green
Sustainability is really about paying attention to the details.
From infrastructure to clothes hangers, from solar heating to what’s on the plate, we’ve thoughtfully crafted every detail of h2 to be gentle on the environment and welcoming to guests. See for yourself.
solar roof
Solar panels on the roof are used to heat the swimming pool and hot water in the guest rooms, reducing electricity consumption.
hotel materials and resources
During its building, more than 85% of the hotel’s construction debris was recycled, and many of the materials used to build the hotel - from steel to concrete to glazing - contain a high percentage of recycled content.
Many of the materials used to build the hotel itself were sourced and manufactured within 500 miles of Healdsburg.
living roof
h2 was designed to have a gentle effect on the surrounding area. The "green roof" filters rainwater to reduce the impact on Healdsburg’s storm-drain system and neighboring Foss Creek; it also reduces the amount of heat the hotel gives off, to prevent disturbing the local microclimate.
indoor construction
Careful planning of internal systems means h2 uses nearly 28% less energy than standard hotels in California.
guestroom conservation
Smart sensors turn lights, fans and air conditioners off when guest rooms are empty (and can be controlled individually by the guest), greatly reducing energy use. We even have a recycling program in the guest rooms. Dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and fixtures reduce water usage by 20%.
indoor environment
From construction to opening and beyond, we’ve given great attention to air quality. Interior materials were specially selected for their low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, which means a healthier environment. And we’ve designed it to stay that way with a system that refreshes the air at a rate 150% over the hotel standard.
green guestrooms
Sure, our rooms feel comfy and luxe to our guests, but they’re designed to be gentle on the earth too. From sustainable bamboo flooring; fair-trade, chemical-free rugs from Peace Industry; Coyuchi organic sheets, towels and robes, down to details like glass water carafes in every room made from recycled wine bottles (to fill up at any Waterbar) and recyclable paper hangers, h2 is all about a healthy environment.
foss creek and open space
We’ve made the land healthier by rejuvenating the soil, employing an erosion-control plan to minimize runoff and leaving 60% of the site as open space to promote biodiversity.
We also work actively with local community groups to protect Foss Creek, which runs through the property, and restore the creek bed and riparian habitat.
irrigation and landscaping
h2 uses just a third of the water typically used in landscaping thanks to drought-tolerant native species and a high-efficiency irrigation system.
construction
Sustainability starts with the materials used. More than half of the non-reclaimed wood in h2 - including all of the rough framing and structural sheathing; the redwood sunscreen and siding; the lobby ceiling; and all door and window frames - was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as being harvested through responsible forest management.
Even the custom furnishings and interior finishing far exceed the LEED standard for percentage of salvaged lumber used in construction.
food and beverage
Spoonbar sources from local farms, ranches and artisan producers to support his neighbors and give guests the freshest seasonal produce Sonoma County has to offer. Even the bar has an eye towards regional and seasonal. Our bar sources locally distilled liquors and organic fruits and herbs for the cocktail program. They even reduce packaging and spoilage through their extensive "keg program" with wines on tap.
public space conservation
Thoughtful windows feature dual panes, special glazing and shading devices to keep public spaces cool. Many of the materials are "cradle-to-cradle" certified, meeting strict environmental standards from initial production through future recyclability.
energy saving elevators
h2’s gearless traction EcoSpace elevator uses 60% less electricity than a standard hydraulic elevator. No oil is required, removing the risk of soil contamination and fire that threaten hydraulic systems. This EcoSpace elevator is also comprised of 95% recyclable materials.
art
All of the artwork throughout h2 was specially commissioned to extend the hip, utilitarian aesthetic and environmentally conscious philosophy of the hotel. Artist Ned Kahn’s Spoonfall water wall at h2’s entrance even uses rainwater captured from the green roof. Read more about the details in the Art section of our site.
smart transportation
h2 promotes pedal power by providing bicycles and storage for both guests and staff.
LEED NC 2.2 gold certified
LEED NC (New Construction) is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green buildings. Green buildings use less energy, water and natural resources; create less waste; and are more durable and comfortable for occupants. You can learn more about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by clicking the button below.
sustainable features at h2hotel
site
- Built on the former site of a gas station, h2h removed all contaminated soil and remediated the land during construction.
- h2h has worked with local community groups to protect Foss Creek, which runs through the property, and to restore the creek bed and riparian habitat.
- During construction, h2h followed an erosion-control plan to minimize site runoff and protect the neighboring properties and creek bed.
