Submitted By: Tony Eichers (teichers@lafayetteparkhotel.com) - Vice President & General Manager of Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa
The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa has great respect for our natural resources and we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment through resource conservation and best practices.
Our Environmental Care Program focuses on eight key areas:
Water Conservation
We have replaced our showerheads with low-flow technology. We incorporate a linen re-use program that encourages guests to re-use their sheets and towels during their stay to reduce the impact of extra washings. As a result of this initiative, we have reduced our usage of water, energy for water heating, and decreased the quantity of waste water.
Energy Conservation
We use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of less efficient incandescent bulbs in our guest rooms and all public spaces throughout the Hotel. We have a program to turn off lights and appliances in the guest rooms and meeting room facilities when not in use to further conserve energy.
Indoor Environmental Quality
We have installed air filters with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration and use vacuums designed to reduce micro-organisms, dust and airborne pollutants. We research and, whenever possible, purchase cleaning agents that are environmentally-friendly and avoid harsh or harmful reactions, including using non-perfumed and unscented laundry supplies, carpet cleaners, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners. Our guestrooms have operable windows which are part of a fresh-air exchange system within the Hotel.
Waste Reduction
We recycle dry and wet garbage and food products throughout the Hotel. For our guestrooms, we separate and recycle trash at the housekeeping carts. In addition, all office workstations in our offices have specifically marked recycling bins. We encourage the use of recyclable disposable products and, wherever possible, have eliminated foam products, including cups, bowls, plates and clam-shell boxes. Not only do these products consume petrochemicals in their production, but also are not recyclable.
Hazardous Material Recycling
We follow a strict a recycling program for the disposal of hazardous materials such as light bulbs, batteries and electronic parts. We have clearly marked recycling receptacles and containers that are taken directly to hazardous materials disposal centers.
Environmentally Responsible Fixtures and Appliances
We have a program to replace old, wasteful fixtures (e.g. light bulbs, toilets, shower heads and faucets that allow more than 2 gallons/minutes throughput) and appliances (e.g. refrigerator and freezers, ice machines, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners, furnaces/heaters, and computers) with new efficient fixtures and appliances.
Non-Smoking Rooms
In the year 2000, the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa and Woodside Hotels were pioneers in the United States in establishing a 100% no-smoking policy for all our guestrooms and public spaces.
Transportation
The Hotel encourages public transportation with our complimentary shuttle service to and from BART for our guests. This service, particularly used by many of our meeting attendees and groups, reduces air pollution and fuel consumption and provides a direct link to popular destinations such as Berkeley, San Francisco, and the San Francisco International Airport.
Informational Links
Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa Web Site
