This carbon offset program is the latest accomplishment in the Doubletree�s systematic efforts to build sustainable practices into its entire operations. The 476-room Doubletree is the first lodging property in Oregon to be certified with a Green Seal �green hotel� designation.

�Our entire team at the Doubletree Hotel Portland-Lloyd Center clearly understands how our everyday duties throughout our hotel can ultimately have a measurable impact on the world in which we live,� says Steve Faulstick, hotel general manager. 

The Doubletree�s carbon offset program examines the hotel�s own carbon footprint from fuel usage and carbon dioxide producing resources. They have already a well-established commuter incentive program, and have eliminated their Airport Shuttle - an industry standard - in favor of encouraging guests to arrive on the MAX light rail. 

To further reduce their environmental impact and overall energy consumption, the Doubletree will begin taking the following steps:

• Retrofit property with high-efficiency condensing boilers, high-efficiency centrifugal chillers, and low-flow showerheads.
• Install demand-based ventilation systems controls, DDC controls and dry-bulb economizers on air handling units, and VSD�s on room fan coil unit supply fans.
• Install hydronic economizer for off-season cooling and de-coupled chilled water pumping system.

The Doubletree has established a designated website, www.doubletreeportlandgreen.com, to educate their guests about this program. The site contains information about the carbon offset program, green meeting packages, and the Doubletree�s other sustainability programs. It also hosts a �Carbon Calculator,� which guests and groups can use to determine the global warming impact of their stay and events. The guests or groups can then make a contribution to The Climate Trust to offset their stay�s carbon footprint. 

The donations from the Doubletree groups and individual guests will go towards several Portland-based projects that The Climate Trust has helped fund. These projects reduce the overall carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere through improved transportation and increased energy efficiency in both commercial and residential buildings. Contributing to these projects helps allow guests and groups to make their stays at the Doubletree Lloyd Center carbon-neutral.

�The Climate Trust is very excited about this opportunity to help support the Doubletree�s innovative carbon offset program. This initiative will allow Doubletree clients to use The Climate Trust�s high quality carbon offsets to address the global warming impact of their travels and activities,� enthuses Matthew Tidwell, Offset Portfolio Coordinator with The Climate Trust. �Although carbon offsets are not the sole solution, they are an important tool to allow individuals and companies a means to address global warming.�

�As far as we�re aware, this is the first carbon calculator tailored specifically to a hotel,� states Luehrs. �We�re hoping this opportunity will let us all breathe a little easier.�

The Doubletree has been recognized for its stewardship by the City of Portland, and by the Environmental Protection Agency. In its ongoing attempts to grow sustainability, the property has appointed a Green Meeting Specialist, and has designated a staff person to lead efforts towards a LEED-EB (Existing Building) certification. In addition, the hotel has a full-time Green Team committee that spearheads their sustainability programs.

The Doubletree launched their Carbon Calculator at the national conference of the Green Meeting Industry Council, which they hosted in the first week of February. 

The Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland - Lloyd Center is adjacent to the popular Lloyd Center Mall and just blocks from the newly expanded Oregon Convention Center, the Rose Garden Arena, and Memorial Coliseum. Located less than 10 miles from the Portland International Airport, the MAX light rail system now picks up passengers at baggage claim and drops them off directly across the street from the hotel�s front door. For more information, please call 503-281-6111, or visit our website at www.doubletreeportlandgreen.com.

The Climate Trust is a Portland-based non-profit established to promote climate change solutions by purchasing high quality greenhouse gas offsets and advancing sound offset policy. The Climate Trust has offset more than 2.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from over $8.9 million invested into offset projects. For more information, please visit their site at www.climatetrust.org.