What wasn’t sold through the Rebuilding Center was left in place and reused or refurbished. The bathroom tile floors were overlaid with a thin tile called Kerlite made of 40 percent recycled material and intended for just that purpose. The tile was purchased locally through Pantel Granite and Marble in Portland. The hotel’s vintage teak trim was preserved and remained, as did the bathtubs. This gentle revamping turned out to be economical and easier on the guests. “We saved a lot of labor, a lot of noise, a lot of dust,” Erickson said.

(Photo: Heathman Hotel)

The cabinets were upgraded with Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood that was milled and installed by local craftspeople. The counter tops were re-fabricated from the existing marble, also with local labor.

“We made a conscious decision not to put that marble in the landfill, it’s here, it came from Mother Earth and it’s a good looking piece of stone,” Erickson said.

The historic hotel, in the heart of the city’s cultural district, expects to achieve both Energy Star and LEED certifications (through the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Green Building Council, respectively), though the process may not be completed for two years. In addition to being credited for the energy improvements, the Heathman should get points toward LEED certification for being located in a city center near mass transit; for getting 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources through Pacific Power’s Blue Sky and for its sustainable menu. Longtime French Chef Philippe Broulot has run an Earth-friendly kitchen for many years, shopping for organic produce at local markets and featuring Oregon sturgeon and other local fish and meats. The hotel also is adding a composting program.

The privately owned Heathman, which has a sister Heathman Hotel in Seattle, isn’t the only hotel to turn to green practices, both to save money and natural resources.

The U.S. Green Building Council reported this month that 415 U.S. hotel projects have either attained some level (silver, gold or platinum) of LEED certification or are in the process of being certified. Many are using the current downturn to deploy greener technology and position themselves as more eco-friendly for when business rebounds, according to an Ernst & Young report on lodging in 2009.

Portland’s Heathman is among the smaller subset of historic hotels undertaking such renovations. It is a pioneer from a gilded past, holding onto its vintage shawl — and its historic chandelier for which newer CFLs have yet to be found — while embracing the latest green standards.

For Erickson, 25 years in the business, the green renovations have been a “hallmark of my career” and he’d advise others to consider a greener makeover.

“It can be done. It can be done,” he said. “Don’t take the easy route necessarily. Seek out the vendors who are conscious about sustainability and being green.”

Copyright © 2009-2010 Green Right Now | Distributed by GRN Network

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Tags: Energy Star, Energy Trust of Oregon, FSC wood, Green Hotels, Heathman Hotel, hospitality industry, LEED, Portland, ReBuilding Center, sustainability, sustainable travel, U.S. Green Building Council

Monday, January 11th, 2010 | Travel & Nature, Work & Play |