The Westin New York at Times Square is on a quest to go beyond Green while also promoting Cultural Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Listing by Department of Current Green Practices:

All Departments / Operations

• Recycle of paper, cardboard, plastic as part of First Stream Recycling
• Recycle of aluminum as part of First Stream Recycling
• Recycle of used print cartridges
• Lighting/computers/equipment in all area turned off when not in use
• All guest registration on arrival is paperless
• Timer installed on all Ice Machines for off-peak hours
• Computer monitors programmed to turn off after period of inactivity
• LED lighting used where applicable or when requested
• Use of Post Consumer Content for office supplies
• Audio Visual equipment turned off daily and when not in use
• Biodegradable 100% recycled room key (piloted)
• Colored copy/printing paper is minimum 30% Post Consumer Content
• White copy/printing paper is minimum 30% Post Consumer Content
• Copy and printing paper is FSC Certified
• Energy efficient CFL lighting in guest rooms and in hotel’s public spaces
• Energy Star equipment in use. Currently in process of becoming Energy Star Rated
• Hybrid vehicle/transportation service upon request with Concierge Services
• Use of email instead of paper for communication and documentation
• By 12/1/2008 – All administrative areas will have recycling option
• By 12/1/2008 – All public area option for guest participation in recycling
• Mandatory reports are reduced to as needed: old reports are reused and recycled
• Recycling program for light bulb ballasts, light bulbs and batteries is in place

Spa

• Utilize / promote organic products with a line of products based in New York
• Use local vendors for product supply
• Utilize wash cloths vs. paper towels
• Sprayology treatment products are local, homeopathic, and organic
• Products used for facial, massage, and body treatments feature all natural ingredients

Audio Visual (Presentation Services)

• Paperless sales and inventory software system
• Energy efficient LED lighting fixtures available for events
• Business Center office equipment turned off daily after business hours
• Flipchart pads are made from post consumer recycled material

Housekeeping

• Bed linens changed upon guest request to aid in water and energy conservation efforts
• Towels replaced upon guest request allowing guests the option of re-using existing towels
• Placard in shower offering guests the option to use only one showerhead for water conservation
• By 12/1/2008 – In-room recycling option for guests (currently recycle internally already)
• Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products meet EPA GS 37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines

Stewarding

• Dish washing machine shut down between washes when business levels are low
• Used kitchen grease recycled into bio-fuels bi weekly by a local company
• All detergent products meet or exceed EPA GS-37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines

Purchasing

• Double-sided printing to all network printers
• All ink / printer cartridges are recycled
• Pallets are picked up for reuse or repair instead of dumping
• Paper products are minimum 30% - 40% Post Consumer Content
• All cardboard boxes are recycled

Banquet / Restaurants / Outlets

• All light panels in meeting rooms are allow users to select the most efficient setting based on the event
• Lighting in all rooms are shut off when not in use
• Air Conditioning is maintained by the status of room (shut down when not in use)
• Waste generated from meetings is recycled as part of First Stream Recycling (paper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard)
• Reusable items left by groups donated when applicable
• Kitchen energy reduction program to reduce pre-heat timing / equipment usage
• Biodegradable corn based beverage ware (upon request) in banquet areas
• Food not consumed for meetings is provided to hotel associates free of charge or donated to local charities
• Whenever possible the use of single use containers is avoided
• Organic foods are an option if guest desires in Banquets & Room Service
• Vegetarian options are available in the hotel for meetings and restaurants
• Local food products are offered (options are limited due to short growing season) limiting carbon offset for shipping
• Buffets are the most environmentally friendly option and can be served family style
• Bulk food items on breaks can be used but must be disposed of after display (i.e. ketchup)
• Gas, lights and computers turned off
• Used kitchen grease recycled into bio-fuels bi weekly by a local company
• Dishwashing products are environmentally friendly and meet EPA GS 37 Industrial Cleaner guidelines
• Recycling of old AV equipment with yearly refresh

Engineering

• Electronic thermostats in guestrooms with pre-set settings to minimize energy consumption
• Energy Management System used to control all mechanical, HVAC, chiller and boiler systems, and pumping station
• Installed energy conserving flat plate system for chillers
• 1.6 gallon per flush toilets installed in all rooms and guest areas
• Low flow faucet aerators installed throughout the building and in all guest rooms.
• Motion controlled lighting devices being installed in all administrative areas
• Escalators and HVAC turned off when floors are not in use
• Hotel utilizes water and heat conservation companies in compliance with Energy Star guidelines
• Use of environmentally friendly paints
• Pest control company held to use of IPM integrated products which are environmentally friendly
• All sinks throughout hotel and public areas have automatic on/off sensors

Sales/Catering

• Re-use of scrap paper
• Double sided printing used when possible
• Use of e-mail instead of direct mail when possible
• Scan and email instead of fax
• Utilize office products derived from Post Consumer Content
• Biodegradable gift/amenity bags are used

Terms:
First Stream Recycling - Collection companies have led the most recent dramatic change in recycling. In order to reduce collection costs, increase their operating efficiency and produce other benefits, many communities are converting to collection programs that require no (or limited) sorting of materials. Single stream programs are those that put all recyclables into the same bin for collectors to load into a single compartment. The processor is then expected to sort all the recyclables back into clean, high quality feedstock streams appropriate to each type of materials so that the materials can be re-used.

Post Consumer Content/Recycled - Waste recovered from consumers and recycled.

FSC Certified - Forest Stewardship Council - An independent international organization to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.