The Silverado Resort's Commitment to the Environment |
At Silverado Resort, we believe that there are few more formidable or more complex tasks ahead of us than that of reaching a balance between business and the natural environment. Ultimately, our planet's - as well as our very own - well being depends upon the continued health of our natural systems. The businesses that are best able to "work with" natural systems rather than degrading them will rise to the top in the global marketplace, securing a future for themselves and for succeeding generations. To put it simply, it is impossible for a business to be economically sustainable, without being ecologically stable.
That is why we are a company based upon "values" that reflect an environmental ethic and social conscience for the long term. We are taking the lead in this call and are implementing comprehensive environmental initiatives that protect the natural heritage of some of the most scenic areas of our country - the mountains, rivers, deserts and their fragile ecosystems.
Silverado has taken sustainability to a whole new, virtually unexplored area by recycling food scraps and grass clippings in addition to traditional recyclables, pioneered by Executive Chef Peter Pahk.
Silverado's foodservice operations reflect a clear and complete cycle of sustainability, from farm to waste stream. By partnering with Napa Valley Recycling, the resort now recycles food scraps as well as traditional recyclables such as plastic and paper.
Several years ago, the resort implemented a Foodservice Energy Awareness Program to teach all of the resort's foodservice employees to participate in energy conservation, green procurement and waste reduction. The resort made news in 2001 by introducing an aggressive seafood policy that promoted the use of sustainable seafood and discontinued serving species of threatened seafood.
"It is clear that our efforts are working," said Pahk. "Our employees watch for and suggest new and innovative ways to reduce waste. By encouraging all employees to take ownership of our environmental programs, we have become more successful than I would have imagined when we started truly emphasizing sustainability years ago."
Among Silverado's environmental initiatives are:
Installing a computer-controlled irrigation system on the resort's two 18-hole golf courses that reduces water consumption by 30 percent.
Supplying guest rooms with paper products made from rapidly renewable materials.
Changing guest bed linens on request only.
Using sustainable cleaning solutions.
Recycling guest room trash.
Recycling all office paper.
Recycling cans, bottles and paper left on carts.
Using shredded paper to pack boxes for shipping.
Recycling food scraps and grass clippings resulting in a reduction of generic garbage of almost 50 percent.
Recycling used fryer oil into biofuels.
Silverado Green Awards |
Sante Magazine - Culinary, hospitality and sustainable cuisine categories. Honorable mention in 2007 and 2008.
Napa Valley Recycling Environmental Awareness Team -
Exceptional business recycling effort
Napa County - One of only four businesses to be awarded the Green Award from The Napa County Green Party.
Congressman Mike Thompson - Certificate of special recognition for exemplary recycling business practices.
