Eco Consulting LLC

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There are many options

for reducing the environmental footprint

of an organization.

But not all of them fit

a reputable, luxury hotel like The Umstead.

Before implementation,

we ran all of them through three criteria.

First, it needs to have

a positive impact on the environment.

Second, it needs to do that

without compromising the guest experience.

In fact, it needs to add to the positive impressions

guests already feel about the hotel.

And finally, it needs to make financial sense.

Of all the ideas, two rose to the top.

Our first idea is to implement LED lights.

Environmental benefits, such as

reduced energy usage,

the lack of toxic elements in the bulbs themselves,

and a longer service life,

make this a viable and easy option for us.

In addition, with this implementation,

The Umstead can reduce its carbon emissions

by over two million pounds per year.

But what does this really mean?

Well, this would be the equivalent

of removing 190 cars from the road.

Now let's talk about the guest experience.

Paying attention to details

that matter to the guests

has greatly contributed to

the reputation of The Umstead.

With the increase in

environmentally conscious travelers,

our use of LED lights

is a detail that will appeal to these guests.

But does it make financial sense?

It is a fact that LED lights are more expensive.

However, two factors make them more afforable

in the long run.

The first is the low energy usage.

Installing LED lights can save a hotel

more than 75% in lighting costs every year.

Second, is the longer useful life.

A typical LED bulb

lasts 12 times longer

than ordinary lights.

So how does this make it more afforable?

LED lights can pay for themselves within two yeas.

After these two years,

a single LED bulb saves the hotel $30 per year

for a total of $300,000.

Our second idea is to install a rooftop garden.

What exactly is a rooftop garden?

Well, imagine walking through

a beautifully manicured garden

overlooking an equally beautiful landscape.

That is exactly what we want to add

to The Umstead.

Not only is a rooftop garden

consistent with the hotel's

modern design

and love for art and nature,

but it also has many environmental benefits.

First, a rooftop garden

helps to reduce water runoff.

Storm-water runoff is increasingly

becoming a problem,

especially here in cities.

Due to urbanization,

there is an abundant amount

of impervious material, like concrete,

that cannot absorb rainwater.

The runoff can cause

extreme erosion in some areas.

Rooftop gardens can absorb rainwater

and reduce our storm-water runoff

by up to 90%.

Secondly, a rooftop garden

can help reduce air pollution.

As we all know, air pollution is becoming

a major health concern for many individuals.

We are breathing in different pollutants

from cars, planes,

and industrial buildings everyday.

The plants used in our rooftop garden

act as a filter,

absorbing 2,000 pounds

of air pollutants annually.

Thirdly, a rooftop garden

will reduce the size

of the carbon footprint

here at The Umstead.

Many people are concerned

with their individual impact

on our fragile environment.

At The Umstead, we are no different.

That is why it is important to point out

that the plants used on our roof

will reduce our carbon footprint

by almost 4,000 pounds a year.

Lastly, our rooftop garden

will reduce noise pollution.

Because our hotel

is conveniently located

next to a major airport and highway,

it is important for us to give our guests

the most relaxing and quiet experience possible.

It has been found that a rooftop garden

can actually reduce sound

by 40 to 50 decibels.

It is easy to see that a rooftop garden

would benefit the environment as a whole.

But it would also add to our guests' experiences,

which, of course, is another one

of our main priorities.

This idea for a rooftop garden

would certainly add to the ambiance

of our luxury hotel.

The garden would create

an unique experience allowing our guests

to view the great outdoors

from a bird's eye view.

Now, of course this idea

seems to be getting better and better.

But what do the numbers look like

for a project of this size?

A rooftop garden has

a number of economic benefits.

First of all, it extends the life of the roof.

The plants act as a protective layer

that shields the roof from damaging radiation

and protects it from

extreme temperature fluctuations.

This more than doubles the service life of the roof.

So in other words,

although it may cost twice as much to install

a rooftop garden will last twice as long,

resulting in replacement savings.

Secondly, a rooftop garden reduces the

heating and cooling needs of a hotel.

During the summer months,

the rooftop garden can reduce

the surface temperature of the roof by 50%.

And during the winter months,

the soil acts as a layer of insulation

that keeps the building warm.

Together, we estimate a rooftop garden

can save the hotel more than 30% in energy costs.

Finally, a rooftop garden can be used

to grow organic herbs and vegetables onsite.

This can save the hotel

more than $5,000 per year.

Due to these economic benefits,

the total cost of owning a rooftop garden

can be the same, or even less than,

a traditional roof.

As you can see,

the implementation of the LED lights

and rooftop garden

reduces the environmental footprint of the hotel,

adds to the positive guest experience,

and makes financial sense.

This proves that both ideas

are a perfect fit for the hotel,

and we look forward to their implementation.

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