San Francisco is an undisputed leader when it comes to environmental protectionism and is often cited as being at the forefront of the green movement. The city's hotels have not been shy when it comes to implementing green programs and practices or installing more environmentally friendly accoutrements. But which San Francisco hotels most perfectly embody our tree-hugging ways? The four following hotels all adhere to strict guidelines put forth by the US Green Building Council, which sets the standards for sustainable design and architecture. Without further ado, here are the four greenest hotels in the city.
Let's start with the greenest of the green, the W San Francisco. The hotel is currently undergoing a renovation to achieve a LEED Platinum certification, the highest that the U.S Green Building Council can award. It's currently LEED Silver, but everyone knows that the W can't settle for second place (or third, since there's a Gold as well).
Next up is Joie de Vivre's Hotel Carlton, which prides itself on making sure that running the hotel doesn't contribute to burning a hole in the ozone. The LEED Gold hotel makes use of non-toxic cleaning products, recycling and linen reuse programs, low flow showerheads and toilets, as well as energy conserving lighting.
The five-year-old Intercontinental in SoMa is also a LEED Gold hotel, and was the first property in the franchise to receive the rating. It's also the first to offer a Zipcar Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid to guests so that they can explore the Bay Area with a smug look on their faces.
Finally, over on Sutter Street by the Chinatown Gate is the LEED certified Orchard Garden Hotel, which allows guests to enjoy a comfortable experience in a totally green building.The hotel goes the extra mile by outfitting each room with green duvets and carpeting to make sure guests get the message. - Dylan Pilaar
· Orchard Garden Hotel [official website]
· Intercontinental San Francisco [official website]
· W San Francisco [official website]
· Hotel Carlton [official website]