Hot Opening: Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa

By Staff -- Hotels, 3/5/2008 9:15:00 AM

Wen-I Chang's new green property had its grand opening March 30 in American Canyon, California, near the famous Napa Valley wine country. Known as Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa, the 133-key facility is run by Marin Management and owned by Atman Hospitality Group. Gaia, of course, is loosely translated from Greek to "Mother Earth."

All lumber in the hotel is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international network that promotes responsible management of the world's forests. Low volatile organic compound paints, sealants and adhesives were used throughout the hotel, which helps improve air quality. Carpets contain post-consumer-recycled material in backings, fibers and pads. All restrooms use recycled tiles and granite.

Gaia achieves a water-use reduction of about 40% compared to the average hotel, using reduced-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. The pond uses recycled water from the site that is filtered and cleaned.

Appropriately sized and efficient HVAC units are used throughout the hotel. The units are quieter and more efficient than standard HVAC systems and use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant than is standard. Aluminum exterior grates are used in all entrances, minimizing dust and particulates entering the building.

All windows are efficient and low energy-transmittable. Solatube Tubular skylights are used throughout the hotel, magnifying the sun's rays to deliver abundant light into the property interior spaces during the day, saving electricity. Solar panels also provide 10% of the building's electricity. A reflective roof reflects heat, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Landscaping is chemical free. Fertilizers are all natural. Native and climate-adaptive plants are used, so the need for irrigation is limited.

Kiosks with touchscreens show guests and visitors how much the hotel saves in water, electricity and carbon dioxide emissions.