Royal Sonesta Receives Prestigious Energy Star

The Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston has “gone green” having just received official Energy Star status in recognition of its energy conservation and efficiency efforts. The hotel, built in 1963, has just completed a year-long effort to achieve this status. To that end, building automation systems were used to efficiently control the building’s energy consumption, coordinating HVAC, boilers, chillers and common area lighting. The guest room energy management system manages heating and cooling when guests are not in their rooms and guest rooms are now lit by compact florescent lighting.

“The overall guiding principle in decision making for all projects over the last year has been with an eye to our efficiency and attaining that Energy Star status for a building built long before that was even a consideration,” said Brian Fitzgerald, general manager at the hotel. “Under the guidance of Boston Green Tourism and other local agencies, we have reached that goal.”

Minimizing energy usage is just one part of the property’s environmental strategy. Some of the hotel’s other initiatives include:
• To reduce water consumption, low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets were installed. Guests have the option of reusing their bed linens and towels.
• In the hotel’s food and beverage operation, organic, local and sustainable food products are used whenever possible. A composting program is being developed, removing all food waste from the waste stream and sending it to a local compost farm.
• Glass, paper, can and cardboard are recycled. The hotel has a maid-driven recycling program for the daily newspaper delivery.
• Becoming an active member in several local groups including the Boston Green Tourism, The Cambridge Energy Alliance, the Cambridge Climate Leaders Program and the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency. The hotel hosts an annual Earth Day neighborhood cleanup and has been an annual sponsor of the Charles River Clean-up Boat.

In the coming year, the hotel plans to do even more to reduce energy consumption. “Initiatives in the works include identifying cleaning products that do not include hazardous chemicals for use in the housekeeping department,” said Joe O’Toole, the hotel’s director of engineering. “The hotel is also exploring co-generation, or using the heat generated by various equipment already in use and redirecting that energy elsewhere.”

Located on the Cambridge side of Boston, the AAA 4-diamond 400-room Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston is situated on the banks of the Charles River, overlooking the spectacular Boston skyline. Guest amenities include 24-hour Health Club, atrium-style swimming pool, in-room movies and video games, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, and complimentary hotel shuttle service to shopping and points of interest in Boston and Cambridge. The hotel recently introduced ArtBar, a warm, intimate retreat for food and art lovers - featuring innovative seasonal American cuisine designed for discovery and for sharing, communal tables and seasonal outdoor patio. The hotel is also home to Restaurant dante – where owner/chef Dante DeMagistris presents fresh and creative cuisine with modern Italian influences. The hotel is conveniently located across the street from the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall with over 120 shops including Gap, Banana Republic, Macy’s and the Apple Store, and next door to the Museum of Science.

Sonesta Collection is a distinctive international collection of upscale hotels, resorts and cruise ships. Every property reflects the energy, style and spirit of its location. Locally-inspired and artfully-presented cuisine, luxurious accommodations and passionate personal service create an authentic and memorable guest experience. Discover the Sonesta Collection in Boston, New Orleans, Miami, Orlando, St. Maarten (2), Brazil (2), Chile (3), Colombia, Peru (7), and Egypt (12). Opening soon in: Rosario and Patagonia, Argentina; Jaco Beach, Costa Rica; Barranquilla and Cartagena, Colombia; Miami, FL; and San Carlos, Mexico. Visit Sonesta.com or call 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.

*High resolution images are available at www.sonesta.com/media for all Sonesta hotels.