SAN FRANCISCO—Approximately 20 San Francisco hotels are now participating in the San Francisco Green Business Program, a program of the City and County of San Francisco. At least nine hotels have been recognized as San Francisco Green Businesses. In order be recognized as a San Francisco Green Business, a hotel must meet environmental standards in five areas: waste reduction, water conservation, pollution prevention, waste water, and energy conservation. Businesses must also be in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. To get to the point of recognition, which is valid for three years, one must complete an online application and provide supporting documentation. An on-site audit is also conducted to verify the information provided about a hotel.
According to Anna Frankel, Green Business Coordinator, Toxics Reduction Division, San Francisco Department of the Environment, the Green Business Program was launched in 2006. Unlike some hotel certification programs that have multiple certification levels (e.g., bronze, silver, gold), San Francisco’s program has just one recognition level. There is no fee to participate; it is a free service provided by the City. Those businesses earning recognition benefit from access to city rebate programs and have the right to use the San Francisco Green Business Program logo in marketing and publicity efforts. There is an annual award reception at which a certificate is presented, and recognized businesses are listed in multiple business directories.
“Our program standards are very stringent and it takes a lot of work to be a green business,” Frankel says. “But in the end there are many benefits.”
Many Items Covered in Application
The San Francisco Green Business Program standards for hotels, available here, show that hotels must meet at least three measures in solid waste diversion, nine in source reduction, nine in energy conservation, three in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, six in lighting, two in energy management, one in water conservation, three in water management, nine in water conservation, four in pollution prevention, four in janitorial cleaning, one in pest management, seven in storm water pollution prevention, seven in general/staff education, and 16 in environmentally preferable purchasing.
Environmental performance data is being collected from each participating business in the San Francisco Green Business Program. “Hotels” is just one of the business categories.
“We are interested in doing a lot of things with the data,” Frankel says. “We are in the process of creating an online report card for each business. We also want to use the data to see how much effect we are having as a program.”
Those interested in participating in the program for hotels have access to workshops where application completion assistance is provided. An online toolkit that addresses waste diversion, source reduction and environmentally preferable purchasing is available. The City and County of San Francisco also produce a green business newsletter.
The San Francisco Green Business Program is one of many green business programs in the San Francisco area. Nine Bay Area counties have similar programs. Click here for more details.
“The California Green Business Network has a baseline of standards that we all follow,” Frankel says.
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of a stay at Wilbur Hot Springs is the natural hot mineral water. Wilbur has been known by both European settlers in the 1800s, and Native American inhabitants long before that for its therapeutic mineral waters that heal the body and soothe the soul.
The original hotel and springs, purchased by Doctor Richard Miller in the 1970s, was approximately 240 acres. In 1999, Dr. Miller purchased the surrounding 1560 acres and designated the area as a nature preserve.
In 2006, Wilbur began working with range ecologist Craig Thomsen from UC Davis to restore native plants to the area, and combat invasive species. Thomsen’s work continues currently, with Wilbur participating in raising grant money, and providing lodging in trade to guests who work with Craig.
The hot waters in the flumes are enhanced by a large, cool-water mineral swimming flume with splendid vistas of the surrounding hills, an outdoor hot mineral sitting flume, and a dry sauna next to the bathhouse.
To further enhance one’s well being, Wilbur offers complimentary yoga on weekends on the yoga deck. Trained instructors teach various types of yoga, and guests of all experience levels are welcome. In addition, Wilbur offers massage treatments year-round, performed by licensed professional therapists trained in a variety of techniques, including Esalen, Swedish and deep tissue work.
Guests enjoy other outdoor activities, as well. Hiking and biking are very popular in the nature preserve, home to breathtaking valleys and ridges, high meadows and remnants of the century-old mining operations.
