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PARK CITY, UTAH—The 56-suite Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City’s only 100 percent wind powered and 100 percent carbon-neutral “eco-tique” hotel, has taken an additional step towards sustainability by adding solar power to its host of green initiatives. The 18-panel system was appropriately launched on the first day of winter, the darkest day of the year, and is now generating green power for the lodging property’s spa and courtyard.
Andy Beerman, Treasure Mountain Inn’s co-owner and general manager, said the solar system cost about $35,000. The inn’s owners were unable to obtain tax credits for the installation because the inn is considered a condo hotel and is governed by a homeowners association. Beerman admits that at today’s energy prices it could take many years to recover the investment.
“We did this to support the technology, establish a baseline, and determine if we should expand the program,” Beerman says. “We had been purchasing RECs (renewable energy credits) for several years but wanted to produce our own power. It is something we take pride in and wanted to serve as an example to the community.”
In Support of Solar Technology
Beerman says that compared to other conservation steps the inn has taken, what the solar panels will save in energy is just a “drop in the bucket.” However, the solar panels will put some “fun” into their efforts and support a new technology that will continue to improve and hopefully be a major source of power in the future. The inn’s owners invested in a large infrastructure for the panels initially so that they can expand the system at a much lower per panel cost in the future.
“Guest reaction has been very positive,” Beerman says. “We have a monitor in the lobby with a live display for the solar power generation. We plan to create an interactive wall in our lobby to display our green efforts and better educate our guests on what we do. We plan to add a widget to our website soon that will display the same information. It has also been a boost to our community and added something tangible to our efforts.”
Beerman says the inn could possibly see more solar panels in 2010, or even wind turbines. The inn’s owners are speaking with representatives of Park City about being part of a pilot project for on-site wind power.
The solar panels are part of a long-term effort to reduce power consumption. The inn’s owners began by taking simple steps to reduce energy use by 20 to 30 percent. More than 2,000 light fixtures now have fluorescent and/or LED bulbs. EnergyStar appliances are used, motion sensors and timers keep lights burning only when necessary, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems have been installed.
Additional Green Practices
The inn has been aggressively recycling since 1996. Recycling bins can be found at each entry point, in the lobby and in each room. The inn also sorts garbage for additional recyclables. Treasure Mountain Inn has been awarded the Utah Business Recycler of the the Year award twice (2005 and 2006).
The inn has reduced water consumption by installing water-conserving showerheads, faucets and toilets. The inn also encourages guests to reuse their towels and linens. In the public areas, waterless urinals in the men’s bathroom save an estimated 40,000 gallons per year. In 2006, the inn replaced the aging pool and Jacuzzi with a therapy spa that utilizes an earth-friendly salinity system. Beerman says the pool was underutilized, expensive, and a waste of energy and water.
Since 2003, the inn has reduced paper consumption by streamlining paperwork, emphasizing electronic documents, switching to online banking, reducing paper sizes, using dual sided printing, and minimizing print marketing collateral. When paper is required, the inn uses only recycled paper.
Partner in Utah Power Blue Sky Program
The Inn purchases 100 percent of its electricity as wind power, making it a Visionary level partner in the Utah Power Blue Sky Program. Treasure Mountain Inn is also the first Utah hotel to go carbon neutral by offsetting its remaining carbon footprint—estimated to be 593.6 tons—with carbon offsets from Clean Air-Cool Planet. Treasure Mountain Inn has been an EPA certified Green Power Partner for three years.
Due to the inn’s central location, its guests are strongly encouraged to leave their cars at home and to take advantage of Park City’s free public transportation.
Treasure Mountain Inn was the first hotel to join 1% for The Planet. The organization is an alliance of businesses committed to leveraging their resources to encourage a healthier planet. Members pledge to donate at least 1 percent of their revenues to environmental organizations. Since 2004 the inn has given more than $95,000 to its corporate partners: Conservation Alliance, Mountain Trails, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Summit Land Conservancy, The Access Fund, Utah Open Lands, Utah Nature Conservancy, Utah Sierra Club, Utah Rivers Council, and Vital Ground.
In reaction to the solar panel installation, Mayor Dana Williams, a long-standing advocate for a greener Park City, said the inn “is a shining example for all of the lodging industry…and personally, I’m very proud of them for taking this important next step.”
Go to Treasure Mountain Inn.
