Planning a trip to New Zealand?  If you’re going to Christchurch, take a look at cool, new eco-friendly Hotel SO.  The hotel is striving to become the “world’s most sustainable hotel” with green initiatives like its free electric car charging for guests and upcoming roof wind turbines.

Says Steven Dixon, hotel spokesperson:

“The electric car market is small now, but it will boom, and we like to be ahead of the curve. More importantly, it fits with our eco-friendly and progressive vision. This is just part of a number of initiatives aimed at being the most sustainable hotel in the world something we feel comfortable claiming as the energy consumed per room is dramatically lower than any comparable product.”

Guests at Hotel SO who are driving electric cars can park at the back of the hotel and plug their vehicle in for free overnight.  Staff also use a suite of “micro” electric cars for driving around the city and running errands.

The hotel’s design and operations include recycling, energy and water conservation and use of recycled, biodegradable and non-hazardous products.  It is planning to sponsor a Milford Sound conservation program focused on “protecting and growing populations of at-risk native New Zealand birds”.

Recently, the hotel was recognized at the 2009 HotelClub Awards, named the Best Superior Hotel in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.

For more info, check out the Hotel SO site.

Images courtesy of Hotel SO

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