Dive Brief:
- Radisson Blu Mall of America, part of Choice Hotels International, is the first hotel to install CleanO2’s CarbinX carbon-capture technology, according to a release.
- The hotel is part of a pilot program by CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, to offer cleaner energy solutions.
- The partnership joins a growing list of initiatives in the hotel sector, from adopting smart energy management to turning to renewable energy, aimed at decreasing carbon footprints, while driving financial returns and lowering costs.
Dive Insight:
As hotels like Radisson Blu MOA narrow their focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts, they have experimented with solutions to increase sustainability across their operations.
One of the latest technologies is CarbinX. The device, roughly the size of two home refrigerators, is connected directly to the flue of the hotel's natural gas water heating equipment, where it captures carbon dioxide and converts it to a nontoxic carbonate powder called pearl ash, according to a release. CarbinX manufacturer CleanO2 collects the pearl ash and recycles it into commercial products like soaps and detergents.
CarbinX was installed at Radisson Blu MOA at the end of January, and after customary inspections and permitting, it is up and running. Because the CarbinX system recycles heat — increasing efficiency in the water heating system — Radisson Blu MOA expects to reduce its energy bill and save on both energy and costs.
CleanO2 estimates the CarbinX system can decrease energy consumption by up to 20%, depending on boiler size, efficiency and hot water consumption. The company indicated that increased energy efficiency coupled with carbon capture could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20,000 pounds annually per unit.
“We have already been impressed by the strong interest among many of our customers, like Radisson Blu, in this technology and its potential benefits,” said Ross Corson, CenterPoint Energy’s spokesperson.
Nicolas Tiziou, director of global sustainability at Choice Hotels, said the brand is excited to see the CarbinX pilot program in action at Radisson Blu MOA and hopes to explore installing similar technology at its other properties “as part of [its] commitment to sustainable practices.”
Other sustainability efforts in place at Radisson Blu MOA include motion-sensing lights in every guestroom, reclaimed wood in building materials and LED lights throughout 95% of the property. Additionally, in 2015, it became the first hotel in the Twin Cities to achieve LEED certification.
In addition to Radisson Blu MOA, CarbinX has been installed at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River as part of CenterPoint Energy's pilot program, which includes 10 commercial and light-industrial customers in Minnesota. Corson said CenterPoint is in advanced discussions with private and public sector customers to secure the other eight CarbinX installations — one of which will likely be another hotel property.
CenterPoint Energy will measure and verify the carbon reduction and energy-saving benefits of each CarbinX unit in the pilot over a 12-month period. Similar results are expected across the board.
