Located in the central business district of Melbourne, Alto Hotel on Bourke is a new boutique apartment hotel that has received the top environmental awards and certifications of Australia. Without sacrificing any comforts or luxuries of its guests, Alto Hotel maintains style and modern design along with eco-friendly practices that separate it from the competition in the hospitality industry. Here’s the lowdown on all the ways Alto Hotel keeps to its green initiatives.

A Green Idea

It was time to build a new hotel in 2004. With a little forethought, the plan came to mind that a new hotel with sustainable practices would be an advantageous pursuit amidst the world’s growing environmental concerns. Rather than tearing down what was already in place, the designers thought it better to use what already existed and modify it to produce a refurbished, eco-friendly establishment for hospitable purposes.

Inside and Out – What Makes It Green

The Alto Hotel set out to be the greenest of all in Melbourne with eco-friendly initiatives throughout construction and operations. To maintain the greatest efficiency and benefits for the environment, each part of the rebuilding process had to be considered carefully. Here are just a fraction of the eco-friendly adjustments that were made to ensure Alto on Bourke as incomparable.

• Electricity: All electricity is generated from renewable sources – it’s completely green as it comes from 100% wind power. More than 95% of lighting is energy efficient, using FCL and LED bulbs of no more than 15 watts each. Each room has a key-card switch that turns off lighting and air conditioning upon exiting.
• Water: Rainwater is collected and used for public toilet cisterns, gardening, and cleaning purposes. All toilets, faucets, and showers function with low-flow mechanics for maximum water conservation. Guests are given the option to not have their towels and linens changed daily.
• Windows: All windows are double-glazed and can be opened to reduce the need for air conditioning. They are also heat-reflecting so that heat does not become trapped indoors during summer months.
• Insulation: Walls are double-insulated and studs are offset to minimize heat escape. Floors and ceilings contain up to six layers of Regupol for sound reduction, which is made of recycled car tires. Room doors are also sealed to limit temperature and noise attenuation.
• Toiletries: All plastic soap bottles have been replaced by refillable dispensers, which are only used with biodegradable shampoos, conditioners, and handsoaps. All toiletries are biodegradable and some are organic.
• Paper: The hotel library works as a book exchange for guests, and the complimentary newspapers are delivered only upon request. All consumed paper products, including toilet tissue, are made of recycled or plantation timber paper.
• Waste: All waste is segregated by type (paper, organic, plastic, glass, and general). Organic waste is collected for on-site composting, and used cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel. Guest rooms are provided with dual-chamber waste bins so they may contribute to proper waste management and recycling.
• Transport: Alto offers free parking and recharging of electric vehicles using 100% renewable resources. Airport transfers are offered by hybrid limousine and guests are encouraged to walk to nearby attractions and public transport facilities.
• Community: The hotel participates in local, statewide, and national environmental  programs and donates lost or unclaimed properties to the homeless and disadvantaged. Massage chairs are donated to hospitals for use in dialysis treatment.

Other initiatives assigned by the management include the production of promotional pens made from cornstarch, the use of non-hazardous chemicals, and recycling or refilling of printer ink cartridges. All energy, water, and waste reports are also submitted for review by outside environmental agencies. The hotel is constantly working to test and improve products and concepts to enhance its environmental programs.

Alto Hotel established a “Green Team” to monitor and enforce all environmental policies of the establishment. While demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, these members provide support for the hotel staff and conduct monthly meetings to discuss any possible improvements that may benefit the environment.

Green Dining

Alto Hotel on Bourke didn’t put a halt to its environmental efforts in its restaurant either. While establishing the dining facility, Alto Hotel kept eco-friendly practices in mind and managed to become a member of the Green Table, which is an Australian certification program for restaurants with sustainable practices. To become a member of the Green Table, Alto had to show proof of the following practices:

• Consistent, proper recycling techniques that separate paper, glass, plastic and metal
• Sending food waste to compost or green waste
• Manage stocks properly to reduce spoilage and unnecessary waste
• Using only energy-efficient lamps and bulbs
• Maintaining energy-efficient practices to reduce energy consumption
• Considering investment in carbon offsets
• Using water-saving equipment and fixtures
• Using biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning supplies and products
• Using recyclable and reusable products whenever possible

Alto’s restaurant also manages to be eco-friendly with its beverage selections. Its wine list contains only wines from local wineries that maintain sustainable practices. Its beers are also locally produced, and the options include a “Green” beer that happens to be carbon neutral. All suppliers for ingredients and other products are carefully selected to ensure local contributions and organic agricultural support whenever possible.

The Green Results

All of these efforts by the designers and staff of Alto Hotel contribute to maintaining the most eco-friendly hotel in Melbourne. It has been able to cut its waste practically in half per nightly room contribution. All 100% of Alto’s carbon emissions are offset through the Carbon Reduction Institute. The hotel’s actions for sustainability have earned it many environmental awards such as the following:

• The Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Award for Environmental Preservation (2010)
• Victorian Tourism Award for Sustainable Tourism (2009, 2010)
• HMAA Awards for Excellence – Best Serviced Accommodation (2007, 2008, 2009)
• HMAA Awards for Excellence – Sustainable Tourism (2008, 2009)

It has also gained accreditation and memberships in various tourism programs promoting environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Alto’s success is unmatched until today with its commendations, awards, and recognition as the greenest hotel in Melbourne. As a 100% carbon
neutral hotel, Alto on Bourke sets the local standard for excellence in environmental efforts to transform the global initiative on climate change and
environmental stability.

