Architecture

Passive Energy Conservation Efforts in Design

The Facade

Depressions and protrusions in the facade plays an important role since majority of the dead walls remain under shadow thereby reducing the surface radiation.

Civil Work

Cement ("Ambuja Silicate")

To start at the very beginning the cement that has gone into making The Lotus Suites an Eco friendly Hotel is absolutely environment friendly. This cement, PPC (Portland Pozzalana Cement) contains 15-20% fly ash, as compared to OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement).

QED (Quite Easily Done)

We at The Lotus Suites are not guilty of depleting the topsoil of the earth! Our internal partitions are made from QED wall panels, which are made from fertilizer waste, instead of the red bricks, which are made from the topsoil of the earth. That's not all, these wall panels are reusable too and will save you from curing, plastering and recurring.

AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)

Another environment friendly alternative used by us is AAC. We use this material for our external walling and wet walling structure of our Hotel. AAC is Eco friendly as it manufactured using approximately 60% fly ash. It is the brick substitute building material of the future having excellent thermal insulation properties and better sound absorption coefficient than ordinary bricks.

Water Conservation

At The Lotus Suites we believe in the three "R" theory of reduce, reuse, recycle. Water being one of the earth's most precious resources and vital to life we have tried to put this theory in practice by taking special care to conserve this resource by employing carefully planned techniques enlisted below, which re-establishes our belief in the above theory.

Aerators/Flow Restrictors

All taps contain special aerators, which increase the water's force and reduce outflow, saving water. Using these aerators saves upto 50% of water.

Cisterns and Flushes

2 other ingenious water saving devices are the Geberit Concealed Cistern which uses only 6 litres of water per flush as against 15-20 litres used in conventional flushes, while the Geberit Urinal Flush Valve's infra red detector ensures a definite flush after every use preventing the unwanted flushing of timer set systems.

Drinking Water Treatment (Aquazone)

Aquazone employs ozone which destroys all micro organisms including bacteria, virus, spores, mould, fungi etc. The resultant water is absolutely safe, pure, fresh and healthy. The water is free from chlorine. When drinking water is treated with chlorine (chlorine is a highly carcinogenic chemical), the residual chlorine in water is also consumed alongwith the water. On the other hand ozone, having half the life of only about 20 mnts, unreacted ozone reduces to oxygen, leaving no trace of toxicity in water. This makes it the most environment friendly treatment known today.

Aquazone water can be used for drinking, cooking, and washing fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood to destroy surface bacteria for healthier preservation, Ozonised water can also be used for disinfecting anything. Ozonised water is colorless and odorless. Chlorine and its derivatives are carcinogenic and are potential health hazards, adding to the pollution. Ozone is the ultimate in disinfection. It destroys almost all the micro-organisms and while doing so it reduces to oxygen. This makes it the most ideal and environment friendly system ever conceived.

Aquazone diffuses a controlled dosage of ozone into the drinking water as and when required.

Ozone reacts with impurities like micro-organisms and chemicals neutralizing them. The result is clean fresh and healthy water to drink.

Interiors

Rubber wood (siti wonder wood)

Despite its natural timber look the window frames, master control panel in the guestrooms and shutters are made from Rubber wood. After producing rubber sap and the tree is cut down, the same cannot be used for any constructive purpose, as the wood acquired from the rubber tree is soft.

The rubber wood then derived is processed and the upgraded wood, which has been vacuum, impregnated using unleachable type of timber preservative chemicals is kiln seasoned to ensure dimensional stability.

NUWUD MDF (Medium Density Fibre Wood)

If you are the superstitious kind then there is no place at The Lotus Suites where you will be able to "TOUCH WOOD"! This is because the interior works of our Hotel is made from MDF, which is manufactured using cotton stalks. The cotton tree, which grows to a height of 5-6 feet, is cut down after yield and the same is usually rendered useless. With the help of advanced technology, the waste stalks of the cotton tree then goes through a manufacturing process which includes chipping, sieving, washing and cooking of the fibre chips. After this lengthy procedure Medium Density Fibre Wood is produced having all the features of natural wood.

