminded every day of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Implementing systems and procedures to reduce waste, water consumption, and energy has been an important goal of ours for many years. We all share in the responsibility to conserve our natural resources and reduce our overall carbon footprint."
While these all three properties employ many of the same green initiatives like energy efficient lighting, appliances and equipment, towel and linen reuse programs, recycling and environmentally sensitive cleaning products, the NHSLRP allows all participants to employ the initiatives that work best for their situation. The program requires that each property demonstrate leadership in New Hampshire’s hospitality industry in execution of environmentally-sensitive operations. The program’s website, www.nhslrp.org, provides more information about each property’s efforts and the program’s goals.
Enjoying New Hampshire’s beauty with a smaller environmental impact is easy for residents and visitors alike with over eighty certified members throughout the state providing a range of options in lodging and dining green.
For more information contact:
Michelle Veasey, Manager, New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant Program
mveasey@nhlra.com
603-426-6889
Awesome...congrats on the mention and on what you're doing to be more green & a good steward of what you've been given. That's so cool!!! Hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
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