The Starhotels group has opened its first ecological property named E.c.ho. in Milan, Italy.

The facility, designed by Andrea Auletta, consists of 143 rooms with eight junior suites and six suites. It features a Conference Centre comprising five advanced meeting rooms with an overall capacity to house 24. Other features of the hotel include a fitness suite on its top storey, a spacious terrace, a central garden, a Renaissance chapel, and the Orto Restaurant.

The hotel incorporates various green features. The facility features solar panels spanning 125 square metres that generate energy for illuminating the corridors and public areas of the hotel, thereby helping in reducing its carbon emissions by 11 tonnes per year. The building has also been equipped with high-performance condensing boilers which further cut down its annual carbon footprint by 75 tonnes.

The hotel comprises water-saving systems which cut down water usage by 20%. It also makes extensive use of green and reclaimed materials such as the cedar-log tables in the lobby area which are formed of wood procured from sustainably harvested forests, and the conservatory glass which reaps energy cost cuts. Use of efficient climatisation systems, green mattresses, and lighting fixtures which adjust themselves as per the availability of natural light add to the building's sustainability.



http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/starhotels_opens_first_green_hotel_in_milan_111212/

NEW ECOLOGIC COMFORT

Inspired by the concept of ecology,Starhotels Splendido has been completely renovated and has becomeE.c.ho., an acronym with strong meanings: Eco Contemporary Hotel, a stunning structure exclusively eco-friendly. Our striking 4 star hotel in Milan is next to the Central railway station, a few minutes from the city center. Our innovative green hotel in Milan features intelligent design and low energy consumption, so as well as enjoying yourself, you'll know you are helping the environment.

The look and feel is natural and elegant, with plenty of natural light everywhere thanks to the ample windows, terraces and other outdoor spaces. The newStarhotels E.c.ho. has 143 contemporary rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, 5 meeting rooms, fitness room and much more.

http://www.starhotels.com/hotels/echo/en/home.aspx