In an effort to help New York City curb greenhouse gas emission levels, Lotte New York Palace has pledged to take part in the NYC Carbon Challenge. The program, introduced in 2007 and expanded over the past several years by Mayor Bill de Blasio, is committed to retrofitting many public and private buildings across the city by 2025.
Lotte New York Palace’s commitment to the NYC Carbon Challenge represents another substantial step toward sustainability for the hotel. The citywide program is on pace to reduce emissions by 515,000 metric tons – the equivalent of taking more than 100,000 cars off the roads – and reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Lotte New York Palace and the other Hotel Association of New York City members joining the challenge this year will save the city 32,000 metric tons of emissions and $25 in energy cost savings.
“Lotte New York Palace is pleased to partner and collaborate with the Mayor’s Office on this important initiative,” said Hyukbum Kwon, Chief Financial Officer, Lotte Hotels & Resorts. “We are committed to continue to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and ensure Lotte New York Palace is serving its guests and the environment in the best way possible. We are proud to have already taken a major first step in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by installing a cogeneration system in 2014 that heats the hotel and supplies 40 percent of our electricity. Joining the NYC Carbon Challenge is a great way to continue our commitment to improve the energy efficiency of the Lotte New York Palace.”
Lotte New York Palace embraces sustainable practices as a passion and a point of emphasis, not just a function of doing business. The hotel has implemented an array of sustainability initiatives over the past several years, including the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, LED lighting throughout the property, participation in a local composting program, and 100% reliance on renewable energy.
Lotte New York Palace has a head start on the NYC Carbon Challenge thanks to its co-generated heating plant. Installed in 2013, the plant cuts the hotel’s energy costs and carbon footprint by offsetting 42% of the property’s annual electrical consumption.
In addition to the estimated $220 million in energy cost savings, the program is assisting the local economy by creating 650 construction-related jobs. The recent expansion of the NYC Carbon Challenge is a critical initiative in the mayor’s One City: Built to Last plan to improve the city’s energy efficiency. Visit NYC.gov to learn more about The Carbon Challenge.