Twenty years ago, being green was something that most had little interest in, something better left to the hemp-wearing granola eaters of the world. But now, as more citizens become aware of the threat surrounding our planet’s natural resources, businesses large and small are adopting more environmentally conscious policies. For some, the move is little more than a fashion statement. But for Stefan Muhle, general manager of the Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco, California, it is a way of life. Muhle’s commitment to green doesn’t stop once he’s off the clock; he practices what he preaches at home as well, taking careful steps to make it energy efficient and eco-friendly. His unwavering dedication has put Orchard Garden on the map as the first hotel to be built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-New Construction (LEED-NC) standards.

The story starts two years ago, when Muhle—then general manager of Orchard Garden’s predecessor, the Orchard Hotel—attended a budget meeting for the newly acquired land down the street. The hotel’s owner, S. C. Huang, had inherited the architectural plans and other preliminaries. When the two sat down with a project building manager from Swinerton Builders, Muhle noticed the green logo on his shirt and discovered he was on the green board. Muhle asked if the new hotel’s budget would allow for green building and was told the goal definitely would be within reach. Triumph. But now he had to convince the owner. ...

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