Sleep (Environmentally) Soundly
October 2007
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“Eco-friendly” is just about the hottest trend in the industrialized world these days, and it's quickly spreading to the meetings industry.
Venues look to save significant amounts of money from energy reduction as well as help curb global warming—and customers are driving this demand as they begin seeking out the best “green” businesses.
The Orchard Garden Hotel, a new 86-room boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco, lets you appease your conscience as well as give your meeting attendees hands-on experience with a leader in green hotel practices.
For the Orchard, the proof comes from its coveted LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification, a rigid national criteria for companies seeking the highest environmental standards. The Orchard is only the third hotel in the U.S. with this status.
You need to look hard to notice the differences, however—like a guest room key card system that turns off all the power when you leave the room, chemical-free cleaning products, and low-flow toilets and faucets. Other changes are more apparent, such as in-room recycling bins and a tobacco-free property. The hotel’s Roots restaurant also uses locally grown products in their menus.
As for meetings, the hotel offers a beautiful rooftop garden with a 500-square-foot English garden-style terrace. Inside, an executive boardroom hosts up to 25.