Wilbur Hot Springs Is Powered Entirely By Solar Panels And Propane. Wilbur is 100% off the grid, powered entirely by solar panels and propane. Renovations and improvements are performed using eco-conscious building materials and practices. The solar panel array was installed in the early 1990s. Up to that time, the Wilbur hotel had been lit with kerosene lamps. The transition to solar-powered lighting was completed in 1991. Wilbur uses compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow toilets. And the cleaning products we use are all eco-friendly.
The stoves in the kitchen, and the fireplaces, which heat the hotel in winter, are powered by propane. The refrigerators are all electric and are specifically designed to run on solar power. They are more efficient and colder than the propane predecessors, and produce less waste. The refrigerators use approximately one-third the power of consumer refrigerators, which make them optimal for running on solar power.
Wilbur has been in the process of exploring hydroelectric power as an additional energy option. Plans to install such a system are still in the elementary stages.
Wilbur’s hot springs flumes are non-impact. In other words, the water is simply diverted from the geothermal source, held temporarily in the flumes and then returned to the creek. No chemicals are added to the flumes, and as a result no chemicals are being added to the water table. Quite possibly, Wilbur Hot Springs is the only 100% solar, 100% off-grid resort of its kind in the world. For you workaholics, there is no cell phone coverage in the area, so if you are thinking about heading out for a connected work vacation, think again. Wilbur is all about relaxation and rejuvenation.
World Renowned Mineral Hot Springs
Most guests are first attracted to Wilbur by the popular hot mineral springs. Sheltered by a Japanese-style “Fluminarium,” the water is channeled into three long “flumes” with average temperatures of 98, 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The area is completely private, and clothing is optional in the flumes, sauna and deck areas (although clothing is required everywhere else on the property).
Open day and night to guests, the flumes are a serene haven where courtesy and modesty prevail. According to Dr. Richard Louis Miller, Wilbur Hot Springs’ owner and “caretaker”, as he prefers to be called, the clothing optional policy in the fluminarium came about naturally, so to speak.
When Miller first purchased the place, it served as his home and of course, one doesn’t wear clothing in one’s bath. Then his cousin married a Japanese woman, skilled in Ikebana and the formal Japanese tea ceremony. She shared with Miller the age-old traditions of the Japanese baths, a public bathing ritual for a private, reserved culture. The group soak also reflected Miller’s personal experiences at the time at places such as Esalen in Big Sur, where similar bathing practices were common.
The last factor was a pragmatic one: after several soaks, one’s swimsuit became caked with minerals from the water, and it was just easier to go without! As Dr. Miller says, “When we wore bathing suits in Wilbur’s waters, they became crusted with the minerals that we loved to bathe in, but did not like on our suits. Furthermore, when we hung the suits in our rooms, they smelled of sulfur – which was excellent for the skin, but not for the ambience of the bedroom.”
Thus, the ‘clothing-optional’ policy was
born at Wilbur. This continues today and Wilbur’s regular clientele are
enthusiastic, vocal proponents of this policy. However, in the interest of
attracting others who might enjoy the hot springs, but who are less comfortable
with the clothing optional policy, Wilbur occasionally offers bathing suits-on
weekends.
Activities
Reconnect with Nature at
Wilbur's 1,800- Acre Nature Preserve.
Wilbur's spectacular nature preserve
surrounds you with breathtaking valleys, panoramic ridges, high meadows and the
rare remnants of century-old mining operations. In spring, wildflowers grow in
profusion in the valley, internationally known for the quantity and diversity
of its blooms, including orange poppies, yellow tidytips, purple lupine and
owl’s clover, and rare adobe lilies.
Bird-watchers are rewarded year-round:
recent sightings include bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers,
Belted Kingfishers, Goldfinches, Bluebirds, and a variety of hawks, including Red
Tails, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels.Mountain
biking is also a favorite pastime, and complimentary bikes are available for
guests to use. For a wilder adventure, river rafting is available nearby in
Cache Creek Canyon. There is also a major gambling casino within
30 minutes drive, for those who are so inclined.
