Think Green

 Green Business Spotlight: Santa Barbara Inn
Where Luxury Meets Sustainability on the Santa Barbara Coast

The Santa Barbara Inn, a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel and home to the award-winning ocean-view restaurant Convivo, proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a Certified Green Business, the Inn has integrated environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations—spanning energy, water, waste, purchasing, transportation, and community engagement.

 Water Conservation
Water efficiency is built into every guest stay. Through high-efficiency fixtures—including 1.2 GPM faucets and 1.7 GPM showerheads—and a robust towel and linen reuse program, the hotel saves approximately 800,000 gallons of water annually. The Inn's irrigation system, maintained by a local landscaping contractor, is seasonally adjusted for efficiency and supports a vibrant landscape of drought-tolerant plants like bougainvillea and agave.

 Waste Reduction & Recycling
The Inn diverts more than 75,000 pounds of recyclables each year, with over 60% of all waste being recycled. Staff across departments receive hands-on training in proper sorting, supported by clear bilingual signage. Composting and green waste collection are also prioritized—diverting 41,000 pounds of food scraps and 10,500 pounds of landscaping waste annually.

 Reused for Good: Rather than discarding old linens, the Inn donates them to the Santa Barbara Zoo for operational use and to local shelters, extending their life and supporting both animal care and vulnerable community members.

 Grease Recycling & Kitchen Sustainability
Convivo, the Inn’s acclaimed on-site restaurant, sends more than 6,000 gallons of cooking grease to Coastal Byproducts, a local company that converts used oil into biodiesel. Convivo also sources ingredients locally, shopping regularly at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market to reduce food miles and support local growers.

 Reducing Single-Use Plastics
The Inn has made major strides in eliminating single-use plastics:

• 31,000 plastic bottles avoided each year through water refill stations and reusable tumblers
   

• Miniature shampoo and conditioner bottles have been eliminated and replaced with refillable 6.7 oz containers in guest rooms
   

• Plastic takeout items and condiment packets minimized; dine-in service uses reusables only

 Energy Efficiency
From renovation to daily operations, energy conservation is a top priority:

• Over 75% of outdoor lighting is now LED
   

• HVAC systems use high-efficiency Mitsubishi units (SEER 23), serviced quarterly
   

• Guest rooms include programmable thermostats to reduce energy use when unoccupied
   

• All washers, dryers, and office equipment meet Energy Star or EPEAT certification standards

 Non-Toxic Practices
Guest and environmental health are central to daily operations:

• Low-VOC paints and green-certified cleaning products are used throughout the property
   

• Refillable soap dispensers in public restrooms replace single-use amenities
   

• Landscaping avoids synthetic herbicides, using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques instead
   

 Transportation & Community Impact
Over 50% of staff members commute sustainably—by walking, biking, or using public transit—the Inn supports low-carbon transportation with bike racks and EV charging stations. It’s also a long-standing member of the Santa Barbara Car Free program, offering discounts to guests who arrive via Amtrak.

Internally, the Inn promotes sustainability through a Green Team, new employee onboarding, and regular communication. Amenities are donated to local nonprofits, including the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, and unopened linens are reused through donations to the Santa Barbara Zoo.

“Overall employee awareness has increased,” shares hotel management. “And so has the measurable impact.”

 A Model for Sustainable Hospitality
Despite operating in a resource-intensive industry, the Santa Barbara Inn shows that thoughtful planning, community partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement can make sustainability part of everyday luxury.

We’re proud to celebrate their leadership as a Certified Green Business in Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara Car Free’s 

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is pleased to announce that its Santa Barbara Car Free program has found a new home: Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) / Traffic Solutions. APCD founded this program more than 20 years ago, encouraging car-free travel to and from the area to help reduce pollution from passenger cars. The program’s success was made possible by the early and lasting support of many travel industry & hospitality businesses and organizations and has received several awards, including a National Clean Air Excellence Award from the U.S. EPA.

SBCAG/Traffic Solutions was an early partner and champion of the program and the program’s goals align with those of Traffic Solutions: promoting alternative transportation options and cleaner air for all, residents and visitors alike.

Guests that travel by Amtrak and show their ticket at check in and mention “Car Free” program receive 15% off midweek and 10% off on weekend room rates at the Santa Barbara Inn.

 For more information, visit the Car Free website:  https://www.santabarbaracarfree.org/