Many Coachella Valley hotels have adopted sustainability in exciting and inventive ways.
We’ve checked in to some of our favorites and see what they have to offer.
We’ll be highlighting one hotel a week, and throughout this series you’ll read about everything from herb gardens to beauty products made through ‘green chemistry’ to vehicle charging stations, and lots more.
So sit back, relax, and come along on our eco-friendly vacation.
This week: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
The eco-friendly practices at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells have really taken flight—literally.
The hotel’s Director of Engineering, Terry Venema, fills us in.
When did you first introduce eco-friendly features and how did you start?
“We started in 2003 with lighting that saves energy and reduces our carbon foot print. In 2004, we added a ‘green’ landscaper for our 23 acres. One of our most successful features is a falconer, who flies hawks and falcons to control the Blackbird population at the pool and restaurant patio.”
Do you receive many comments and how do guests react?
“The guests love the falconer since he’ll stop and discuss his birds with anyone who has an interest.”
What qualities do you think are most important to male guests?
“Male guests may be particularly interested in the recycled tire floor in our Stir meeting/event space, and our use of low VOC [Volatile Organic Compounds] paints.”
What qualities are most important to female guests?
“Female guests may like our recycling program, which includes food waste and the Ozone system in the laundry facility. We also find more and more people are driving electric cars, so the fact that we have two electric car-charging stations is a real hit with our guests.”
Can you tell me about the most unusual eco-related request you’ve ever received?
"We haven't had any super unique requests, but we'll happily take anything into consideration."
What’s your favorite eco feature?
“I have two, the falconer and the electric car-charging stations.”
Any changes or additions coming up?
“Yes, we are replacing 1,269 compact fluorescents and incandescent light bulbs with LED lights through the California Hotel Association LED Program.”
Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, 760-773-4444
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