Yoga Retreats and Workshops at
Wilbur Hot Springs.
Located 20 miles from the nearest town and
situated on an 1,800-acre nature preserve, Wilbur Hot Springs is a
health sanctuary blessed with transformative and healing hot
mineral waters. We feature Yoga
Weekends throughout the year with Sarana Miller, daughter of Dr. Richard
Miller, Wilbur Hot Springs owner.
Weekends students practice yoga on Wilbur's beautiful
deck, cradled in nature with the sound of spring birds and the Wilbur creek. We
begin each day with chanting and pranayama, followed by breakfast and then an
active morning session. In the afternoon there's always time for bathing,
hiking, massage and personal time. We gather in the late afternoon for a
restorative session, followed by a delicious dinner.
Dining
Meals at Wilbur Hot Springs Are Unique
With the exception of our specialGuest Chef Weekends,
guests bring their own groceries and prepare their own food - whether you go
"all out" or keep it simple is entirely up to you. Our professional
kitchen is well equipped with plenty of cookware, utensils and dishes.
Refrigerator/freezer and storage space is also provided. The kitchen becomes a
thriving community social center as you prepare your meals alongside other
guests.
When you're
ready to dine, there are several charming areas from which to choose. Nearby
the kitchen are two dining rooms, one small and cozy, the other in the Great Room.
If you prefer a feeling of outdoors, dine on the screened veranda or under the
ramada. With dignity and respect for all, a smoking area is provided in the one
designated outdoor sheltered area.
Later in the
evening, many guests take a walk under the stars or return to the flumes for
another soak. Others congregate in the Great Room to share stories of the day,
play music on the hotel piano and selection of other instruments, or curl up
with a good book in the Library near one of the propane fireplaces.
Guest Chef Weekend Sample Menu
Friday Dinner
·Local Organic Mixed Greens Salad
·Ginger Glazed Ahi Tuna Or Ginger Glazed Tempeh
·Green Bamboo Rice
·Local Organic Broccoli
·Organic Apple Upside Down Cake w/Maple Yogurt Cream
Saturday Breakfast
·Organic “Squeeze-Your-Own-Oranges" Juice
·Cage-Free Scrambled Eggs w/ Fresh Herbs
·Organic Oatmeal And Granola
·Organic Yogurt, Fresh Fruit, Selection Of Handcrafted Breads
·Organic Coffee And Tea Bar
Saturday Lunch
·Local Organic Greens Salad w/ Heirloom Tomatoes
·Smoked Salmon Spanikopita
·Roasted Organic Butternut Squash Curry Soup
·Selection Of Handcrafted Breads
·Fresh Organic Herbal Iced Tea
Saturday Dinner
·Local Organic Greens Salad, Roasted Local
·Free-Range Chicken In Porcini Mushroom & Zinfandel Wine Sauce
·Torino-Style Creamy Polenta
·Local Organic Red Russian Kale
·German Chocolate Mousse
·Fresh Organic Herbal Iced Tea
Sunday Brunch
·Organic “Squeeze-Your-Own-Oranges" Juice
·Eggs Á La Wilbur: Poached Eggs On A Francesi Roll W/ Avocado And Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
·Local And Imported Fine Cheeses Platter
·Local Organic Heirloom Tomatoes And Fresh Mozzarella Platter
·Exotic Fresh Fruit Platter
·Organic Oatmeal And Granola / Organic Yogurt / Fresh Fruit
·Selection Of Handcrafted Breads
·Organic Coffee And Tea Bar
Accommodations
Wilbur
Hot Springs offers guests a selection of accommodations. Reflecting its
turn-of-the-century origins, Wilbur’s hotel offers private guest rooms, rustic
and charming, each with its own special touches. Some rooms feature queen-sized
beds, while others offer extra beds for families or small groups. There is also
a spacious suite with a private bath and kitchen, and three optional adjoining
bedrooms, ideal for a larger family or group of friends. For those on a more
modest budget, there is a comfortable 11-bed Bunk Room.
