Cannery Pier Hotel’s management has discovered that its commitment to green practices is not only benefiting the environment, but also is giving a boost to the Astoria luxury boutique hotel’s bottom line.
Don West, Cannery Pier’s general manager, said many Oregon groups now investigate whether a hotel or resort embraces green practices before they agree to hold a convention, meeting or other group function at the facility.
"We have businesses that check us out all the time to make sure we’re green enough for them," West told the Coast River Business Journal. "Companies want to have a good image," West added. And one way they can accomplish that is by patronizing
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Rather than rely solely on an internal ventilation system, windows in guest, meeting and sitting rooms in the Cannery Pier Hotel open to provide guests with fresh air. Photo: Greg Cohen
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businesses that embrace good environmental values.
And when companies and private groups make up 20 percent of your business, it has a significant impact on your bottom line, West said. "Absolutely."
The hotel’s strong environmental principles were established by its owner, Robert Jacob, when he built the lodging facility on the waterfront site where the Union Fisherman’s Cooperative Packing Company once stood.
Since its opening nearly five years ago, the hotel’s management and staff have continued to follow the principles of "ecotourism," which encompass the protection and enhancement of the Columbia River and the Astoria community, as well as their rich history, explains Donna Quinn, Cannery Pier’s director of sales and marketing.
"That legacy of how to sustain, nurture and keep alive the history of the area – its citizens, fishing, bridges, the water and the maritime industry – was part of (Jacob’s) vision," said Quinn, whose duties include overseeing the hotel’s green programs.
As efforts at environmental sustainability have grown over the years, so, too, has the Cannery Pier’s list of green endeavors. From cutting wasteful use of energy and water to undertaking various recycling programs, the hotel also has replaced disposable cups with reusable glasses and ceramic mugs, eliminated bottled water from guest rooms, uses non-toxic cleaning agents and donates used linens and other materials to local charities.
Windows in each of the hotel’s rooms, all of which have a river view, as well as windows in conference and other meeting rooms can be opened to provide guests with fresh air, rather than relying solely on interior ventilation systems.
In its therapeutic spa, Cannery Pier uses a saline water purification system, rather than
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An eco-friendly saline system, rather than chlorine, is used to purify water in the therapeutic spa at the Cannery Pier Hotel. Photo: Greg Cohen
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chlorine. The hotel also provides its guests with free use of bicycles for touring the town as an alternative to driving to local sites.
Quinn said the hotel’s management is continually searching for ways to add to its sustainable policies. She said there are numerous programs – both nationally and at the state level – that offer green certifications for those in the hospitality industry.
"That’s one of the next steps we hope to pursue – what each certification program encompasses – and then choose which organization would be best for Cannery Pier Hotel," she said.
And while the hotel’s green practices are meant to reduce its impact on the surrounding estuary and provide a healthy environment for its guests, Quinn said she also sees the effort as an educational tool.
"I hope we are educating our guests that you can offer luxury accommodations that are sustainable," Quinn said. "Luxury doesn’t have to be wasteful."
Is your business "Going Green" in some way? Let us know what practices or products you use to help lessen human impact on the planet, and your business might be chosen for our next Going Green feature. Email news@crbizjournal.com or call (503) 325-2999.