San Juan’s Verdanza Hotel sets new environmental standards

Since its unveiling in December 2009, The recently rebranded Verdanza Hotel San Juan – the only independent full-service hotel in San Juan – has established itself as a leader in environmental responsibility, while carefully balancing a comprehensive approach to personalized service and attention to detail.

“We are working to set a new precedent in San Juan for sustainable business operations,” says Ricky Newman, general manager. “As a newly rebranded property, it was extremely important to us to make these practices part of our mission.”

While eco-conscious practices such as recycling at hotels are expected, Verdanza has taken extra steps with initiatives such as providing disposable restaurant and picnic lunch to-go containers that are 100 percent biodegradable, made from corn resin. Nearly all hotel personnel are clothed by a line of uniforms made out of 100 percent recycled polyester produced entirely from post consumer waste and guests are encouraged to return key cards for reuse.

The Verdanza Hotel kitchen houses a 250-gallon holding tank used for vegetable oil, which is recovered by a local business to be used as bio-diesel fuel. Thousands of gallons of used fats are prevented from contaminating landfills or polluting Puerto Rico’s waterways. In addition, two water tanks at the hotel collect rainwater, which is then used to supply the water for Spray Park, a low-cost step toward reducing the impact on local water supplies.

Guests at Verdanza receive a collection of bathroom accessories that are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrol-derived ingredients and other hazardous materials. The hotel also ensures that none of their products are tested on animals.

In hotel’s administrative offices, in addition to using 100 percent recycled FSC-certified stock for stationery, everyday multipurpose office paper is produced of eucalyptus fibers from 100 percent renewable forests. Eucalyptus is a sustainable source because it is extremely fast growing.

Verdanza Hotel plans to be continuously committed to preserving the surrounding area and remaining responsible and accountable for its usage of natural resources.

For more information visit www.verdanzahotel.com.