NICHOLSON PRESENTS ON GREEN HOTEL RENOVATIONS
BOSTON, MA - On June 11th, Ajax's Director of Sustainable Development, Craig Nicholson, a LEED Accredited Professional, presented on Greening Hotel Renovations to the members of Boston Green Tourism, an organization that works with hoteliers throughout the city to help them increase their sustainability. Highlighting green features of recent projects completed by Ajax Consulting Services, LLC, Nicholson encouraged the members to consider their impact on the environment during future renovations. With hotels typically renovating on average every 7 to 8 years, it is crucial that hotel owners and operators seek ways to minimize their environmental impact. According to Nicholson, this can be achieved by following the guidelines set forth in programs such as the USGBC LEED standards, EnergyStar, and GreenSeal.
Nicholson pointed out to the hoteliers in attendance that “it is possible to achieve energy savings of over 20% annually through the use of energy efficient lighting alone." He went on to state "there is a real opportunity for hotels to differentiate themselves from their competition through the use of sustainable building materials such as FSC-certified wood, carpet and furnishings made from rapidly renewable materials, and the use of products that will not harm the indoor air quality of your hotels." When asked if he thought that the downturn in the economy was having a negative impact on green building, Nicholson was quick to point out that most of the hotel projects he has been involved with this year have been focused on reducing energy and water consumption, given ownership's push to increase operational efficiency while also leveraging the increased availability of financial incentives targeted specifically for these types of projects.
The PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded here (2MB File): Green_Hotel_Renovation_Final
If you would like to learn more about ways in which you can increase the sustainability of your hotel, office or residential project, or to request a copy of the presentation, please email us at info@ajaxpartners.com
PAST NEWS
NICHOLSON APPOINTED TO MASSACHUSETTS
ZERO
NET ENERGY BUILDINGS TASK FORCE
BOSTON, MA - Ajax Partners Director of Sustainable Development Craig Nicholson was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force, a group appointed at Governor Deval Patrick’s direction to help the state’s public and private sectors design and construct super-efficient “green” buildings. By employing aggressive use of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy, zero net energy buildings meet most of their energy needs through efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy generation so that, on net, they increase neither energy demand nor greenhouse gas emissions. Zero net energy buildings also have the potential to lower costs for residences and businesses and spur clean energy technology development and job growth. The task force has been charged with developing specifications for the first state-owned zero net energy building by January 1, 2010 and statewide adoption of the standard for new construction by 2030. Nicholson will be focusing on addressing the medium- to long-term prospects of moving the commercial construction market in Massachusetts toward zero net energy.
“Ajax is excited to be a part of this task force and we are looking forward to working with other building and energy leaders to advance the state’s goals for reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the use of renewable energy sources,” said Craig Nicholson. “We look forward to playing an active role in the creation of this new standard for advancing energy efficiency for buildings. We see this as a potential win-win for building developers, owners, occupants and the environment.”
To learn more about the Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force, please go to www.MAZNEB.org
