Hilton Fort Lauderdale to install wind turbines

Saving energy has been a top priority of Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort since opening in 2007. The resort was the first hotel in Fort Lauderdale Beach to be awarded a Florida Green Lodging designation by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection for going above and beyond environmental regulations and voluntarily implementing hotel conservation programs that protect Florida’s environment. Now, taking it a step further, the resort is adding six wind turbines to the roof top of the 25 story all-suite resort located across from the Atlantic Ocean on AIA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “We are committed to implementing innovative programs and making continual improvements to our overall sustainability results each year,” states Andreas Ioannou, general manager, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. The wind turbines stand approximately 40 feet tall and will be strategically positioned on each corner and center of the hotel’s rooftop providing maximum wind velocity. Each wind turbine will produce 32,000 KWH ultimately assisting in reducing the amount of energy being used in guestrooms and on property. Installation is expected to begin in September 2012 with the estimated cost to be more than half a million dollars; however, the hotel expects to see a reduction in energy consumption that will eventually provide a cost savings. The primary function will help reduce the amount of alternative energy needed, lowering the power sources that deplete natural resources, such as gas and oil. “We are proud of this renewable energy initiative as well as other eco-friendly programs to implement sustainable practices that will help future generations,” Ioannou added. In addition to installing wind turbines, the property’s exterior glass has been manufactured not only for hurricane but also controls the heating from sunlight entering into the interior of the building. The resort’s “Green Team” oversees and spearheads the many programs the hotel has implemented for waste reduction, resource conservation and energy efficiency. Recycling all paper, florescent bulbs, lighting and batteries as well as the installation of automatic water flush-o-meters in all public restrooms are some of the programs the resort has initiated. As a member of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort utilises “LightStay” a proprietary system that analyses and reports sustainability performance. Hilton Worldwide is the first major multi-brand hospitality company to make sustainability measurement a brand standard. Adopting numerous green practices that conserve energy, reduce water consumption and protect air quality and limit waste is part of Hilton Worldwide’ s five year reduction commitment. In 2010 alone, the company saved more than $74 million in utility costs through a 6.6 percent reduction of energy use; 7.8 percent reduction of carbon output; 19 percent reduction of waste output; and 3.8 percent reduction of water use. There is more information about this at www.hiltonworldwide.com/corporateresponsibility/.