968 Park Hotel – South Lake Tahoe

Located on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe – California is the newly renovated 968 Park Hotel. In 2009, the 968 reopened for business as a completely “green” establishment. Its transformation started from the very beginning and built up from its foundation using every eco-friendly method and material possible. By recycling, reusing, and donating building materials, the hotel became a green environment itself that maintains eco-friendly operations and amenities throughout to provide guests and staff with hospitable, environmentally safe facilities.

Building “Green”

The new life of 968 Park Hotel began as an eco-conscious initiative to rebuild in an environmentally friendly manner that would reduce waste to the absolute minimum and recreate the establishment as fully eco-friendly. Along with those acquired from other demolished structures, every piece of wood from the old structure was re-milled to be used again on the new building. All unneeded building materials and furnishings were donated to local shelters and families. Appliances such as air conditioning units and pipes were recycled locally.

With a rustic yet comforting interior, the 968 is enhanced with sustainable berber carpeting and zero VOC paints. Walls are garnished with recycled wallpaper and organic clay that reduces indoor air pollution. The building’s insulation is completely eco-friendly as it is made from recycled denim jeans.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

At every glance around a guest room is something environmentally friendly or organic. Lights are controlled by motion detectors, and opening dual pane windows in combination with fans and blinds allow for sufficient cooling without air conditioning. Mattresses are hypo-allergenic and EPA-approved and linens are natural without dye or bleach. All pieces of furniture are made from recycled wood or other materials. Toilets are dual-flush and organic soaps and other shower amenities are provided in biodegradable packaging. Water conservation is further encouraged with the installation of low-flow faucets and showers and changing of towels and linens by request only. The hotel keeps room amenities such as hair dryers and refrigerators available upon request to boost its energy efficiency.

Sustainable Landscaping

All landscaping and planting endeavors were completed in concordance with environmental initiatives to preserve natural habitats and prevent land degradation. The 968 persevered to be in compliance with Tahoe’s Best Management Practices by designing the property to extensively control erosion. Only native vegetation was planted, and there was no grass seed laid to eliminate the need for outdoor sprinkler systems. Shower décor and dead trees were used as pool furnishings, and outdoor lighting is limited to reduce light pollution and unnecessary electricity usage.

Environmental Preservation Efforts

Recycling is one of the main methods of environmental sustainability that the 968 continually practices. Anything that could possibly be made of recycled materials was produced. Not only are the trim and baseboards throughout the hotel made of recycled wood, but the front desk is as well. Mirrors from old furniture pieces were re-framed and granite pieces were used for bathroom floors. Business cards and other promotional items, as you would expect, are made from recycled paper.

In addition to the recycling efforts that were utilized during reconstruction of 968 Park Hotel, other sustainability initiatives were pursued as well. Local carpenters, electricians, and plumbers were hired for the projects to support the local businesses and economy. The new lobby furniture was made from the recycled pool fence, and zero emission fireplaces were built to provide supplemental heating. All detergents and cleaning agents are organic so they pose no harm to the environment. The hotel dishwasher and refrigerators are energy efficient and outdoor lighting operates on automated photocell switches. All projects are repaired and maintained regularly to optimize energy performance.

The Greenest Spot in Tahoe

The 968 Park Hotel didn’t forget about the finishing touches in its exhaustive transformation. Its aesthetic indoor presentation is adorned with used goods and antiques and serviced by local staff. Trash cans and liners are made of recycled glass and plastic bottles. The 968 keeps reusable dishes and cutlery to eliminate waste. Any materials that are no longer usable by the hotel are donated for use in other projects, and solid waste is removed by a local refuse center where 37% of it is recycled.

In its efforts to become an eco-friendly hotel, the 968 was designed to be LEED compliant and among the best in eco-conscious resorts. It has been awarded the prestigious 4 Green Eco-Leaf Rating by iStayGreen.org and also “Two Palms” certification, which is the highest recognition awarded by the State of California Green Lodging Program. It has also been certified as “approved” by the EcoRooms and EcoSuites certification program, which measures the property’s impact on the environment, community, and local economy.

Why Stay at the 968?

The convenient location of the 968 is unmatched with its easy access to the Heavenly Gondola, Lake Tahoe, nearby bus stops and many casinos. All within walking distance, there is very little need to drive anywhere in the local area. With 60 guest rooms, a spa and a swimming pool, the 968 Park Hotel is the smartest place to be for ecologically-minded individuals visiting the Tahoe area.

The newest hotel in South Lake Tahoe offers Sterling Sleep Systems so its guests enjoy the most restful sleep. All rooms offer plasma televisions, mp3/iPod compatible radios, free cable and HBO, as well as free wireless Internet and local and domestic long distance calls. Adding to the beauty of the accommodations are handcrafted armoires, dressers, and desks to complete the necessities with style.

Check in at 968 Park Hotel and support eco-friendly initiatives and the environmental efforts of the local community. Enjoy the heated swimming pool and its cozy cabanas, in-room spa service, and incomparable relaxation. Go out to the lake just two blocks away, and then have a carefree evening in the best Nevada casinos. Experience what eco-friendly is all about on a vacation to South Lake Tahoe.