Poipu Beach, Koloa, Kauai – Sheraton Kauai Resort has taken significant steps in preserving the environment through an on-property recycling program and energy conservation measures. The hotel was recently recognized as one of three businesses on Kauai to receive the Mayor’s Hoola Hou Award for commercial recycling. 

In 2005, the Sheraton Kauai Resort recycled over one ton of cardboard.  “In the past, cardboard would be thrown out in the trash,” stated Kian Niu, hotel controller.  “We have a better understanding now that even the small steps a business takes in preserving the island’s landfill can make a difference.”  

Most recently, the hotel adopted an environmental management program to improve efficiency in all aspects of their business.  Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the parent company developed a comprehensive plan that can be tailored for individual hotel properties.  Environmentally–friendly opportunities in housekeeping, laundry, guest rooms and restaurants are evaluated.  “Energy consumption can certainly get out of hand in a 412-room hotel,” said Niu.  “We replaced a ten-year-old air handler that controls the air conditioning and heating throughout the hotel. Although it was a $150,000.00 expense it is well worth the investment in terms of benefiting the environment through reduced energy consumption and eventual cost savings.”

The property has also approved projects related to window tinting of guest rooms, installing digital thermostats, upgrading their kitchen coolers and replacing light fixtures. This represents a considerable investment on the part of the hotel. The hotel also looks at “no cost’ and “low cost” solutions to conserve energy such as replacing incandescent lights in guest rooms with compact fluorescent bulbs and lowering the thermostats in unoccupied guest rooms by one or two degrees. Energy savings issues are also discussed in daily morning meetings.

“We are always looking for ways to preserve our natural resources and enhance the quality of life for our associates and visitors,” stated Niu. “At the Sheraton Kauai Resort we have a genuine concern about the impact we make on the environment and strive to do as much that we can to help to preserve the island’s natural beauty for future generations.”