The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa Wins Environmental Award

Lafayette, CA, April 17, 2008-On April 14, at the City Council Meeting, Mike Anderson, Mayor of the city of Lafayette, CA presented the "2007 Environmental Award of Excellence For Local Business" to the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. The Hotel won the award for its ongoing sustainable practices in water and energy conservation, indoor environmental quality, waste reduction, and hazardous material recycling. The award was accepted by Mr.Tony Eichers, General Manager of the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa.

Mr. Eichers said, "The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa has great respect for our natural resources and it is committed to reducing its impact on the environment through resource conservation and best practices." He added, "The Hotel's Environmental Care Program focuses on eight key areas:"
 
.Water Conservation-Showerheads have been replaced with low-flow technology and a linen program has been implemented that encourages guests to re-use their sheets and towels during their stay.  This initiative has resulted in the reduction of our water usage and the energy needed for water heating. The program has also decreased the quantity of wastewater.
 
.Energy Conservation-The Hotel uses compact fluorescent bulbs instead of less efficient incandescent bulbs in guest rooms and public spaces.  There is also a program to turn off lights and appliances in the guest rooms and meeting room facilities when not in use to further conserve energy.
 
.Waste Reduction-The Hotel recycles dry and wet garbage and food products.  For the guestrooms, the staff separates and recycles trash at the housekeeping carts. Office workstations in the office areas have specifically marked recycling bins.  The Hotel encourages use of recyclable disposable products, and wherever possible, has eliminated foam products-including cups, bowls, plates and clamshell boxes.
 
.Hazardous Material Recycling-The Hotel has clearly marked recycling receptacles and containers for disposal of hazardous materials such as light bulbs, batteries and electronic parts.
 
.Environmentally Responsible Fixtures and Appliances-The Hotel has an ongoing program to replace old, wasteful fixtures (e.g. light bulbs, toilets, shower heads, faucets that allow more than 2 gallons/minutes throughput) and appliances (e.g. refrigerators and freezers, ice machines, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners, furnaces/heaters, and computers) with new efficient ones.
 
.Indoor Environmental Quality-Air filters have been installed with High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filtration and we use vacuums designed to reduce microorganisms, dust and airborne pollutants.  Whenever possible, we purchase cleaning agents that are environmentally-friendly and avoid harsh or harmful reactions, including non-perfumed and unscented laundry supplies carpet cleaners, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners. The Hotel guest rooms have operable windows that are part of a fresh-air exchange system within the Hotel.

.Non-Smoking-In the year 2000, the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa was a pioneer in the United States in establishing a 100% no-smoking policy for all guestrooms and public spaces.
 
.Transportation-The Hotel encourages public transportation with our complimentary shuttle service to and from BART for our guests.  This service reduces air pollution and fuel consumption and provides a direct link to popular destinations such as Berkeley, San Francisco and the San Francisco International Airport.
 
About Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa

The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, the "Crown Jewel of the East Bay" is located in Lafayette, CA, adjacent to Walnut Creek. Modeled after a French Chateau and adorned with original art and antiques, the hotel recently received its 23rd consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award, and its restaurants and spa are perennial award winners for excellence.

The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa is a proud member of Woodside Hotels. For more information on Woodside Hotels, please go to www.woodsidehotels.com.