- More than 60% of the total site—including the living roof—has been left as landscaped open space to promote biodiversity.
- The majority of the developed site has been planted with drought-tolerant native species.
- h2h filters all rain water through its green roof and a vegetated swale to reduce wear on the City’s storm-drain system.
- h2h’s living roof, cool-roof system, and light-color paving reduce its ‘”heat island effect,” minimizing the impact on the local microclimate.
- Located near the town square H2h is within easy walking distance of community services, shopping and restaurants.
- h2h provides bicycles and bicycle parking for guests and staff.
- The hotel’s high-efficiency irrigation system uses one-third the water consumed by typical local landscaping.
- Dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and fixtures reduce water use by 20%.
- Artist Ned Kahn’s Spoon Fountain at the entry uses rainwater captured from the green roof.
energy
- All lights, fans and air conditioners are controlled by occupancy sensors to reduce electricity use when guest rooms are empty.
- The windows in the public space feature dual panes, low E glazing and shading devices that reduce heat gain. The glazing and window shades are cradle-to-cradle certified, complying with rigid environmental standards through production and future recyclability.
- Solar panels on the roof are used to heat the swimming pool and hot water in the guest rooms, reducing electricity consumption.
- The gearless traction EcoSpace elevator uses 60% less electricity than a standard hydraulic elevator.
- An independent commissioning consultant reviewed the design and installation of the mechanical and plumbing systems to ensure efficiency. h2h is designed to use 27.8% less energy than the standard hotel in California.
materials and resources
- h2hotel promotes waste reduction through reusable recycling bins in all the rooms, recycling and compost containers for staff in service areas, and available educational resources.
- During its building, more than 85% of the hotel’s construction debris was recycled … and many of the materials used to build the hotel—from steel to concrete to glazing—contain a high percentage of recycled content.
- The custom furnishings, exterior wood decking, main stair, and meeting room floor are made from salvaged lumber in percentages far exceeding the LEED standard.
- More than half of the non-reclaimed wood used—including all of the rough framing and structural sheathing, the redwood sunscreen and siding, the lobby ceiling, the folding doors, and all door and window frames—was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for responsible forest management
- Many of the materials selected for the hotel—including the architectural steel, steel planters, concrete, and glazing—contain a high percentage of recycled content.
- Many of the materials fabricated for the hotel—including those for the green roof, custom furnishings, and framing—were sourced and manufactured within 500 miles of Healdsburg.
- All of the artwork in the hotel has been created by local artists and artisans.
indoor environment
- The building is 100% tobacco-free.
- The mechanical system provides fresh air at a rate of at least 150% that of a standard hotel.
- All interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composite wood products were selected for their low volatile organic compound (VOC) content to promote a healthy environment
- During construction, the contractor protected all the HVAC equipment and building materials and maintained a clean environment for construction workers and building occupants.
- All air ducts were protected from moisture and debris during delivery, installation, and heavy construction.
- Prior to opening, H2h will perform a “flush out,” bringing fresh air through the building to minimize indoor air quality challenges resulting from construction.
- The mechanical system design has been evaluated to meet industry standards for thermal comfort conditions. Occupants will be surveyed 6 to 8 months after opening to verify the thermal comfort and make adjustments if necessary.
- The lighting and temperature controls are personally operable to enhance guest comfort.
- More than 90% of the regularly occupied space in the hotel has a direct view to the outside.
other in-room green features
- All natural, refillable bath amenities
- 100% Egyptian Cotton sheets, towels and robes (h2hotel has implemented a water-conservation program regarding room and bath linens)
- Reusable water carafes are provided for guests to fill with purified sparkling or still water at the water bars on every floor
- Locally sourced Heath Ceramics tile in bathrooms
- Sustainable bamboo flooring
- Fair-trade, chemical-free felt rugs from Peace Industry
- Recycled-wine-bottle water glasses
- Reusable stainless-steel water bottles available for purchase (proceeds benefit Foss Creek Restoration)
- Organic cotton staff uniforms from Alternative Apparel
food and beverage
- Spoonbar’s menu is carefully sourced using seasonal ingredients and artisan-crafted products from local purveyors.
- Liquors sourced from small-batch producers, many locally. Herbs, fruits and even garnishes used in crafting cocktails sourced from local organic growers.
- Wine list focusing solely on sustainable producers.
- Wine keg program to offer wines on tap, and reduce packaging and spoilage.