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The Hilton Asheville Details Steps of its Claim Atop the Hotel is One of North Carolina's First Hotel Solar Water Heating Systems |
 ASHEVILLE, N.C., August 11, 2009 - The Hilton Asheville,
scheduled to open this August, is one of the first major hotels in the
United States to take a considerable step toward sustainability. For
evidence of the Hilton Asheville's unique commitment to
eco-stewardship, you need only to look up. Atop the Hilton is one of
the nation's first hotel solar water heating systems. This system will
be one of the largest installations in the Western North Carolina
region.Water throughout the hotel, including the pool, will be solar heated, eliminating twenty-five tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of planting 7,377 trees. Here guests can feel good about relaxing in one of the Hilton's Whirlpool Tubs or taking a dip in the heated saline pool. Moreover, the solar water heating system is just one of the hotel's many environmentally focused features. The 165-room hotel is set in the heart of Biltmore Park Town Square, the largest mixed-use district outside of the city's downtown. The Hilton Asheville was built to blend green practices with the Hilton's acclaimed commitment to guest comfort, and was designed to LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards from the Green Building Council. LEED certification is based on numerous metrics including energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. Committed to the stewardship of its natural surroundings, the Hilton will reduce water usage by 30% through the installation of low-flow toilets, showerheads and sink fixtures. The hotel will also focus on reducing energy consumption by using ENERGY STAR qualified CFL light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Each kilowatt-hour saved preserves one pound of coal. The Hilton Asheville will also employ a recycling program for both guests and employees to further reduce raw materials, energy and air pollution. Select staff will even wear uniforms made out of regenerated plastic bottles. Promoting lower emissions is also part of the hotel's sustainability efforts. Guests may accept shuttle service in an alternative fuel shuttle, which reduces the burning of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The hotel will offer preferred parking for energy efficient hybrid vehicles. Additionally, guests may choose to bicycle as an alternative to driving, ultimately reducing the use of gasoline and the production of carbon monoxide. The Hilton Asheville is proof that eco-conscious travel can come packed with amenities. Hilton houses spacious and inviting executive suites complete with luxurious bathrooms - some featuring Infinity Edge Whirlpool Tubs. Businesses committed to green travel will be attracted to the hotel's state-of-the-art meeting facilities, 4,500 square feet of meeting space and green meeting policies that avoid the use of linens when possible. Sustainability EffortsThe Hilton Asheville is a LEED Registered Hotel. The 165-room Hilton Asheville is one of the first hotels in the nation to use a large-scale solar water heating system. The solar water system will: +save about $10,000 a year in fossil fuel costs +provide the hotel with over 2,300 gallons of hot water a day +eliminate 25 tons of carbon dioxide per year - the equivalent of planting 7,377 trees +water throughout the hotel, including the pool, will be heated using solar power The Hilton Asheville will reduce water usage by 30% through the use of Low-flow toilets, showerheads and sink fixtures installed in all guest rooms and public spaces. Emissions of toxins will be reduced by using of building materials consisting of low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). The Hilton Asheville will use ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Each kilowatt hour saved preserves one pound of coal. The Hilton Asheville will participate in Hilton’s Conserve to Preserve program . By suggesting guests maintain a single set of bed linens for the duration of their stay, the Hilton Asheville will conserve both water and detergent each month. The Hilton Asheville will employ an easy and convenient recycling program, for both guests and employees, to reduce raw materials, energy and air pollution. Recyclable materials will include glass, paper, metal, plastics, and cardboard. The hotel will utilize environmentally-friendly cleaning products and chemicals for a majority of the property’s cleansing procedures. Green cleaning techniques and products avoid the use of chemically-reactive and toxic materials, and reduce adverse respiratory and dermatological effects from long term exposure. By offering specially requested meetings and events, equipped so that no linens are necessary, the Hilton Asheville can conserve cleaning water and energy that would otherwise be used to redress a room with fresh linens. The Hilton Asheville will offer shuttle service in an alternative fuel or hybrid automobile and will reduce unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The hotel will also offer preferred parking for energy efficient hybrid vehicles. Guests of the Hilton Asheville will have access to bicycles for exercise and/or alternatives to driving, ultimately reducing the use of gasoline, production of carbon monoxide and the release of other automobile emissions. All hotel staff will be specially trained to comply with the company’s environmental program and practices. The hotel is also home to Sparrow Spa, a plush destination spa featuring a full menu of relaxing services. The spa will exclusively use Eminence Organic Skin Care products, a European line that contains the highest possible levels of all-natural organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables. The hotel's ultra-modern fitness center features Precor equipment and an indoor lap pool and whirlpool. Traveling foodies will enjoy the gourmet stylings of Executive Chef Randy Dunn, who brings 15 years of culinary achievement to Roux, the on-site full service restaurant. The restaurant is making an effort to use as much local food as possible as part of the hotel's place-making commitment. Hilton Asheville is located just off Interstate 26, Exit 37 on Long Shoals Road in Biltmore Park Town Square. This location is just 5 minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport and 15 minutes from Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville. The Blue Ridge Parkway is just minutes away, along with many other attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Hilton is just steps from major national retailers and restaurants including P.F. Chang's, Barnes and Noble and REI. Pre-opening information about the Hilton Asheville, Biltmore Park Town Square is available at 828-210-8290. Guest reservations are currently accepted on www.ashevillebiltmorepark.hilton.com or through a travel professional.
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