Dale Neal • published August 24, 2008 12:57 pm
ARDEN - Biltmore Farms Hotels plans to install a large-scale solar water heating system atop its new Hilton Hotel in Biltmore Park Town Square. The system will provide the 165-room hotel with over 2,000 gallons of hot water a day, and it's expected that the system will save $10,000 annually in fuel costs.
The hot-water system is one of the many environmentally friendly measures the community developer and its partner, Crosland, LLC, are undertaking at Biltmore Park Town Square to promote a healthy environment, reduce energy costs, and help it achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. A few additional green features for the hotel include - an energy optimization program, the use of recycled, non-toxic and local materials, and the installation of Low- E materials throughout the entire hotel.
Expected to open in summer 2009, the Hilton Asheville will be one of the first major hotels into have solar water heating, and its system will be the largest solar hot water installation to date in the WNC region.
"Biltmore Farms is proud to be a part of Western North Carolina's transition to clean energy," said Jack Cecil, CEO of Biltmore Farms. "The Hilton Asheville will be a wonderful place to stay because of its many amenities plus a design that contributes to the natural beauty and sustainability of our region. Our commitment to sustainability is both good for business and the environment."
FLS Energy has been contracted to design and install the solar hot water system. The Black Mountain company has committed to supporting the shift to clean energy by improving access to solar technologies, especially for the commercial and industrial sectors.
"Solar hot water heating is one of the most cost-effective ways available to meet our energy needs," said Michael Shore, FSL Energy president. "We applaud Biltmore Farms for moving forward in procuring sustainable energy for this hotel and setting an example for Western North Carolina and, indeed, the rest of the country."
Solar hot water systems capture the sun's heat and put it to direct use, such as for heating water or spaces. Large hot-water users, such as hotels, hospitals, restaurants, swimming pools and homeowners are well-suited to reap the benefits of this technology, Shore said.