Reflecting
the building’s century-old beginnings, toilets are conveniently located,
European-style, through the hotel. Private showers are adjacent to the
fluminarium.
In
season, a few campsites are available for those who love to sleep under the
stars
We
asked Michael from Wilbur Hot Springs to tell us in his own words why he thinks
the resort stands out among other Green Resorts.
Return2Green:
What constitutes being Green for your company at this time?
Michael:"Green"
isn't a buzzword or some concept of marketing to attract consumers, etc.
It's never been an angle; it's simply a way of life. It's astonishing that it
took us the entire span of the Industrial Revolution to realize.... if you pick
a vegetable from your own backyard; it's going to be fresher and
tastier. Green is about more than just recycling - it's about
reducing consumption, reducing waste, thinking differently about our
relationship to goods, products, and the space our hotel occupies. It's
always vital to be aware that you can't buy your way to a better world.... and
that Green Consumerism will never save us. Our hotel knows that
"Green" is much bigger than just one or two of these concepts - In
fact, I think the trend of "green" is really a smaller puzzle piece
of the overall transition towards more holistic, and ethical, business
practices. The myopic bottom line approach to business will make way for
a more grounded, down to earth ethic and experience in the future.
It is simply a fact that any hotel is deeply vested and rooted in the
community... from the mountains and springs, to the local business partners and
potential locals who will visit or work for you. If you have values
that encourage community focused on health and well being, and you understand
that systems work less efficiently as they gain complexity - you can create a
low to no impact operation that will also enhance people's lives... and impact
them long after they leave. In fact, when they see the way we live... and
the permaculture ethic we try to pattern our hotel after... many take those
lessons back into their everyday lives, and those lessons reverberate within
their community, and so on. So our operations are strictly green,
not because it sounds good.. but it *IS* good. It's just the right way to
run a business.
Return2Green:
What do you offer that is especially Green?
Michael: Our historic hotel
is situated in lands that have been used for healing for millennia... and it is
somewhat scary to think that, 100 years ago, the Industrial revolution poisoned
the mountains with a vociferous mining process. At one point, there were
literally 100's of buildings and mine operations choking the valley. It
is a rare thing to see.... massive reverse development during the 20th
Century.... that mining town that existed at Wilbur has been stripped down to
one or two original buildings, and nothing else but an 1800 acre nature
preserve. So now... those 1800 acres exist, protected, for no one but our
guests... to explore, relax, bask. Part of being able to have that is that we
are out in the middle of nature.... it's an escape from the modern world.
Albeit a short drive from Sacramento, or San Francisco.... and not too far off
the beaten path, we are happy to say there is ZERO cell signal. If that
doesn't encourage you to go, it just might encourage some husbands and wives
that would love a reprieve from their spouse's devices. =) We are off
grid, completely, and are proud to say we are the only 100% solar powered
resort in the entire world. That's a big deal... and being off grid makes
it hard to let people know about that. =) So that means when you come here...
with our methods of composting and recycling, powering our resort and more...
you have a near-zero impact vacation.
Return2Green:
What are the latest Green technologies your company
implements?
Michael: I think the solar
array is of massive importance.... it wasn't economically feasible a decade ago
for the type of technology that existed. They would break, they wouldn't
provide consistent power, etc. The leaps and bounds in sun capturing tech
has really made it possible to run our resort with zero generator. We are
very proud of it, and from what we can tell it's the only resort in the world
that is 100% solar, powered off grid.
Green Weddings Let
Wilbur Hots Springs host your wedding
and they will make is a joyously and romantic Green Occasion you will
remember for a lifetime!
Article by David Ludwick, Return2Green.**A special thanks to Michael at Wilbur Hot Springs for all his help in compiling information for the creation of this feature article.
Green Business Program, a program of the City and County of San Francisco. At least nine hotels have been recognized as San Francisco Green Businesses
