Walking Trail at The Ballantyne Charlotte

Sustainable Practices

The Ballantyne™ is committed to demonstrating best practices in sustainability. A dedicated green committee meets regularly to continue to develop ways Ballantyne can be more environmentally friendly.

Sustainable Practices Include:

Water Efficiency

  • Implemented “green card,” an environmentally friendly program for guests if they do not want to have linen changed in rooms during their stays.
  • This program has reduced laundry processing by 35%.
  • Natural Water available for meetings and events.
  • All rooms feature low-flow toilets.
  • Use low aerator faucets in guest rooms.
  • Banquets staff is serving water from pitchers and in glasses instead of plastic bottles when requested.
  • Use a private water system through four detention ponds which hold surface water to irrigate the landscape and recaptures 70% of run off to reuse for irrigation and main water supply purposes.
  • Significant water use savings are achieved with drip irrigation, high uniformity nozzles, planting materials and water use zones.
  • Trees, shrubs and other planted materials selected are native to the area and require low water volume to maintain.
  • Detained run-off into pond use for irrigation at hotel and surrounding Corporate Park.
  • Creek stabilization project on grounds’ three creeks works to stop erosion.
  • Utilize low flow automatic faucets.

Energy Efficiency

  • Installed 75 light sensor devices to automatically turn off lights when not in use in certain rooms.
  • Installed energy efficient lighting in guest rooms.
  • Installed new energy 15 watt fluorescent bulbs in all Lodge meeting rooms to replace 65 watt spot lamps.
  • Improved efficiencies of HVAC equipment and gas sources to reduce energy used.
  • Utilize two 2500E Hybrid Riding Green mowers, which result in better fuel economy with efficient electric reel motors, reducing noise pollution and eliminating more than 100 potential leak points. Additional hybrid landscaping equipment used to maintain grounds includes low emissions edger, blower and trimmer.

Waste Disposal

  • Implemented single-stream recycling program (paper, cardboard, steel, glass, plastic, aluminum).
  • Developed initiatives to reduce paper usage, including two-sided printing.
  • Use paperless time and attendance system.
  • Recycle printer cartridges.
  • Recycle guest room keys.
  • Natural Water system eliminates waste produced by traditional bottled water sources.
  • Pest and Disease Management
  • Use low VOC paints and carpets
  • Utilize natural methods to eliminate pests whenever possible.
  • Limit use of fertilizers and pesticides by spot-treating, especially around waterways, ponds and creeks versus spraying everywhere.
  • When using pesticides, staff utilizes insecticides with minimal amounts of VOC.

Wildlife Promotion

  • In 1998, 2.5 acres of wetlands were built on the property grounds to mitigate any wetland delimitation that occurred during construction, thus promoting aquatic and wildlife habitat on the property.
  • Collected discarded Christmas trees and used them to create fish habitats in the pond.
  • Strategically placed 30 blue bird boxes on the grounds to create bird habitats. Contribution to Local Environment and Community
  • Located within walking distance of retail shopping, over 50 restaurants, the YMCA, walking trails, parks and ponds.
  • Produce and meats are purchased locally.
  • Cooking oil is recycled.
  • Donate food to local food bank.
  • Associates participate in monthly community service activities.
  • Use environmentally friendly product for box lunches (instead of Styrofoam and plastic).
  • The Spa at Ballantyne uses certified organic skin care products.
  • Utilize “Green Seal Guarantee” cleaning supplies to help protect indoor air quality.
  • In 2007, over 350 trees were planted on grounds and a tree nursery was formed on undeveloped land in Ballantyne Corporate Park.
  • Donate soap and shampoo to Clean the World, a non-profit hospitality amenity recycling organization.