Chicago

millennium park

Environmental Sustainability
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park and Swisstel Chicago are committed to environmental responsibility through operational sustainability and responsible tourism, because the environment is no longer a trend its an obligation to future generations. We focus on improvements in waste management, sustainability, energy, water conservation and innovative community outreach programs involving local groups and partnerships. Through operational improvements, environmental benefits are realized, often through reduced utilities consumption and best practices. Our sustainability efforts encompass everything from recycling and organic waste diversion in the hotels kitchens to retrofitting energy-efficient lighting. They also include such activities as redistribution of household goods and food to those in need, purchasing green power and employing sustainable energy technology.

Recycling Programs We embrace the fundamental waste mitigation concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We maintain aggressive efforts to capture all recyclable materials to include: cardboard, plastic, glass, steel, aluminum, office paper, newspaper, fluorescent light bulbs, cooking oil, toner cartridges, batteries, pallets and crates. All unused amenity bottles are donated facilities providing housing to local homeless, temporarily displaced and those seeking shelter from abuse.

Food Waste Program Both facilities maintain food waste systems that eliminates virtually all organic food wastes within 24 hours. The waste elimination process allows the effluent to return to the ecosystem as water. These systems reduce our food waste by 250 tons per year.

Chicago
millennium park

Environmental Sustainability
Water Efficiency Program Our guest linen program allows guests to select their linen changing preference. With our guests participation, we are able to reduce the total number of loads per year, in turn, reducing our overall water consumption. Water conserving fixtures or retrofits are located throughout the hotels including 2.2 gpm faucets and 2.5 gpm shower heads. Our landscaping companys environmental standards include the use of plants and trees tolerant of climate, soils and natural water availability. Energy Conservation Program Energy efficient lighting is used in guest areas, guest rooms, meeting rooms corridors, garage and heart-of-the-house. HVAC equipment has recently been updated for energy efficiency. All air handlers are additionally connected to our B.A.S. (Building Automated System). Programmable on/off timers and/or sensors are used for lighting and HVAC in low-traffic and low-occupancy areas. This includes the heart-of-the-house, corridors, meetings rooms, storage rooms, fitness center and equipment rooms.

Green Cuisine We are committed to purchasing local, organic, Fair Trade and sustainable food products wherever possible, including utilizing organic or biodynamic wines and local purveyors. Our chefs will work closely with you to design menus that not only encompass sustainably purchasing, as well as address any dietary needs.

Certifications Swisstel Chicago ISO 14001 Environmental Management OHSAS 18001 Job Safety and Health Protection ISO 9001 Quality Management Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Green Seal Silver Certification Green Key Eco-Rating - 4 Green Key rating Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Stay Green Program Member PLANET Environmental Improvement Distinction Award