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Our constant drive to evolve into a more eco-friendly society has resulted in a monumental effort that surpasses simple methods like recycling and unplugging outlets when they’re not in use. Fortunately, we have seen a big jump in more sophisticated behaviors that greatly reduce our energy consumption. Now, it’s not just individual homes, families and people that are joining the green movement, but businesses and other industries are jumping on board as well.
Believe it or not, the hotel industry has entered the “green scene” in an effort to attract a growing clientele of people looking to stay in green friendly hotels. The industry has dedicated their efforts to doing everything they can to converse precious resources like water, reduce energy consumption, and increase recycling programs. They are taking a look at their current practices and seeing what can be done to overhaul their consumption patterns.
In the most unlikely of places, one hotel can answered the call to doing their part to save the environment. Red Rock Resort and Casino may be surrounded by the beautiful red color of the Red Rock Conservation area, but they’re truly one of the only green hotels in Las Vegas. In their efforts to go green, the Hotel hasn’t left a single stone unturned. They have adopted some of the most effective practices and have transformed the resort into a much less destructive operation than most of their competitors.
A short list of their efforts includes the use of compact fluorescent bulbs, ceiling fans, linen cards, lights out cards, low-flow shower heads, motion sensors for public restrooms, meeting rooms, exercise rooms, and even energy-efficient urinals!
Red Rock also works hard to reduce electricity, natural gas, and water use, and to lessen the amount of waste they send to landfills. The Resort has applied green practices to nearly every area of the hotel’s operations, while most of the efforts go entirely unnoticed by the average guest, as to never reduce the experience of one’s stay.
Water conservation is at its height, recycling and disposal efforts have been updated, and energy expenditures of electricity and natural gas are being greatly reduced wherever possible. The results have been impressive. Red Rock currently recycles about 35 tons of solid waste, 10.5 tons of plastic, aluminum and glass, and 24 tons of cardboard each and every month!
In a city of bright lights, Red Rock’s hotel rooms shine the brightest in terms of treating the environment with care. The rooms feature energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting sources, as well as energy efficient thermostats. It doesn’t stop there though, as even the marquee signs plastering their buildings utilize energy-efficient LED based technology, reducing consumption by about 85% over conventional incandescent signs.
Since their energy-reduction efforts began in 2006, the Resort’s energy consumption has been reduced by about 8%, saving an annual electricity amount equivalent to the power used by more than 375 homes in the Las Vegas Valley (and a significant chunk of change). They aren’t stopping there though, as the hotel has plans to install enough additional energy efficient lighting this year to diminish energy consumption by as much as 125 more homes!
Due to the Resort’s drought-prone desert location, they have also installed drift eliminators which automatically shut off water features when the wind is blowing, along with water-smart plants and artificial turf throughout the property. The result has been beautiful, earth-friendly landscaping. Apart from water, they’re even lessening their waste in the kitchen. They are transforming food waste into feed and providing it to the R.C. Combs animal farm, as well as converting 23,000 gallons of used kitchen grease and fryer oil into bio-diesel fuel each year.
Red Rock’s commitment to implementing earth-friendly designs and practices show their dedication to improving our stay here on this incredible planet. Hopefully, other hotels and industries will follow suit and do their part in being kind to our one and only home.
