The first solar-powered hotel in America of its kind, the Hotel at Oberlin has a variety of environmentally friendly features and attributes.
The recently opened hotel is the first one in America that is temperature controlled with geothermal energy -- which utilizes energy found and stored in the Earth. The Ohio-based hotel also used reused materials in its building construction and helps support the community by using locally sourced food in its restaurant. The solar-powered hotel is part of an initiative to "transform Oberlin into a model for environmentally aware economic development."
The hotel sets an important precedent as it provides a space for tourists while also empowering the local community -- all while reducing the use of limited energy resources and utilizing solar energy.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Geothermal Energy
- The use of geothermal energy in buildings can contribute to reducing the need for traditional energy sources.
- Sustainable Hospitality
- Hotels can innovate for sustainable consumption of energy, locally sourced goods, and the use of reused materials.
- Community Empowerment Through Hospitality
- Hospitality businesses can take a leadership role in community initiatives by sourcing goods locally and empowering the community through employment and investment opportunities.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can take advantage of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings and operations to reduce costs and offer unique value to guests.
- Renewable Energy
- The renewable energy industry can benefit from investment in geothermal energy solutions to support sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
- Sustainable Construction
- The construction industry can benefit from a shift towards building materials and methods that are more sustainable and energy-efficient.