Triple Glazed Windows

The triple glazed window comprises of a hermetically sealed double glazed unit and an added reflective glass. This tripled glazed window blocks the heat of the sun from entering the room and helps in conserving the air-conditioning energy. An added advantage of this unit is that prevents fabric and furniture colours from fading as the triple glazed unit prevents the infra red light from the sun to enter the room. These windows also help in effectively cutting out the noise pollution from India's busiest airport.

Electrical

At The Lotus Suites we have not only made efforts to reduce our solid waste and conserve water but also have contributed in saving energy. To know more about the energy saving techniques at our hotel read on:

PL Lamps/Fluorescent Tubes

At The Lotus Suites energy efficient PL lamps are used which provide as much light as ordinary bulbs, yet consume substantially less energy.

To cite an example: using a 10W PL lamp will give an equal amount of brightness as a 60W incandescent bulb whereas the former (PL lamp) will have a power consumption of 25% the latter will have a power consumption of 100% !

What's more since your room lights come in only when your key card is inserted there's no chance that lights or the air conditioner remains on once you leave the room.

Mini Bars

The mini bars used in the guestrooms by us save upto 40% energy, as it is equipped with "fuzzy logic" which senses the load inside the refrigerator and cools it accordingly. Also an added advantage is that these mini bars are CFC free.

Electronic Reduced Voltage Soft Starter cum Energy Saver for A/C Compressor

During the start, the motor acceleration is controlled by gradually increasing the motor current to a reference current ramp limit. In the energy saving mode the applied voltage is adjusted by sensing that the motor current is minimum.

Major Benefits

Electrical - to reduce starting current Mechanical - to control starting acceleration Economic - to save energy on partially loaded motors plus electronic motor protection without extra cost.

Mechanical

Air-conditioning

At The Lotus Suites ozone depletion levels have been reduced to 99.55% as we have used the more eco-friendly alternative i.e. R22 instead of CFC refrigerants. The mono screw chillers which have the least number of moving parts operates on a stepless efficiency range of 10% to 100%.

Attached to the air-conditioning system is the STL tank to store cold energy during off-peak hours. This stored energy is then used during the peak hours /periods reducing compressor overloading and cutting power consumption.

The heat generated from the air conditioners provides hot water to the guestrooms, laundry, toilets and kitchen.

Air Scrubber for Boiler

At The Lotus Suites we have taken steps to reduce air pollution by installing what is known as Air Scrubbers in the boiler outlet connected with the chimney. The boiler produces high amount of carbon dioxide fumes which passes through the scrubber and is emitted through the chimney (the fumes emitted are clear white fumes instead of the dark/black fumes usually seen). This is because when the fumes pass through the scrubber water is sprayed and the carbondioxide dissolves and settles down in the shower traps and clear fumes are emitted in the air. The consumption of water is 300-600 litres per hour for 1000-meter cube of gas, reducing the fume gas temperature from 250 degrees C to 50 degrees C. The water utilised in the air scrubber is recycled water from Sewage treatment plant (STP). Similar type of equipment installed in the kitchen exhaust system is called air washer which works on the same principles.

Electronic

Master Control Panel

This control panel in the guestrooms incorporates a unique feature known as the green button. On pressing the green button the thermostat of the air-conditioning unit is stepped up by two degrees. The saving in electricity resulting from the 2 degrees increase in temperature is translated into rupee terms and the same is displayed on the guest folio and profile. A certificate is then issued to the guest who has voluntarily participated in conserving energy. A database is maintained of all these guests and we have developed a direct mail link with them, telling them about our ongoing environmental activities.

Zero Garbage

The Lotus Suites in its endeavor to become a "zero garbage" hotel has taken various measures to reduce the waste being generated. To reinforce this we have undertaken the project of vermiculture on our hotel site. For this purpose we have built 9 bins on site wherein all the kitchen garbage is diverted for the process. This endeavor of ours has helped us to achieve our "zero garbage" mission; the second benefit of this act is that we are not adding to the waste stream of our city. I think we can safely say that we are the first 4 Star Hotel in Mumbai to undertake vermiculture.

