OCTOBER 10, 2008. Hilton Garden Inn, a hotel owned and operated by Rosemont, IL based First Hospitality Group, Inc., has requested a grant from the Indiana Department of Energy and Defense to install solar panels on the roof of the hotel.

Taking the next step in environmentally-friendly business practices, the initiative would make way for alternative energy use at the property. The proposed 4,050 kW solar array will be deployed on the top of the 16-story hotel building, making it one of the largest arrays in Indianapolis. The solar panels will also offer guests the opportunity to see first-hand a real-time display of energy production from panels in the hotel lobby.

Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the 180-room hotel has maintained a strong commitment to sustainability from its opening with lighting and energy management, laundry and water conservation. All guest rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn have installed CFL and circle line lamps to increase energy efficiency. The hotel is equipped with energy management systems that alerts for inefficiencies, recoups conditioned air and accounts for outside environmental changes. Earlier this year, the hotel launched an active recycling program that recycles plastics, aluminum, cardboard, paper and newspaper, totaling over 20 tons of materials annually. Low-flow toilets and shower heads help conserve water by saving an estimated 187,245 gallons annually. The hotel also utilizes 100% compostable and bio-degradable coffee cups, 30% recycled office paper, toner and ink cartridges, eco-plastic water bottles and each room is equipped with a Herman Miller Mirra Chair consisting of 46% recycled content that is 96% recyclable at the end of its life. This fall, the hotel implemented idle-free zones in its vehicle loading areas as well.

The company is a member of the Indianapolis Green Business Network, the Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership and the Indianapolis Downtown Inc. Cleaning Partnership. General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Indianapolis, Michael Campbell, was recently asked to speak for the Annual Indiana Recycling Coalition Conference in May of 2008, and will speak at the Clean Air Partnership in October.

“We are proud to be a part of an important sustainability movement and have strived to be an environmentally-friendly business since our opening,” said Campbell. “We are fully committed to alternative energy uses and are proud to provide our hotel guests an eco-friendly hotel stay that they can feel good about. Likewise, our staff is fully committed to maintaining a sustainable hotel environment and is happy to facilitate in education and awareness of our green business practices.”