Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, has officially been named a leader in environmental sustainability and innovation by the region’s water and energy company Salt River Project in its 10th annual Champions of Sustainability Awards. The program honors businesses in the Sonoran Valley that have implemented energy efficient solutions through participation in the company’s Business Solutions Program.
The Phoenix resort is among the first of the Valley area’s hospitality companies to participate in the SRP Business Demand Response Program™ and as such, implemented a host of energy-saving updates across the property as part of the resort’s recent property-wide restoration. The extensive revitalization was made possible by funds managed by Blackstone Real Estate and spanned two pools, all rooms, suites and luxury cottages, four dining venues, and the resort’s new state-of-the-art Tierra Luna Spa. Additionally, the lighting throughout the resort was converted to LED, with motion sensor controls installed in meeting rooms and back-of-house areas, for a total of 12,000 light fixtures, LED bulbs, and controls implemented, and upgraded exterior lighting to improve nighttime safety. Arizona Biltmore, along with 13 other businesses and organizations, was honored with a luncheon held at the resort on Thursday, October 19.
Earlier this year, the Arizona Lodging and Tourism granted Arizona Biltmore its 2023 Good Earth Keeping award, as part of its annual “Stars of the Industry” program, recognizing Arizona Biltmore’s efforts to reduce the property’s environmental impact. Implemented practices include resort-wide recycling of materials like cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastic, the use of environmentally safe, certified green, cleaning products in guest rooms and public areas, and energy-saving measures through the installment of LED fixtures, in partnership with Dalkia Energy Solutions.
“Throughout our ownership, Blackstone has been committed to creating value at the Arizona Biltmore with innovative and more efficient operations – from the careful installation of thousands of energy-saving light fixtures to the resort-wide recycling initiatives – and we are thrilled by this recognition of those efforts,” said Brian Kaufman, managing director at Blackstone Real Estate.
Blackstone’s investment has helped improve sustainability property-wide with a multitude of enhancements completed since February 2022. Efforts to date have reduced energy usage by over 2.8M kWh annually, or 1041 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and despite rising occupancy levels, the resort’s electric usage has decreased by 18.5% compared to pre-COVID levels.
“We are proud to be recognized by Salt River Project and Arizona Lodging and Tourism for Arizona Biltmore’s leadership in sustainability efforts throughout the Sonoran Desert and Valley of the Sun,” says Michael Hoffmann, managing director of Arizona Biltmore. “It’s important to us to preserve our resort’s legacy, with emphasis on maintaining resources for years to come.”
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