Puerto Rico Property Documents Pledge to Sustainability

Last month, the Holiday Inn San Juan celebrated Earth Day for the first time by taking stock of its practices as the starting point towards a more sustainable operation. “This is no small move,” said General Manager Ricky Newman. “It was clear that green-washing the hotel for image purposes was not acceptable; on the other hand, presuming to become ‘green’ overnight is not realistic,” he added. The hotel’s answer is a pledge that calls for a sustained effort over time to improve its performance step by step.

Holiday Inn San Juan takes a structured approach to green its operations
Last month, the Holiday Inn San Juan celebrated Earth Day for the first time by taking stock of its practices as the starting point towards a more sustainable operation. “This is no small move,” said General Manager Ricky Newman. “It was clear that green-washing the hotel for image purposes was not acceptable; on the other hand, presuming to become ‘green’ overnight is not realistic,” he added. The hotel’s answer is a pledge that calls for a sustained effort over time to improve its performance step by step.

An initial assessment of hotel operations revealed there is already a solid foundation on which to build a comprehensive sustainability program.

Through preventive maintenance and the replacement of light bulbs, showerheads and sink faucets with more efficient technologies, the hotel’s Engineering Department realized a reduction of 30% in its water and energy consumption over the course of one year (January 2007 to January 2008). Other simple measures include keeping window treatments closed during the day to help maintain guestrooms pleasant and cut down on the energy used to cool them during the warmer daytime hours. Currently in progress is the installation in key areas of light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures, which have an exceptionally longer life span and lower energy usage than traditional lighting. On the other hand, in April the hotel installed two water tanks to capture rainwater, which filtered then supplies the water for its Water Spray Park - while a second phase calls for a similar system to water the property’s gardens. Both are expected to achieve additional reductions.

In the area of waste management, the hotel kitchen houses a 250-gallon holding tank for used vegetable oil, which is recovered by a local company and repurposed as bio-diesel. This means thousands of gallons of used fats are prevented from contaminating landfills or polluting waterways.

In addition, two adjustments are also making a difference in the volume of garbage that the hotel generates on a daily basis – plastic plates and utensils used in the poolside restaurant were replaced by china and stainless steel, while the Housekeeping Department, which uses non-toxic cleaners, substituted micro-fiber cloths for paper towels.

The hotel participates in Holiday Inn’s “Save the Planet” program to encourage guests to reuse bed linens and towels, also requests that they return their plastic keycards upon checkout, so that the cards may be reused rather than discarded.

“Running a sustainable operation makes sound business sense with the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing the right thing. We look up to those properties in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean that are well ahead in their efforts – and take pride in having taken our first steps,” concluded Newman, adding that currently under consideration is an investment in solar energy.

Holiday Inn San Juan took part recently in “Earth Hour” to foster guest awareness. On March 29th the hotel joined millions of people, as well as governments, companies and communities around the world turning off the lights for a period of one hour to show concern over climate change.

About Holiday Inn San Juan
The Holiday Inn San Juan is a stylish 3.5-star hotel with tasteful accommodations and convenient 4-star amenities designed to enhance comfort. Following an extensive re-design, the property boasts a contemporary ambiance, fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment and aerial views of Isla Verde Beach, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and expansive pool area, with whirlpool and water spray park, and three restaurants. Among meal choices are the Asian-Latin fusion J.H. Yees’; the relaxed California-Caribbean inspired menu at Fantasía; and the contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine of the hip Coladas. The room experience at its 222 rooms features air conditioning with individual climate controls, king or queen-sized beds, complimentary wireless internet access, cable television, in-room iron and ironing board, in-room safe, CD player, bathrobes, and hair dryer. Further, custom perks make every guest feel at home on the road. Our Pillow Menu offers guests the option to request the pillow of their preference - whether softer, firmer, or with neck support - for a great night’s sleep. Meanwhile, Holiday Inn San Juan and Borders® offer guests an exclusive ‘book concierge’ program that lets them order out for books not in-stock at the Inn Shop to be delivered directly to the room within hours. The property enjoys a privileged location in Isla Verde, steps away from one of the Caribbean’s best beaches and surrounded by a lively nightlife with clubs, casinos, and restaurants.
www.hisanjuan.com.