Green & Sustainable Cavallo Point Lodge
Cavallo Point is set apart by guiding principles that focus on its environmental and social ethos. Its stakeholders are proud of creating a welcoming and environmentally responsible experience for visitors, while restoring historic Fort Baker for generations to come.
Green Philosophy
Cavallo Point's long list of initiatives to support sustainability, stewardship and preservation reflects the commitments of all stakeholders involved in this treasured Golden Gate National Park site. Since the project's inception, environmental initiatives have been a priority.
U.S. Green Building Council had awarded LEED Gold Certification to Cavallo Point, after myriad efforts to make the project as green as possible. These include dozens of activities, among them re-use of historic materials, landscape restoration with native plants, and use of green building elements. The lodge also works to meet the Green Seal Environmental Standard for U.S. Lodging Properties. Some eco-efforts create awareness among visitors, like naming our meeting rooms after local rare, threatened and endangered species, such as the Mission Blue butterfly. Cavallo Point is proud to have received numerous honors for its green efforts.
The Institute at the Golden Gate
As part of Cavallo Point's commitment to sustainability, the Institute at the Golden Gate made its debut in fall 2008. Created by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service, the Institute promotes dialogue, collaboration, shared problem solving, and action for a sustainable world. Gathering global leaders in the non-profit, government and business sectors, the Institute connects scientists, policy makers, youth leaders, and non-profit and business managers to develop solutions to critical issues. Programs focus on sustainability, national parks and protected areas, environmental arts and communication, resource conservation and other topics to improve the health and quality of our environment.
Groups are invited to host meetings focusing on the care and stewardship of our planet; they may be eligible for special rates. The Institute also serves the Bay Area by connecting local residents to environmental topics affecting their neighborhoods and the world we share. Illuminating lectures are offered for the entire community.
The Good Night Foundation
Cavallo Point is a proud partner of The Good Night Foundation. Founded in 2007, The Good Night Foundation is a nonprofit organization that builds on the concept that a guest's hotel night can contribute to doing good in the community and beyond. In partnership with leading hoteliers and caring guests, The Good Night Foundation raises funds to support local and global programs that help make all parts of the world safe, healthy and desirable places to live and visit.
At Good Night Foundation partner hotels, a three dollar charitable donation is added to each guest's nightly charge. The Good Night Foundation addresses global challenges by funding programs focused on improving health, education, poverty and the environment. In addition, at least 50% of The Good Night Foundation's proceeds remain in the community in which they were collected, supporting local causes selected by the hotel staff. In this way, guests know their contributions benefit each community they visit. Guests who do not wish to participate may opt out by contacting their hotel front desk.
Through Good Night Foundation partner hotels and their generous guests, small personal contributions can have an enormous impact on the well-being of our global community.
Green Meetings
Since its inception, Cavallo Point has been committed to numerous initiatives that benefit our environment and community. We continue this focus on green and sustainable hospitality in everything we do – including meetings and events, accommodations, dining, spa, activities, exhibits and retail offerings.
Cavallo Point was proud to be named a "New Green American Landmark" by Travel+Leisure. Other prestigious awards also recognize our eco-efforts.
Here at Cavallo Point, we:
- Emphasize sustainability, preservation, renovation and reuse as key elements in responsible development
- Share with guests, staff and the community our vision, approach and rationale on sustainability
- Work with suppliers to ensure their products and services reflect our ethics
- Monitor and measure on a regular basis the short- and long-term environmental impact of the resort and its operations
- Work with other organizations to share information and techniques to protect the health and vitality of our natural resources and heritage
- Use energy efficient appliances – light bulbs, refrigerators and computers that automatically sleep
- Use windows that open for cooling
- Track and compare energy performance by month and quarter
- Join with the AH&LA "Project Planet energy conservation program"
- Join with the AH&LA "Good Earthkeeping" program
- Use as many sensors, timers, and energy-efficient fixtures as possible
- Use programmable thermostats, motion sensors, and other controls to reduce heating and cooling costs in unoccupied guest rooms
- Stabilize guest control of radiant heat floors to avoid inefficiency in an efficient product
- Use water efficient faucets and showers
- Use low water toilets
- Ask vendors to reduce unnecessary packaging whenever possible
- Eliminate Styrofoam food and beverage containers
- Use cloth napkins in the restaurant
- Minimize use of disposable items
- Use refillable dispensers for soaps, etc
- Recycle plastic containers
- Use paper products (brochures, etc.) made from recycled paper as much as possible
- Use no toxic pesticides (long-lived chlorinated hydrocarbons) or chemical fertilizers on the landscape
- Use no chlorine- or bleach-based cleaning products; instead use non-toxic products such as Simple Green
- Avoid aerosols containing CFC or HCFC
- Provide facilities for disabled people
- Purchase food from local growers whenever possible
