San Francisco’s Hotel Carlton, a renowned “green” property, has announced its latest eco-friendly achievement: to be the first hotel in the city to utilize solar power facilities in order to offset the property’s energy use. Previously certified as an “official Green Business” by the city of San Francisco for several sustainability-focused initiatives, the Hotel Carlton [...]

San Francisco’s Hotel Carlton, a renowned “green” property, has announced its latest eco-friendly achievement: to be the first hotel in the city to utilize solar power facilities in order to offset the property’s energy use. Previously certified as an “official Green Business” by the city of San Francisco for several sustainability-focused initiatives, the Hotel Carlton will be kicking off the latest Earth-friendly venture with a reception event on April 21, featuring an official “flip of the switch” to solar power.

The 161-room boutique hotel, managed by Joie de Vivre Hospitality and located on lower Nob Hill at 1075 Sutter Street, has engaged a wide variety of environmentally-responsible practices. Hotel Carlton’s daily operations comply with all voluntary environmental regulations that conserve natural resources, prevent pollution and reduce waste.

Management had previously instituted processes that adopted environmentally-friendly non-chemical cleaning products, recycled paper, and soy-based inks, plus a comprehensive recycling program in guestrooms and hotel operations. Motion light detectors in guestroom closets along with low flow showerheads and toilets conserve energy and water. Organic products are featured in Saha, the hotel’s Arabic-fusion restaurant, and the soda machine has been replaced with a complimentary filtered water machine that also helps cut down on bottled water use.

“The operational changes we’ve made along with the new solar array will lessen the environmental impact of the hotel,” said Pamela Flank, general manager of the Hotel Carlton. “We are proud to have met the strict San Francisco Green Business certification standards so that we can offer an environmentally-sustainable experience to our guests, our employees and the community.”

Hotel Carlton partnered with San Francisco-based Sunlight Electric to install 105 solar panels covering 1,332 square feet on the hotel’s roof. The solar array is expected to reduce the hotel’s electricity usage by 12 percent, reduce the release of carbon into the environment by 33,000 pounds per year and save 4.5 acres of trees per year. Through a computer monitor stationed at the hotel’s front desk, guests will be able to monitor the total kilowatt energy generated by the solar power system. The balance of the energy used is being offset through the hotel’s participation with Carbonfund.org, making Hotel Carlton’s entire operation carbon-neutral.

The solar power “kick-off” event on April 21 in the Hotel Carlton’s Saha Restaurant will feature guided tours of the solar panel array, information about solar power and green hotel operations, as well as an official ribbon cutting and “flip of the switch” that will launch the hotel to a greener future. Local wines and cheeses that were produced using solar power will be served and attendees will have the chance to ask questions of solar and environmental experts.