Westin Hotels and Resorts has has introduced new environmentally sustainable operations and programmes at The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler in British Columbia, Canada as part of its strategy to establish the property as the ski resort's "greenest hotel".

New schemes at the 419-bedroom resort include energy-efficient lighting, Energy Star appliances, a hybrid guest shuttle, a comprehensive carbon footprint programme and a Sempa hybrid boiler system.

The Westin Resort & Spa is also the first resort in Whistler to install the Energex sensors, increasing the green options for guests during their stay.

The infrared-based technology can detect the presence of a guest in a suite, and when vacant, automatically adjust the temperature to a more moderate, energy-efficient level.

A centralized building automation system also allows real time control of the temperature of every suite simultaneously to conserve energy during periods of lower occupancy.

The system is expected to reduce the property's carbon footprint by more than 54 tons of greenhouse gasses annually.

"This makes an important addition to our conservation strategy," said hotel manager Bryce Beatty. "We're very excited to have this project complete and to measure the positive impact it has."