Sustainability
Sustainable Portland Waterfront Hotels
River’s Edge Hotel & Spa earned the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver Certification. It was only the tenth operating hotel in the world to receive this certification, the first in Oregon.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system is administered by the USGBC. In order to earn certification, a project must meet the minimum perquisites of being green and earn another minimum of 32 credits in these categories:
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Materials & Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation in Upgrades, Operations & Maintenance
Being Green also requires:
Formation of a “Green Team” to regularly meet, walk through the facility and discuss issues pertaining to the health of the hotel. The green team is also responsible for training staff members on green policies, reviewing socially responsible purchases and ongoing implementation of LEED processes.
Being Environmentally Friendly and Socially Responsible – All purchases must be made from recycled or reused material whenever possible. All purchases should be researched as being socially responsible.
Material Reduction and Diversion – All recyclable products must be recycled. The hotel must have a central collection area on each floor that is then transferred to a main collection area. All efforts must be made to divert items from the landfill whenever necessary.
Energy Trust of Oregon – Recognized for improving the buildings energy efficiency through a CFL retrofit. Participant in a pilot project to change out all showerheads from 2.5 gpm to 2.0 gpm
Energy Reduction – River’s Edge Hotel & Spa undertook a campaign to eliminate incandescent bulbs, assisted by the Energy Trust of Oregon.
Indoor Air Quality – The air filters servicing the make up air units should be changed every 6 months to a MERV – 13 rating. At a very minimum the filters can be a MERV – 11. The hotel should be inspected quarterly for possible water penetration that would cause mold or mildew.
Additional ‘sustainable’ acknowledgments for River’s Edge & Spa include:
Recycle at Work Award – Recognition from the city of Portland for being a leader in recycling.
GreenGuard Certified – All cleaning and maintenance products have been tested and certified by an independent agency to meet Green Seal 33 Standards for indoor air quality.
Energy Star Partner – Achieved an energy star rating of 73 with a goal of 75 for energy star seal. Participant in the portfolio manager program, CFL giveaway and other promotions. Committed to Energy Star standards for all future purchases.
Alternative Fuels – The hotel understands the importance of promoting alternative fuels. The hotel vehicle is fueled using biodiesel. There is also preferred no fee parking for guests arriving in an alternative fuel vehicle.
Natural Habitat Preservation – The hotel abuts Cottonwood Bay on the Willamette River. This 8,000 square foot area is a protected green space and natural habitat conducive to butterfly populations.
Water Reduction Campaign – Reduced overall water consumption by 22% by implementing water reduction techniques. Installed water saving aerators, showerheads and toilet flow diverters. Implemented a Reduce by Reuse program for all guest room towels and linen.
Water Irrigation – Eliminated 95% of the hotels irrigation needs by using only native drought tolerant varieties. The remaining irrigation uses a drip method and is only operational twice a week 3 months out of the year
Energy Efficiency – Guestroom lighting was changed to a more efficient fluorescent lighting. This lighting retrofit is expected to save thousands of kilowatt hours over the next year
Indoor Air Quality – The hotel provides the earth’s natural air scrubbers, Aglaonema, a.k.a. Chinese Evergreen to improve each guest rooms indoor air quality. All guest rooms have a living plant.
Natural Daylight Views – Every guestroom is adorned with wide windows that let in natural daylight views. Each room boasts natural ventilation through unique door and window designs.
Natural Choices – The hotel makes only socially responsible purchases from organizations that have their products certified as being Green Seal approved, Low VOC, CRI, FSC or certified by another reputable organization.
