GREEN INITIATIVES

Learn More About Our Innovative Northern Virginia Green Hotel Policies

• Change linens only upon request
• Train housekeepers on process for optional linen service
• Purchase water and energy efficient washers and dryers
• Use non-phosphate, non-toxic, and biodegradable laundry detergents
• Minimize use of bleach and chlorinated chemicals

• Recycle: glass, aluminum cans, steel cans, plastic, office paper, toner cartridges, newspaper, fluorescent lamps, batteries
• Use a note to guide guests to recycle
• Track overall waste bills
• Have numeric goal to reduce overall materials that go to the landfill
• Instruct housekeeping to save and reuse unopened items
• Recycle fryer grease
• Have an effective food inventory control to minimize waste
• Do not use Styrofoam
• When disposable containers are used, they are recyclable
• Use reusable dishware and glassware, and minimize use of disposables
• Use non-bleached napkins and coffee filters
• Provide condiments, cream and sugar, etc. in bulk
• Use water pitches and filtered water to minimize the use of single-use bottles
• Print menus on recycled content paper with soy-based inks
• Use screen based ordering systems
• Use bulk soap dispensers in public restrooms
• Use a last-in/first-out inventory and labeling system
• Purchase from vendors and service providers with a commitment to the environment
• Make 2-sided copies/ printed materials
• Use electronic correspondence and forms
• Use “green” cleaners that are dispensed in bulk
• Purchase durable equipment and furniture
• Re-use paint thinners
• Perform preventative maintenance on all appliances, HVAC systems, plumbing, and vehicles
• Use less toxic materials
• Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides
• Use a nutrient management plan that minimizes the use of fertilizers

• Track overall water usage and wastewater
• Perform preventative maintenance to stop drips and leaks
• Employ low flow restrictors on faucets and showerheads and low flow toilets
• Offer automatic faucets or toilets in public restrooms
• Discourage water-based cleanup (sweeping first)

• Track overall energy bills
• Have had an energy audit to identify efficiency opportunities
• Have a numeric goal of how much they want to reduce their energy usage over time
• Have an “energy management system” in place to track and meter energy usage
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in all rooms and in canned lighting
• Have LED Exit Signs
• Use high efficiency fluorescent ballasts and lamps (T5s and T8s)
• Have high efficiency heating & air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Perform preventative maintenance on HVAC system
• Have individual thermostats for each room/area
• Use natural lighting
• Use lighting sensors to turn on/off lights
• Use occupancy sensors to turn on/off lights
• Generate electricity from photovoltaic solar panels
• Have a solar water heating system
• Purchase EnergyStar-rated computers, copiers, and appliances
• Have thermal-rated windows and insulation
• Are working to achieve LEED-EB (existing building) certification through operational changes and renovations

• Promote the availability of “green meetings/conferences” in marketing packages
• Use recycled paper

At The Leading Edge Of Alexandria Virginia Green Lodging Initiatives