ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

It’s a privilege to live and work in this Eden in the sky. So we’re very conscious of our responsibility to protect and preserve. We’ve made deliberate changes in how we operate the hotel, taking great care not to compromise quality. We were rewarded with the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association's Hospitality Green Award in 2011 and have continued to lead by example. We use energy-efficient lighting throughout, and we’ve cut CO2 emissions by 300 tons a year by replacing our boilers. Our largest suite is powered by a 5,000-watt solar panel system and we are pleased to offer guests two electric car charging stations via our valet service. Much of our food is locally sourced thanks to Culinary Director Matt Zubrod's commitment and efforts and we proactively initiated a food composting program in 2017. We also provide Aspen tap water in place of bottled water during turndown service for our guest rooms and suites and provide biodegradable, compostable straws in our restaurants by request only. We only refresh towels and linens upon request and invite guests to help us maintain the magnificent ecosystem we enjoy here in Aspen.

Environmental Foundation

Through a nightly donation of $2 to the employee-run Environmental Foundation, guests can help protect and sustain the breathtaking environment we share here in Aspen. Each year, the staff from Aspen Skiing Company makes a significant contribution to this foundation, with a corporate match provided. As a guest, you are presented with the opportunity to make a donation to the foundation upon check-in. Should you wish to decline, please contact the Front Desk at ext. 6363.

Sustainable Dining

Sustainability comes to the plate every night at Ajax Tavern and Element 47, through service items and at catered Little Nell events.
* Wagyu beef is supplied from the Emma Farms CMC Wagyu in nearby Olathe, Colorado, where cattle are raised specifically for The Nell.
* Chickens are supplied by Boulder Natural Meats. Eggs are from Dayspring in Olathe and Razors Roost in Austin.
* Our fish is selected based on the Monterrey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch approved Best Choice sources.
* In 2016, we established The Little Nell Gardens where we produce arugula, kale, chard, cucumbers, beets, scallions, radishes, baby leeks, broccoli, pickling cucumbers, edible flowers and herbs. The garden is located at Rock Bottom Ranch.
* Additional produce is supplied by Two Roots Farm in Basalt, Rain Crow Farms in Paonia, Thistle Whistle in Hotchkiss, and Rendezvous Farms in Crawford.
* The Little Nell spends over $200,000 on local food each year. These purchasing decisions are major contributions to the local economy.
* Aspen Skiing Company and The Little Nell have eliminated the use of plastic straws and now provide biodegradable, compostable straws.

Sustainable GARDENS

* Our gardens have been recognized for sustainable practices including The G-Sky system implemented for the living wall in 2020, which is water efficient with trays that retain a measured quantity of water.
* No chemical pesticides are used for The Nell Gardens. We utilize the “right plant, right place” technique for all of our plants and flowers.
* We adhere to all of the City of Aspen regulations in order to conserve water and are very water wise.
* We educate ourselves and think carefully about our water use, plant practices and supporting local services. We aim to be as sustainable as possible always.