NUVO Hotel Suites

Property's Green Team Leader:
      Sarah Webb - 4034538375

Mailing Address:
      827 12th Avenue SW
      Calgary, CA T2R 0J1

The crisp, clean design of Nuvo Hotel Suites, located at 827 – 12 Avenue SW, was a deliberate departure from the building’s former status as rental apartments. Nuvo came to be after a complete renovation and conversion with green design elements prioritized both for the health of guests and environmental efficiencies. Sarah Webb, Nuvo’s Marketing Director, says the building is realizing huge savings after replacing the plumbing, electrical, heating and insulation. “Heat loss for a building with 32 units can be a real drain, especially with the frigid temperatures we saw earlier this year,” Webb continues, “but with all new insulation, our suites hold heat well and that’s good for the comfort of our guests and the bottom line.” Webb says Nuvo is looking to further improve efficiencies and is investigating offsetting power usage through various options like Bullfrog Power. Webb admits the hotel’s ecological footprint is a concern and says, “all businesses need to look at the triple bottom line, considering economic, social and environmental effects of business – not just short-term economic gains.” Each suite at Nuvo is equipped with recycling bins, linen cards to encourage towel and bed linen reuse, front-loading European washer/dryer combo units, live web newscasts rather than daily papers, dishes and cutlery instead of disposables, and low flow showerheads. Linen programs alone have been shown to save an average 30 per cent on water consumption, while front-loading washers save 50 per cent over their top-loading counterparts. Webb says their environmental efforts aim to incorporate waste management, water and energy consumption and raising awareness and staff education. The impacts of these efforts make for an improved guest stay. While many new or recently refurbished buildings may expose inhabitants to toxic offgassing from paints, carpets and furnishings, Nuvo boasts a non-toxic, safe environment. Each room has windows that open for fresh air and the building is outfitted with a fresh air exchange system. The rooms were painted with tranquil colours using no VOC paint, while all the cleaning products are completely biodegradable and even the bath products are all natural from the reputable Aveda line. The convenient, central location of the hotel makes most amenities walkable and keeps transit accessible. Webb hopes to see more in the hospitality industry take the leap towards green practices and feels the pay off is immeasurable for employees, guests, budgeting and the environment.