Operational Practices

Hangers

The hangers used in guestroom are made from Sawdust.

Fruits

At The Lotus fruits are served on request so as to avoid wastage.

Amenities

In keeping with our environment theme in mind at The Lotus Suites we use Herbal products, which are manufactured under an Ayurvedic license; these products are not tested on animals and do not contain any animal fat.

Laundry

In our strive to reduce waste we have reusable cloth laundry bags instead of the standard paper or plastic bags as in other hotels, in which the guests could send the clothes for laundering and the same will be delivered in reusable cane baskets wrapped in muslin cloth. A laundry button is incorporated in the master control panel, eliminating the use of laundry pick up tent cards.

Newspaper

Newspapers at The Lotus Suites are delivered, on request, in reusable cane baskets/corn starch bags instead of the usual paper or plastic bags.

ECO Harvest

As a special give away for all are dear guests we have the "Eco Harvest" a basket containing an herbal pillow which induces sleep, a bunch of neem twigs, two aromatic oils & 5 age old herbs.

Pens / Pencil

To prove our commitment to the environment The Lotus Suites uses eco-friendly pens and pencils. The eco-pens are made using recycled cardboard, reprocessed plastic and scrap wood. The cardboard, which is used as barrel, is free from chlorine usage in the manufacturing stage. The plastic as the head and base is made from reprocessed ABS (a thermoplastic material that can be recycled and/or remolded). Scrap wood is obtained from discarded cases used for packing purposes.

The Eco pencils are not made of wood but of a non-toxic polymer with the use of natural fillers.

Woodsaver pencils are made using a shaft, which is made of biodegradable materials such as talc, gypsum and clay.

Recycling Bins

Separate recycling bin with a sticker for guest use is placed in all rooms.

Recycled Garbage Bags

The garbage bags used by us are made from recycled plastic and milk pouches.

Cut Flower vs Potted Plants

Why use dead flowers to bring a room alive? At the Lotus Suites, - instead living vibrant plants help bring the beauty of nature indoors

Carbon Paper

There is no use of carbon paper made At The Lotus Suites Hotel, as the chemicals used in carbon paper are toxic which kill the micro-organisms that break down solid waste, reducing the volume of waste in the landfill.

Stationery

With forests dwindling and the air we breathe under threat, every contribution helps. Which is why you'll find all paper products at The Lotus Suites contains at least 50% recycled content.

Including this book which you are reading is printed on paper which contains 50% post consumer content.

Slippers

To further show you how down to earth our Eco sensitivity is, even the stylish slippers in your room are hand crafted from natural reed for your comfort. The cane tray is meant for shoes to be sent for polishing instead of using a plastic bag.

DND, Make up room & Laundry Sign

Having the DND, MAKE UP ROOM and LAUNDRY sign outside the door inturn reduces the waste that would have been otherwise generated by having these signs made from paper.

Paints

The Lotus Suites has demonstrated the highest level of environment sensitivity by using paints that are eco-friendly. The exterior of our hotel is a water based paint with negligible VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content of only 0.0125% and the paint used for interiors has 0% VOC

Jute Folders

Guest Service and minibar folders are made from jute.

Water Flask & Glasses

The water flask in the guestrooms are left empty which are filled after asking the guest for his preference of hot, cold or room temperature water as water already filled and kept in the flask leads to guest perception of the water being stale, which they promptly ask to be replaced.

The glasses too are turned upside down and kept in the tray, thereby doing away with having to wrap each glass in a plastic bag and consequently generating more waste for the hotel.

Anti Cockroach Herbal Treatment This treatment has been recently introduced and is the first of it's kind in India to eradicate cockroaches. This herbal paste contains extracts from herbs and the treatment is totally different than the conventional spray treatment. By using this treatment their are no health hazards, as there is no use of any poisonous chemicals. No cleaning is required after the treatment is done hence there is no wastage of water, detergents etc.

This medicine is in the form of a paste and it is applied to all nooks and corners in the form of small globules in the premises, which is to be treated. This paste can also be applied in refrigerators, ovens, toasters, microwaves mixers, computers as it is non-poisonous.

