Saranac Lake Inn is an environmentally conscious lodger.
Our Green Program was created in order to maintain an eco-conscious mindset and create a safe and clean environment for our guests, all while positively impacting the environment. Our Saranac lake hotel and resort is the recipient of Audubon International's Platinum Eco-Rating, the highest rating in North America, Saranac Lake Inn has taken numerous steps to ensure we stay at the forefront of Green and eco-friendly travel initiatives and remains the only green lodging in Saranac Lake. In addition to our certification as a Platinum hospitality property from Audubon International, we strive to participate in other green programs to continuously stay on top of the latest eco-friendly travel trends. Currently, we also participate in the NIMO LEED program and have been awarded awarded NYSHTA Good Earthkeeping Award in 2012, and named part of NYS top 10 greenest destinations by I Love NY and the Greenest-New Yorker. We have participated in various case studies including ADCAP.
Awards and Accolades:
- Platinum Rated Eco Sustainable Property from Audubon International, North Americas premier Eco Rating Organization 2010-2018
- New York State Hospitality And Tourism Good Earth Keeping Award 2012
- Recognized in 2011 by I love NY as a Top Ten Greenest Destination Adirondack lodging
- Saranac Lake Village Recognition of Achievement for Environmental Efforts 2012, Saranac Lake Lodging
- ADCAP recognition 2011 for environmental impact
- Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Recognition 2013 for Eco Efforts with in a business/ Saranac Lake Lodging
- TripAdvisor Green Leader Platinum Status, highest rating 2013-2018
Utility Conservation Practices:
Increased conservation of water and electricity can not only reduce costs, but can also help protect the environment. We've made eco-friendly changes to our water conservation policy for guest rooms, laundry, and grounds, including installation of toilets that average 1.6 gallons per flush and the use low-flow shower heads that still pack a punch!
At our green lodging in Saranac Lake, we utilize rain and lake water for watering our gardens and solar panels complemented by a custom cover to heat our pool. We also use only compact fluorescent light bulbs in all of our guest rooms, and elsewhere, heat pumps for reduced energy use and installed shut off valves for each room to reduce waste while not in use. In 2014, we switched to clean propane boilers and water heating systems and NOW receive all of our power from American Green Power, a company who sources out energy produced only by green purposes! We are 100% powered GREEN!
Resort Recycling Initiatives:
Reduce, reuse, recycle – it's an old saying that holds true for modern green practices. Our in-room recycling bins are conveniently located in each guest room. Additionally, we offer bins throughout the property. All trash and recyclables go through a 3 stage sort process, ensuring 100% standards. Wherever possible, we utilize recycled carpet fiber, padding, and other materials, such as the 40% recycled tiles that were part of renovations made to our bathrooms and recycled content carpet fiber. We use paper wrapped bath products instead of plastic in our ultra sh-mancy Bee Kind Bath Amenities.
We recycle and donate all furniture, linens, and building materials. We also use recycled plastic resins to seal decking and docks- theses resins can also be found in our Adirondack chairs.
Elimination of Harmful Chemicals and Products:
In order to protect the well-being of our guests and the impact we have on our environment, we took the time to eliminate the use of hazardous materials and chemicals throughout the property. Today, we no longer use Styrofoam, all harmful pesticides and chemicals have been replaced with green alternatives that are phosphate-free and biodegradable, this includes bromine in the pool and all cleaning products used in our guest rooms. We only use latex and no VCO or zero fume paints in our rooms.
Green Installations and Renovations:
Our Green Program has taken priority initiative from the start. Over the years we have installed a living wall, native gardens, rain water gardens, a river stone and soil drainage system for the ground, a solar cover and solar panels for heating our pool, as well as heat pumps in our heating and AC units, which utilize 40% less energy than their previous counterparts. Of course we use spray foam insulation and are complete with double pained windows and doors, keeping you extra warm in the winter moths all while reducing energy.
Eco-Friendly Ground Maintenance:
Our property maintains its commitment to being green – inside and out. We landscape and garden our grounds with native plants to prevent the proliferation of invasive species in the Adirondacks and utilize water directly from Lake Flower for watering than using traditional sprinklers. Additionally, we converted our pool from oil heat to solar and during winter, we utilize only Soft Paw or Eco-traction for de-icing. 2013-14 we implemented an Eco burm and river stone underground drainage system to further landscape the grounds and ensure high quality upkeep of our lakefront property.
Green Administrative Practices:
From our guest rooms to every day office tasks, we are committed to staying green. Whenever possible, we use 100% recycled paper, have adopted a paperless check-in and check-out policy for our guests, and have formed an Environmental Committee composed of our staff members that meets regularly to discuss new ways to increasingly 'green-up' our property. Our staff utlized agile workflow systems to migrate away from paper and keep things on screen. When it comes to being eco-friendly, it's also the little things – from printing double-sided to regularly reminding staff to turn lights off, unplug in-room refrigerators, or turn the heat to a fixed temperature, there are numerous small steps we enforce to conserve energy at Gauthier's.
Eco-Friendly Community Initiatives:
Being an eco-friendly Adirondack Inn doesn't end at the border of our property. We regularly contribute to and participate in green community area events. From utilizing our recycling "for deposit" items to donate to local children's and green organizations, to participating in the Clean the World program, which recycles unused soaps and sends them to individuals in need throughout the world. We host various free educational forums and seminars for those interested in learning more. We encourage others to join eco-sustainable programs as we have. Our Green Program extends beyond the limits of our property.
Green Guest Programs and Amenities:
At Gauthier's, we encourage our guests to go green, too! We offer discounted rates to those guests who arrive via a non-gasoline mode of transportation, and preferred parking for electric vehicles – the choice is up to you.
We strictly enforce a non-smoking policy for our entire property, and there are no smoking rooms available.
Additionally, we serve only Organic Fair Trade Teas, all purchased from local producers in our office all day long! Our in-room Keurigs are served with 97% biodegradable K-cups, sourced from a family owner coffee company! All guest rooms come complete with organic linens and sustainable fabrics. Our pillows are filled with a recycled hypo-allergenic fiber. Even our grey velvet drapes are vintage fabrics reclaimed!
Of course we offer you Green recreational amenities too:
- Bicycles
- Snowshoes
- Kayaks
- Stand Up Paddleboards
- Canoes
- Sleds
Green Certifications and Programs:
In addition to our certification as a Five Green Leaf Platinum property from Audubon International, we strive to participate in other green programs to continuously stay on top of the latest eco-friendly travel trends. Currently, we also participate in the NIMO LEED program and have been awarded awarded NYSHTA Good Earthkeeping Award in 2012, and named part of NYS top 10 greenest destinations by I Love NY and the Greenest-New Yorker. Here's your chance to enjoy GREEN Saranac Lake lodging, come stay with us!
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