The people at Ritz Carlton have proved beyond a shadow of doubt that they take their eco-conscious efforts very very seriously. This was first proven by the opening of the Ritz Carlton, Charlotte in NC last October, which boasts of being the first LEED-built hotel in the area. They are now going the extra mile by bringing in honeybees!
There is no need to be scared. We are not talking angry bees attacking the guests. The Ritz has a rooftop garden which serves the dual purpose of insulating the building and also providing organic herbs for the kitchen. What the people at Ritz Carlton have decided to do is to house about 60,000 honeybees in two fully contained hives setup on this terrace.
Jon Farace, executive chef for The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, explains: “Honeybees love herbs, and we’re hoping they will especially enjoy the fresh lavender growing within our rooftop garden. Because honey is considered the flavor of the land, it is likely that the bees’ rooftop habitat and pollination of our herb garden will lend a wonderful, unique flavor to their honey.” The surrounding city will also benefit from the hives, as bees fly to nearby trees and flowers.
The hives are expected to mature later this summer and will then provide the hotel restaurant with 70 lbs of honey that will be utilized in their special honey-based menu items.
Via: RitzCarlton
