Black Point Inn: Environmental Leader in Hospitality

The Black Point Inn in Scarborough is a certified Maine Environmental Leader in the hospitality business sector. An historic grand hotel situated on a point with north and south coastal views, the inn was built as a summer resort in 1873, in an area immortalized in some of the work of noted painter Winslow Homer.

The Black Point Inn’s green business activities and estimated savings/reductions include:

Employing geothermal energy for hot water, air conditioning and heating (including heating the outdoor swimming pool);
Treating their pool with a saltwater chlorinator system (which uses approximately one-third the chemicals of traditionally treated pools);
Using environmentally preferable products for bathroom and countertop cleaners;
Replacing all exterior double hung windows with energy efficient replacement windows;
Recycling all glass, paper, cardboard, and plastic in both the guest and employee areas of the property;
Preparing meals with emphasis on the use of locally produced foods from 13 local farms;
Conserving water and installing low flow water use fixtures (38,231gallons of water saved);
Using low VOC paints for both interior and exterior coatings (52 lbs VOCs reduced);
Increasing energy efficiency for lighting ($3,938 est. savings) by installing compact fluorescent lighting, reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 56,482 lbs and electricity use by 39,026 kWh.

Neil Porta, managing partner of the Black Point Inn, says, “The Black Point Inn is keenly aware of the importance in today’s energy environment, of reducing our carbon footprint. We appreciate Maine’s support through the Department of Environmental Protection, in assisting our efforts toward greater environmental awareness and cost savings.”

For more information about participation in the Maine Environmental Leader programs, contact the Office of Innovation toll-free at 1-800-789-9802 or by visiting www.maine.gov/dep/innovation.