OMNI PARKER HOUSE KICKS OFF GREEN INITIATIVES
Boston, MA (November, 17, 2008) — On November 6, 2008, the Omni Parker House’s Green Team comprised of William Masefield – Engineering Manager, Christine Principe – Conference Services Manager, and Joy Nowak – Assistant Director of Housekeeping, hosted an all-staff information session and luncheon in the Rooftop Ballroom to discuss recently implemented green initiatives.
There have been several changes within the hotel including updating lighting controls with motion detectors, installation of guestroom AC/Heaters with occupancy sensors and a new Building Automation System that monitors and controls the HVAC system. All of the meeting space and office areas with the exception of the breakout spaces on the mezzanine have the capability of being on a temperature cooling and heating schedule only when the space is occupied. The system will “set back” to preset temperature when the room is not occupied allowing the hotel to conserve energy.
The hotel has continued to develop its relationship with Allied Waste Management by implementing a much desired recycling program. The Green Team has worked with Allied to create a Single Stream Recycling program where all recyclable materials are collected in one container and separated off property at a special handling facility that will ultimately separate the recyclable materials. The Green Team has also partnered with Save That Stuff; a local organization that will handle the hotel’s composting needs. All prep and table scraps from the kitchen and restaurants will be composted. This will ultimately reduce the amount of these materials taking up space in overcrowded landfills.
All departments are being advised to purchase environmentally friendly products. Recently, paper products in guestrooms have been converted to products with high recycled content. Copier paper throughout the hotel has also been converted to paper that contains 30% recycled material. All departments are advised to purchase only the products that are ultimately necessary and to consider used items when purchasing office furniture. The sales department recently purchased used filing cabinets, not only saving the environment, but also saving money.
Lastly, the Omni Parker House’s Green Team has partnered with various cleaning product vendors to implement a cleaning program that will improve the indoor air quality of the building and produce fewer toxins in the environment. Ecolab’s Oasis Pro Line of products has been selected for use in the guestrooms and are Green Seal certified. The stewarding department also uses several environmentally friendly products, including Ecolab’s Wash n’ Walk.
The hotel’s recently completed extensive renovation project also included some of these green initiatives, such as the exterior façade renovation which sealed the building envelope, as well as installing new energy efficient windows reducing heat loss in the winter and cooling loss in the summer.
THE GREEN TEAM
The Omni Parker House is proud to have established the Green Team that meets monthly to evaluate current practices, review recently implemented programs and to make suggestions for new programs. The team is open to all members of the hotel staff. They have worked diligently over the past year to make these programs possible and will continue to work towards invaluable and necessary environmental changes.
ABOUT THE OMNI PARKER HOUSE HOTEL
The Omni Parker House is America’s longest continuously operating luxury hotel and remains one of its most elegantly refined. Located in historic downtown Boston on the Freedom Trail, the venerable Omni Parker House Hotel opened its doors in 1855 and offers distinguished décor and thoughtful amenities in each of the 551 luxurious accommodations.
Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants and unique fitness options. Omni’s mission for total customer service is further supported by its “Power of One” program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.