Escape to the Portola Hotel & Spa, a relaxing retreat surrounded by shopping, dining, spectacular coastal trails, & ideally located near Carmel by the Sea & Pebble Beach.   www.PortolaHotel.com Setting the bar for environmentally-conscious hotels in Central California, Portola Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of Monterey, was recently granted its Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).  Portola Hotel & Spa becomes one of only three hotels in all of California and one of only six hotels in the U.S. to earn this level of accreditation in the Existing Building (EB) category.

As an independent hotel brand, and an existing building, Portola Hotel & Spa achieved this certification as a result of a longstanding commitment by the hotel ownership, management and staff to reduce its environmental impact and implement new green initiatives.  Portola Hotel & Spa’s dedication started with a few key team members more than two years ago and grew to include all of its employees along with guests and locals who provide continued support.

“The green experience at Portola Hotel & Spa is reflective of our commitment to the environment and preserving our coast’s extraordinary natural beauty,” said Janine Chicourrat, general manager of the hotel.  “Guests appreciate the everyday sustainable practices at the hotel, which is very rewarding, and locals appreciate our commitment to the community.  Achieving Silver LEED Certification is an added testament to our passion and efforts and we are proud to be an environmental leader not only in Central California, but across the state and country.”

As a part of its journey to attain Silver LEED Certification, Portola Hotel & Spa completed a variety of enhancements that build upon the guest experience, including a renovation of its guestrooms.  The newly remodeled 379 guestrooms, including 10 suites, feature Green from Natüra bath amenities, which are completely biodegradable, including all packaging; Green Label Plus carpet in all guestrooms, certified by the Carpet & Rug Institute for low volatile organic compounds (VOC); low or no VOC paints; environmentally-friendly custom designed mattresses from Monterey Mattress Company; Energy Star 42” flat screen televisions and refrigerators; low-flow water fixtures; and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood products.  

Portola Hotel & Spa also implemented a comprehensive program intended to improve indoor air quality.  All staff has been trained to follow construction guidelines that limit VOC in paints, adhesives and sealants; take part in regular, rigorous inspections of the air-conditioning system through building retro-commissioning; and the utilization of enzyme-based laundry detergents for cleaning linens and towels.  Furthermore, Portola is the first hotel in Central and Northern California to employ the Lotus® Professional Cleaning System, which is 50 percent more powerful than bleach, cleaning and disinfecting guest rooms with H203 ionized water, eliminating the use of harsh chemicals.