Luxury hotels get greener: cut emissions

New Savoy Hotel boilers

Fairmont reduces its Greenhouse Gas Emissions as part of WWF's climate savers programme

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced that it has cut its CO2 output by 8.4 per cent. As a member of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers programme, Fairmont has pledged to reduce its operational CO2 emissions by 20 per cent below 2006 levels by 2013, and was the world's first luxury hotel group to commit to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

The more than 8 per cent decline, based on 2010 year-end data, means the hotel company is almost halfway to its ambitious reduction target.

"Everyone can agree that the debate on climate change has shifted from it's here and real, to how can we all contribute to a low carbon future," said Fairmont's president Chris Cahill.

"The business community needs to step up and take a leadership position if we're going to affect any real, transformative change, and I'm very pleased that Fairmont has been able to take some positive steps in curbing its energy usage and lowering GHG emissions around the globe. From the daily efforts of our engineers to the determined conservation practices of our hotel-level green teams, we remain committed to persevering and protecting the destinations we call home."

Several Fairmont hotels have also had success with projects aimed at decreasing GHG emissions. At The Fairmont Dubai, the hotel has optimised its temperature control and building humidity settings, resulting in a 17.1 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases over the last four years, while Quebec's Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu converted two boilers from oil to electric, helping the hotel cut emissions by more than 75 per cent, despite having higher occupancy levels.

The iconic Fairmont San Francisco added occupancy-sensing guestroom thermostats and adjusted its daily HVAC scheduling in meeting rooms to decrease its GHG emissions by 12.1 per cent.

In London, the restoration of The Savoy included the addition of several new environmental technologies including a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant that reduces the hotel's reliance on the national grid by approximately 50 per cent. New energy efficient boilers, smart meters, and a waste management system that recycles up to 90 per cent of the property's waste and converts it into an energy source, have also been introduced making it one of the greenest hotels in London.

WWF's VP of Strategic Partnerships Hadley Archer said. "As a member in WWF's global 'Climate Savers' programme, Fairmont is advancing carbon management within its industry by committing to absolute emission reduction targets and demonstrating that cutting carbon yields a host of benefits – from cost savings to employee engagement and reputational benefits."

Added Sarah Dayboll, Fairmont's director of environmental affairs, "Looking ahead, we're confident that we can reach our 20 per cent reduction target in 2013 by continuing to focus our efforts on improved energy efficiency, increased conversion to low carbon technologies and solutions, and by promoting conservation practices among our 30,000 colleagues worldwide."

Valere Tjolle
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