While many people are worried about global warming but do nothing to help ease the problem, Chang Wen-i (張文毅) has put his environmental consciousness into practice by building the first green hotel in California.
The Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa, located in the town of American Canyon, held its grand opening in March but has already attracted attention from US media outlets because of its eco-friendly features.
The 132-room hotel uses energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning, incorporates water conservation features and has solar panels. Recycled materials were used during its construction, including carpets and tiles, and only commercial lumber produced under strict forest stewardship was incorporated.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ATMAN HOSPITALITY GROUP INC.
"Using recycled materials and eco-friendly methods doesn't mean costs were reduced. Our total investment in the Gaia was 12 to 15 percent higher than for a conventional hotel but it's definitely benefiting the earth," said the 62-year-old hotel developer while elaborating his ideas during a recent press conference in Taipei.
With construction costs approaching US$20 million, the 1.9-hectare Gaia is expected to break even in eight years, three years longer than the average hotel.
But thanks to accumulated experience, Chang believes his second green hotel, which could open doors for business this year, will only see investments surpass the budget by 7 percent to 8 percent. The figure will be down to 5 percent for the third one.
Chang, chairman and founder of the Atman Hospitality Group Inc, said the firm has plans to build 10 green hotels, all located in California, to fulfil the motto visible behind the counter at the Gaia, "Our mission is to change the world ? one traveler at a time."
Growing up in Longjing Township (
After having engaged in hotel investment and development in the US for more than two decades, he decided to make a contribution to "Mother Earth."
When the Gaia was opened, Chang received criticism as well as praise because the hotel replaced the Gideon Bible traditionally found in the nightstand drawer with a copy of An Inconvenient Truth, former US vice president Al Gore's book about global warming.
The devout Buddhist jokingly explained, "We've been too occupied with our environmental ideas and forgot to place the Bible."
Now every tourist should find something he or she likes as the hotel has added the Bible and the book of Buddha's Teaching to the reading options in guest rooms.
To prove the credibility of the Gaia's sustainable features, Chang has applied for certification from the US Green Building Council, which has developed a rating system called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
It uses five criteria to gauge a hotel's human and environmental friendliness, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Projects are awarded Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve. The Gaia is very likely to become an LEED Gold-rated hotel soon, Chang said.
Following his achievements in the US, Chang now wants to bring his environmental passion to his homeland and influence counterparts to create a ripple effect.
In his previous trip to Taiwan last month, he met hotel entrepreneurs, including Stanley Yen (嚴長壽), honorary chairman of the Taiwan Visitors Association (台灣觀光協會), to exchange hotel management ideas.
"We really hope our fourth green hotel can be located in Taiwan," Chang Wen-chin (
He said his brother is determined to make hotels in Taiwan "greener," which will help Taiwan gain more recognition in the world and boost the nation's image.
The Changs are looking for suitable locations in places such as Hsinchu and Kenting to spread the green hotel gospel. Even private hostels and guesthouses are welcome to become franchises by altering part of their constructions to incorporate eco-friendly features, the younger Chang said.
"Several Taiwanese hotel owners have expressed interest in my ideas. People with a conscience should do something for our planet and make Taiwan a pioneer in environmental protection," Chang Wen-i said.
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