The Carolina Inn has been committed to excellence and customer service since its opening in 1924. In an effort to maintain our high level of quality and service we are pleased to share with you our Environmental Procedures and Green Initiatives.

Energy Conservation

• Our banquet staff is trained to shut blinds, adjust the heat/air conditioning and turn off lights in all unoccupied ballrooms and meeting spaces.
• Thermostats are adjusted seasonally in guest bedrooms at 72 degrees in the summer, 70 degrees in the fall and spring and 68 degrees in the winter.
• Fluorescent bulbs are used in all 184 guest bedrooms, which use about 75% less energy than standard light bulbs.
• Light dimmers are available in all ballrooms and meeting spaces.
• Organic meats and produce as well as eggs and heavy cream are purchased locally, in an effort to reduce the Carolina Inn's carbon footprint and support our local farmers (plus - it tastes better).

Waste Management

• A recycling program is in effect for the entire hotel including sleeping rooms, meeting space and service areas (recycling paper, plastic, glass, aluminum cans and cardboard).
• The office paper used by our administration staff has a recycled content of 35%.
• Our Purchasing Department estimates quantities tightly based on "contracted" food and beverage functions to keep food waste to a minimum.

Water Conservation

• All public area restrooms are equipped with sensor toilets, minimizing water flow to 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to 6-8 gallons of water used by standard toilet flushes.
• Water saver flushes are also installed in all guest bedroom toilets.
• We have installed low flow showerheads in all guest bedrooms, which use 2.5 gallons per minute compared to the standard 3-5 gallons per minute used by standard showerheads.
• A towel and bed linen reuse program is available upon guests' request.
• Our Housekeeping Department uses a patented aqua-fusion laundry system that customizes the amount of ozone delivered to each washer. The system drastically reduces hot water usage and overall water use by 30%, decreases energy expenses, shortens wash cycles and reduces linen replacement costs.

Environmentally Preferred Cleaning Supplies

• Our Housekeeping Department uses Green Seal cleaning products.

Other Earth Friendly Measures

• We are a smoke free facility, making it easier to clean our bedrooms.
• We utilize a trash compacter to minimize our contribution to landfills.

Our Green Committee’s Goals

• Increase recycled volume by 10% over prior year.
• Reduce our office paper consumption by 20% over prior year.
• Reduce energy consumption by 3% and water consumption by 2% over prior year.

If you have comments or suggestions please e-mail them to us at thinkgreen@carolinainn.com.