Luxury reimagined and sustainability celebrated — welcome to a new era of refined indulgence at Nemacolin.
The intersection of opulence and eco-consciousness at Nemacolin reveals the resort’s commitment to a luxurious yet environmentally responsible experience. Nemacolin’s strategic philosophy showcases how the resort is stewarding the environment across more than 2,200 acres, while developing forward-thinking strategies and green initiatives in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. such as on-site, renewable energy generation, solar and electric vehicle infrastructure, plastic reduction, and waste diversion.
The Philosophy & Integration
Nemacolin has developed a strategic philosophy behind integrating sustainability measures into the luxury hotel experience. Recent studies have shown that 80% of all travelers have a desire for products or hotels that have a sustainability component, and they are willing to spend an additional 10% for it. All other things equal, most luxury travelers will opt for a sustainable hotel versus one that is not if it provides the same level of service.
In working toward building the number one resort in the world, Nemacolin believes in building a legacy in the Laurel Highlands that will last for generations to come. Measures are being integrated into all aspects of the resort, from an emphasis on purchasing processes and waste management to plastic elimination and cultural activities programming.
The Enhancement From Arrival to Departure
The sustainability programs at Nemacolin affect all aspects of the guest’s stay. Through an array of initiatives, the resort has modified facets of the the overnight stay — such as complimentary bottled water and amenities — to be more luxurious in quality and impression while simultaneously capturing more ways to be environmentally friendly.
By sourcing high-quality, local artisan goods and services as well as seasonal organic ingredients from the surrounding area, Nemacolin is elevating the guest experience, showing that ultra-luxury hospitality and sustainability are not opposing forces but are, in fact, harmonious with one another.
The Balance for Discerning Clientele
Seamlessly balancing and transitioning operations to be more sustainable while maintaining luxury is paramount to Nemacolin’s initiatives. The resort’s partnership with Palatino Group has put plastic-free, ultra-luxury, reusable amenities in place of single-use plastics. The relationship with Gilchrist & Soames has resulted in a customized in-r00m amenities that are eco-friendly and offered in large, refillable containers versus individual travel sizes. The result is less waste and fewer emissions, all the while providing a more luxurious experience.
The resort’s leadership takes ownership to research new technologies, materials, industry best practices, and guest preferences in order to improve and further develop initiatives at Nemacolin. There’s more to come, and in the near future, guests, members, and associates will see additional certifications and partnerships with eco-friendly organizations, validating the commitment to sustainability while also providing transparency.
The Opportunities Ahead
Nemacolin has partnered with Audubon International to obtain verification of the environmental practices across multiple facets of the property. Each hotel is seeking a Green Lodging certification while several of the activity areas are seeking Green Hospitality certification. Both golf courses are seeking Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf certification, of which less than 1% of golf courses worldwide are designated. The section of the stream at Case Brown Cottage [one of the fly fishing spots used by the Rod & Range Club] on Meadow Run is also seeking to become a Cooperative Sanctuary.
Additionally, Nemacolin is working on partnerships with several other organizations including Beyond Green (part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts), Green Key, and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
The resort has begun utilizing artificial intelligence in kitchens to mitigate food waste as part of the goal of having Net Zero Waste across Nemacolin. There are steps toward using closed-loop composting on the resort’s property which will be able to process 2,000 pounds of combined food waste, landscape and golf clippings, and wildlife manure daily. This compost will be repurposed on the property for landscaping applications.
Additionally, Nemacolin will increase the capacity for biodiesel production by installing a conversion system at the resort. The biodiesel will be used to fuel turfgrass equipment for the golf courses and landscaping teams. Associates now have several electric vehicle chargers at the associate parking lot, and guests have access to more EV chargers across the resort, with more to come.
The Next-Steps Advice
Sustainability is a journey. And while the roadmap for many journeys is transformative, the road to sustainability is constantly changing. Just because something isn’t possible today, doesn’t mean it won’t be possible tomorrow, and Nemacolin is reviewing many options simultaneously, choosing to table ideas for potential development rather than abandoning the possibilities. With research, due diligence, and the regular search for ways to raise the bar, Nemacolin is a part of the industry trend confirming that there is a desire for sustainable hotels. Nemacolin also recognizes that affluent guests are not willing to sacrifice luxury to stay at one.
Read more HERE about sustainability and eco-friendly practices at Nemacolin where our cornerstones are energy efficiency, resource conversation, culinary initiatives, and health and wellness initiatives. There’s more to come, so stay tuned.
