Sustainable Design
“Sustainable Design” by Kalyn Manzano, SMHCC Senior Assistant Vice President for Design
With climate change now a reality, awareness on sustainability and efficiency in design is crucial. We are more conscious about energy saving methods and technology, environment-friendly materials that serve as good alternatives and the smart use of our resources. The simple act of turning off lights when leaving a room or keeping water taps closed when brushing our teeth goes a long way in helping our environment.
Living spaces are designed and enhanced to create a positive impact to our community. Materials available in the market, like the laminates which come in different tones and textures, are good options as replacement for wood veneers. Double glazed glass panels help keep the heat out. Synthetic stone materials are now used widely as countertops. Sanitary fixtures have water-conserving features and sensors. We have since switched from using the traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs and opted for LED bulbs which are more energy-efficient. Dimmers are introduced to control the lighting levels. Motion sensors are employed to sense occupied and unoccupied spaces and rooms.
With the introduction of pumps to transfer heat, the carbon emissions are reduced while fuel and energy consumption become more efficient. There are new ways to control systems in spaces when it comes the air-conditioning, lighting, fresh air take. These are just a few of how technology can contribute to sustainability.
Where we can save the environment, we are on the right track to being sustainable, whether it is in the choice of material, in the design philosophy we want to practice and in the technology we want to employ, we can do our share in developing and maintaining a sustainable and green design. All it takes is our willingness to be sustainable.
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SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC)
COVID-19 UPDATE:
We have been closely monitoring the evolving situation brought about by COVID-19 and the health and safety guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Philippine government. We would like to assure you that the health and safety of our guests and our colleagues have always been of paramount importance to us. Given the current situation we are all in, we fully understand your heightened concern on hygiene as this is likewise foremost in all our initiatives. In response to this unprecedented situation, measures are underway at our Hotel to ensure your safety and comfort on your next visit.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Guided by the health care expertise of WHO and the Philippine Department of Health, our new health and safety program, SustainablySafe, provides clear procedures that guide our employees to take care of the guests and each other. On top of the best practices we have continuously performed, additional proactive and precautionary actions crucial to the safety and security of each guest and staff have been implemented. These points, along with prospective innovations and applications in operations, encompass and comprise the goals of the SustainablySafe initiative, the ultimate goal of which is to provide guests with the utmost safety and quality of experience.
As we welcome you back to our hotel, we have taken a series of precautionary measures including:
- All guests are required to wear face masks prior to entry into the hotel or car service. If the guest does not have one, it will be provided for him / her;
- Cars are disinfected before and after each use;
Disinfectant floor mats are located at the entrance of the hotel to sanitize footwear; - Guests are subjected to temperature reading and hand sanitation at the entrance;
- Reception desk are disinfected before attending to each guest;
- Guests are to fill-in a health and travel history form upon check-in;
- Room keys and credit cards are sanitized prior to handing them to the guests.
All guestrooms will include a basic safety kit consisting of facial mask, hand sanitizers and wipes; - All public areas will have hand sanitizing stations at strategic locations for guests to use;
- Guestrooms are thoroughly disinfected and sanitized before each guest occupancy using clinical grade disinfectant and UV sterilizing equipment;
- Regular disinfection and deep cleaning of high traffic areas (like lobbies, facilities, function rooms, toilets and food outlets) and frequently touched areas (like handles and handrails, elevator panes, remote controls, light switches, and toilet fixtures);
- Laundry is cleaned by DOH-accredited providers, where linen is processed at 83°C to kill microbial life that causes disease or the fermentation of bacteria;
- Conducting 24-hour continuous fresh air intake in all guest rooms and corridors to ensure the best possible air ventilation to deter contamination and transmission;
- Guestroom flatware and glassware are sanitized through dishwashing machines as opposed to the typical practice using sinks to avoid contact and ensure complete cleanliness;
- Social distancing will be strictly enforced in all restaurants and public areas;
- Firm execution of social distancing amongst staff, who will also assist, enable, and ensure that guests are able to practice social distancing in all areas of the property;
- Staff wears masks, gloves, face shields, and other PPEs at all times when on-duty;
These activities and efforts have so far just been the beginning. We will incessantly pursue the highest standards of excellence and adhere to the stringent protocols that meet international standards and implement them whenever possible.
For any further updates, please check our website from time to time as we will constantly update our information.
We look forward to welcoming you back to our hotels and convention centers.