Bardessono Hotel and Spa
Yountville, California, USA; Image courtesy of Bardessono.
Bardessono exquisitely demonstrates how an upscale lodging establishment can uphold environmental values while offering a luxurious guest experience. The hotel has been designed to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) Platinum certification, the highest standard for environmental design, and features the following:
Minimal offsite energy use, enabled by the 200-kilowatt solar energy system (high efficiency solar panels cover the roofs) that provides approximately one-half the total electrical energy requirement of the property.
All buildings designed to reduce heat gain from summer sun but allow winter sun to warm rooms.
All window glass is reduced temperature transfer “Low-E.”
72,300-foot well on property is paired with a ground source heat pump to utilize ground water (which remains stable throughout the year at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) to moderate in-room temperature.
Salvaged wood, repurposed and recycled materials used in construction and design elements.
All glues, adhesives, finishes, paints, carpets and fabrics used at Bardessono meet VOC standards (Low Volatile Organic Compounds).
The creek is buffered by a minimum of 35 feet of native riparian plants rather than development in order to create a healthy vegetative environment for native animals and fish, as well as minimize any silting of the creek through runoff.
These environmental initiatives minimize the impacts of construction and design and integrate the most advanced environmental technologies.
MAXIMIZING SELF-EFFICIENCY
Building and operating an ecotourism establishment requires significant amounts of energy, making it critical to take advantage of technological advances in energy efficiency. While in the planning phases, project managers should ascertain the viability of solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy options in the area.
Onsite food production—Slow food/farm-to-table
Visit their website to see more: www.bardessono.com