NEW YORK?Although it has only been open for a little more than a year, The Benjamin has been collecting awards for its energy conservation measures and environmental awareness. The 209-room Benjamin was opened here in April 1999 by Manhattan East Suite Hotels, an all-suite hotel group with more than 10 properties. The property, formerly the 188-room Beverly Hotel, underwent a $30-million renovation. From the beginning, The Benjamin?s management reviewed construction plans and equipment selections to ensure energy and water efficiency, according to John Moser, general manager. And that concern for energy efficiency continued after the property opened. Conservation measures relate ?to everything that doesn?t touch the guest,? Moser said. He noted that lights are turned off or dimmed in unoccupied public spaces and temperatures are adjusted.?But we do ask for guests to participate in some areas,? Moser said. ?For example, we request that they put glass soda bottles or cans in the proper receptacles. We also ask them to let housekeeping know if they don?t need fresh linens everyday.? The Benjamin?s efforts have not gone unnoticed. It was honored with the Environmental Awareness Lodging Leadership Award at the UCLA Hotel Industry Investment Conference held earlier this year in Los Angeles. Moser added that the hotel was also recognized as ?New York?s most environmentally friendly hotel? based on a five-globe certification by HVS International.
