Northern California Budget Hotel Charges Up Green Efforts

We are proud to be the first and only hotel in Ukiah and Mendocino County to have installed a charging station for our hotel guests and public use, says Raakesh Patel, Super8Ukiahs owner. We are also the first Super8 and the first hotel in the Wyndham group to offer this type of amenity.

The addition of the electric vehicle charging station makes Super8Ukiah even more accessible to eco-conscious guests. The EVSE-RS electric vehicle charging station from AeroVironment (AV) (NASDAQ: AVAV) will enable like-minded guests to book a room to recharge themselves while they recharge their cars, so they can start the day in Ukiah just as they do at home with a full charge. AeroVironment has a long history in the development of EVs and EV support technology, and the companys solutions have a reputation for quality, reliability, safety and service. It is important for EV drivers to have access to proven charging technology that they can count on to refuel their cars reliably and consistently.

AeroVironment is the preferred charging solutions provider for the all-electric Nissan LEAF and is currently developing electric vehicle charging networks in Texas, Hawaii and other states across the US.

Patel capped off the EV charging station installation by designating a number of parking spaces exclusively for low emission and hybrid vehicles.

(New electric vehicle charging station installation at Super8Ukiah hotel, Mendocino Countys only green certified hotel. Newly designated parking spots for hybrid and low emission vehicles are shown on either side.)

Patel is a true green advocate, and has implemented a number of other green practices at Super8Ukiah. Past initiatives include the use of bio-degradable serving ware in the dining room, a linen reuse program, installation of programmable timers for lighting systems, double-paned Low E windows, and ENERGY STAR-compliant lighting, ice machines, printers and other appliances.

Recent additions to the list of initiatives include sourcing green pest control services with Terminixs Eco-Control. This environmentally-friendly system focuses on the integration of non-chemical treatments and low impact products, such as those made from natural plant oils, to provide protection from pests.

Patel also made extensive upgrades to the propertys exterior metal halide parking lot lights (175w MH bulbs), by replacing them with energy saver induction lighting (40w Induction bulbs).

My utility company paid 60% of the cost [of the upgrades] because of energy savings, says Patel.

Going green was my personal choice, says Patel. We will continue to upgrade and improve our green practices, because we truly believe that doing so improves the experience for our eco-conscious guests.