Cloth Mats

To reduce the waste generated by our hotel we use cloth mats instead of paper ones.

Single Serving Items Minimized

To add to the above, use of single serving items are minimized at The Lotus Suites. In all Food & Beverage outlets, use of condiments like sugar sachets is replaced by using sugar cubes; jams, sauces, ketchup are served in preserve pots and butter chiplets have been replaced by butter curls.

Guests form an integral part of any hotel in the world. We at The Lotus Suites, have left no stone unturned in our quest for a clean environment, to the extent that we have provided opportunities for our guests to be a part of our environmental programmes.

Guest Participation Programmes:

Waste Reduction/Recycling Programme:

• Newspapers are delivered to guest on request after they have given their consent at the time of check-in. This programme has indicated that only 50% of our guest prefer a newspaper in their rooms.
  
• A recycling bin is also placed in all guestrooms for guests to participate in the recycling program.
  

We do not have switches made of plastic, which are harmful to the Environment, in any of our rooms. Instead we have a Master Control Panel, which is made of reprocessed plastic.

Within the room the guest can participate in the energy saving programme by pressing the ECO BUTTON on the Master Control Panel placed alongside the bed. When the guest presses this button the air-conditioned temperature increases by 2 degrees making the room a little warmer. This information is brought down by the Building Management System showing us the number of guest's participating in this programme. More than 30% of our guests participate daily in this Energy Saving Programme of the hotel, and have received certificates from us alongwith a free subscription to the Sanctuary (an environment-based magazine).

Envromembers

Every member of The Lotus Suites team from the Managing Director down to the newest recruit has a total commitment towards being environmentally responsible. At the recruitment stage we select those individuals who had the drive in them or showed concern and care for the environment.

Environment education, in fact starts from the very first day the team members join The Lotus Suites. Wherein they are educated to understand the importance of the environment to not only their livelihood but also to the future of the world. The team members are on a six-month environment training, on successful completion of which only are they confirmed. In our annual appraisal forms too we have a separate section dedicated towards this.

We have monthly activities for our team members in which they can participate. To mention a few - quizzes, slogan competitions, sketching & drawing competitions, Eco-Skits, on the spot surprise quizzes, clean-up drives, etc. In our monthly Antakshari (a game based on songs to be sung by the participating teams) we have 1 round out of the 4 wherein the teams are made to sing songs related to the environment) and many more.

The team members actively participate in programmes and activities organised for the community to spread and create the awareness of being environmentally responsible.

We have a Green Team in the hotel, which act as the Green Eyes of the hotel. It comprises of 19 members from different departments, who are nominated by their respective departmental heads. Besides assisting in the various programmes, they implement and audit the environment practices in their respective departments. They are also empowered to conduct training classes in their areas and go on inspection to various departments. Not only is wastage in our hotel, has been kept to a bare minimum, but also every employee is kept well-aware of his/her environmental commitments.

What is ALM ?

Advance Locality Management
Advance Locality Management (ALM) as the name suggests is a concept to manage the locality and its sorroundings. Undertaking projects to beautify the city is doing the same. As a first step towards it, the garbage and filth of the area is segregated and removed with the active participation of local authorities and citizens. Subsequently various projects such as building a vermiculture plant, tree plantation drive and other beautification projects are undertaken. Apart from reducing the pressure on BMC to pick the garbage, it also adds up as a means of earning for the said ALM.

The concept of Advance Locality Management (ALM) is existing in the city for quite sometime. Infact, it was in the year 1997 that it was first implemented at Joshi Lane, Ghatkopar. The idea behind ALM is to promote a partnership between the citizens and the municipal corporation. As on today there are over 500 ALMs in the city. Though the ALMs have been working for sometime, there is no coordination between the various ALMs.

With the government endorsing the trust and the OSD of ALM, Shrikrishna Shripad Bhagwat actively participating in it, the trust is going to act as a platform for the BMC, police and citizens. Apart from this various seminars and other projects would be conducted by the trust to educate the citizens.. Moreover a team led by the environment officer of the Lotus would conduct surprise checks on the ALMs and would award prizes for various projects undertaken by them.