San Francisco Sustainability

The Essence of Environmentally Friendly Hospitality

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Unused amenity products and gently used linens are donated to community non-profit humanitarian organizations.
• China and service ware, cups, glasses and utensils are used in all of our outlets and the back-of-the-house to reduce water.
• 100% compliant to San Francisco’s 2007 ban against styrofoam “take-out” containers and NO FOAM Policy in the back-of-the-house.
• Compost recycling program participation where our organic waste is recycled into fertilizer and distributed to the local vineyards.
• The hotel donates leftover food to organizations, ensuring that surplus food supports those in need and reduces waste.

Renewable Energy Credits

• We choose 100% renewable energy
• We partnered with Renewable Choice for Renewable Energy Credits and Verified Emission Reductions, also known as carbon offset - to reduce environmental impact of our business activities and effectively reduce it with renewable energy tech solutions
• Infrared technology - sense movement in guest and meeting rooms, shuts AC down within 10 minutes of non-movement
• Sink aerators to reduce water flow
• Wind farm - providing the hotel with $0.12 protons per room night; 100% carbon neutral offset by renewable energy sources

Alternative Energy

• InterContinental San Francisco uses solar panels to power our large trash compactor
• We use regenerative braking power in our elevators that raises the car and generates power on the way down

Energy Efficient Lighting

• Linear and compact fluorescent bulbs which use 60% less energy. Each bulb saves 150 pounds of carbon dioxid each year
  
  
• Working with PG&E and the DOE to test next generation LED bulbs as a replacement for halogens MR-16s
  
  
• Light bulbs at the front desk area have 6.5w LED light - which require to change once a year versus incandescent 30w bulbs that required to be changed four times a year

STEM Program

STEM's battery storage system aims to cut electricity costs for commercial and industrial clients by managing on-site
batteries to decrease peak energy consumption and related demand charges.

The STEM system comprises lithium-ion battery packs, an energy management system, and predictive analytics software named Athena. Key components include:

1.Lithium-ion battery packs installed behind the customer's utility meter alongside electrical distribution equipment
2.Athena software platform employs machine learning and AI to forecast energy usage patterns and peak demand times
3.System charges batteries during low-demand periods with lower electricity rates
4.Batteries discharge during high-demand periods to reduce grid energy usage and avoid expensive demand charges

The system reduces peak load by using stored battery energy during high usage times, helping commercial and industrial customers cut demand charges. AI software optimizes charging/discharging for maximum financial savings based on usage patterns and utility rates.

Water Conservations

• 0.5 GPM low-flow sink faucet aerator in all guestrooms, public and back- of-the-house bathrooms and restrooms; saving 30% of restroom water use, without impacting guest experience

• Opt-in for a two-day or more linen refresh program
  
  
• 41% success rate which reduces the use of electricity, a significant amount of water, and prevents detergent wastage annually

Green Guestrooms

• Recyclable room key card, 100% recycled
  
  
• Digital guest directories
  
  
• Sensors active the climate control thermostat, adjusting when unoccupied to a preset energy saving temperature
  
  
• Blackout drapes used on hot days
  
  
• Electronic “do not disturb” and “please make up room” panel
  
  
• Recyclable bins in each guestroom
  
  
• Digital guest directories

Architectural Design

• Blue glass structure, floor-to-ceiling windows, and outdoor terraces promote energy efficiency by maximizing natural lighting, thereby minimizing reliance on artificial illumination and reducing overall energy consumption
  
  
• CFL, fluorescent and/or sensor controlled lighting is used throughout the hotel to conserve energy
  
  
• Proper disposal of bulbs are arranged preventing landfill waste and mercury pollution
  
  
• Our state-of-the-art building is made from aluminum panels with weather stripping for climate control and energy conservation

Eco-commuters

• Ideal location for eco-commuters as we are near the city’s major transportation such as BART, Muni, Cable Car, Light Rails, and CalTrains
  
  
• Preferential parking rates for hybrid vehicles
  
  
• Charging stations available for hybrid and electric cars

• 1st Green Amenity: fast electric car charging station - 2-3 hours (8 plug in models)
• Tesla - Electronic Roadster adapter