Green Initiatives

The Embassy Suites Jackson – North/Ridgeland Current Green Hotel Practices:

• Recycle of paper, cardboard, plastic as part of First Stream Recycling
• Recycle of aluminum as part of First Stream Recycling
• Recycle of used print cartridges back to manufacturer
• Lighting/computers/equipment in all area turned off when not in use
• All guest registration on arrival is paperless
• Use of Post Consumer Content for office supplies
• Audio Visual equipment turned off daily and when not in use
• Biodegradable 100% recycled room keys
• Colored copy/printing paper is minimum 30% Post Consumer Content
• White copy/printing paper is minimum 30% Post Consumer Content
• Copy and printing paper is FSC Certified and set to a double-sided copy default
• Energy efficient CFL lighting in guest rooms and in hotel’s public spaces
• Energy Star equipment in use. Currently in process of becoming Energy Star Rated
• Carbon Neutral and Hybrid vehicle/transportation service upon request with Concierge Services
• Use of email instead of paper for communication and documentation
• All administrative areas will have paper recycling program
• All public areas of the hotel participate in the Single Stream Recycling program
• Mandatory reports are reduced to as needed: old reports are reused and recycled
• Recycling program for light bulb ballasts, light bulbs and batteries is in place

Housekeeping

• Bed linens changed upon guest request to aid in water and energy conservation efforts
• Towels replaced upon guest request allowing guests the option of re-using existing towels
• Placard in shower offering guests the option to use only one showerhead for water conservation

Stewarding

• Dish washing machine shut down between washes when business levels are low
• Used kitchen grease recycled into bio-fuels bi weekly by a local company
• All detergent products meet or exceed EPA GS-37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines

Purchasing

• Double-sided printing to all network printers
• All ink / printer cartridges are recycled
• Pallets are picked up for reuse or repair instead of dumping
• Paper products are minimum 30% – 40% Post Consumer Content
• All cardboard boxes are recycled

Banquet / Restaurant

• All light panels in meeting rooms are allow users to select the most efficient setting based on the event
• Lighting in all rooms are shut off when not in use
• Air Conditioning is maintained by the status of room (shut down when not in use)
• Waste generated from meetings is recycled as part of First Stream Recycling (paper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard)
• Reusable items left by groups donated when applicable
• Kitchen energy reduction program to reduce pre-heat timing / equipment usage
• Biodegradable corn based beverage ware (upon request) in banquet areas
• Food not consumed for meetings is provided to hotel associates free of charge or donated to local charities
• Whenever possible the use of single use containers is avoided
• Buffets are the most environmentally friendly option and can be served family style
• Bulk food items on breaks can be used but must be disposed of after display (i.e. ketchup)
• Gas, lights and computers turned off
• Used kitchen grease recycled into bio-fuels bi weekly by a local company
• Dishwashing products are environmentally friendly and meet EPA GS-37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines

Engineering

• Electronic thermostats in guestrooms with pre-set settings to minimize energy consumption
• 1.6 gallon per flush toilets installed in all rooms and guest areas
• Low flow faucet aerators installed throughout the building and in all guest rooms.
• Use of environmentally friendly paints
• Pest control company held to use of IPM integrated products which are environmentally friendly

Sales/Catering

• Re-use of scrap paper
• Double sided printing used when possible
• Use of e-mail instead of direct mail when possible
• Scan and email instead of fax
• Utilize office products derived from Post Consumer Content

Terms:

First Stream Recycling – Collection companies have led the most recent dramatic change in recycling. In order to reduce collection costs, increase their operating efficiency and produce other benefits, many communities are converting to collection programs that require no (or limited) sorting of materials. Single stream programs are those that put all recyclables into the same bin for collectors to load into a single compartment. The processor is then expected to sort all the recyclables back into clean, high quality feedstock streams appropriate to each type of materials so that the materials can be re-used.