New GHA PARTNER MEMBER The Inn at Nye Beach, Newport, OR, was built in 2010 with a total green focus. The previous accommodations on the property, the historic Viking Cottages, were over 100 years old, simply not repairable and were torn down. Most of the wood from the cottages was salvaged. In fact, much of the wood framing, wood doors and wood window frames were used in the new construction. A lot more of the wood was sent to a local manufacturer to be made into the guestroom furniture�head boards, chairs, etc. All the wood that was left after that was chipped, and is now landscaping mulch on the property.

A 58-panel solar array was installed during construction on the entire south-facing roof and designed to produce over 16,000 watts of electricity daily. Electric bills are generally only $80 a month. On their website (innatnyebeach.com/
green-initiatives.php), the amount of energy that is being produced is shown in real time. Their on-demand tankless water-heating system by Navien saves water as well as energy. Low-flow 2.0 gpm Culligan RainDisc showerheads and American Standard H2Option Siphonic dual flush toilets give guests the option of a 1.0 or 3.8 gpf, and also save water. All appliances are Energy Star certified. Lighting is all via fluorescent compact or tube. All paints are low-VOC. The carpet is made from recycled plastic bottles. Smart Space Eco-Empty-Room energy-saving technology by echoflexsolutions.com controls guestroom energy use. All Oregon native plantings were used in the exterior landscaping and throughout the interior of the building. In-room recycle collection bins and a towel reuse program encourage guests to participate in the green initiatives. Regional wines from Oregon and Washington are included with packages, available for sale and served at the weekly wine socials.

Hotel Manager Stephen Davis also explained that all of the towel and terry linens used throughout the hotel are bamboo-blended. Created from organic and sustainable resources, bamboo towels are not only naturally soft and luxurious, but more absorbent and dry faster than ordinary cotton towels. Additionally, they are hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, as well as mold-and-mildew resistant. All linens are processed on-site using highly-efficient Elextrolux machines and utilizing phosphate-free products. The 3-cartridge bathroom dispensers by Better Living Products contain Olive Branch Botanicals� shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Bar soap remnants and bottles of partially-used lotion are sent to cleantheworld.org.

Stephen also noted that the property is in a very busy and active year-round tourism area. Local attractions that draw people to the area include the historic Newport Bay Front, its sea lions, Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and all of the recreational activities that the Yaquina Bay has to offer. Stephen can be reached at sdavis@innatnyebeach.com.

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