Better Men Better World Search

San Francisco is Ground Zero for the global environmental movement. San Franciscans are proud of their long history of environmental activism, and some joke that you can’t get through the Golden Gate unless you tote your own water bottle, coffee mug, reusable bags, and CF light bulbs in the trunk of your Prius. So how does a single activist stand out in a city full of green do-gooders? It’s easy when that person is W San Francisco General Manager Michael Pace. His commitment, actions and accolades set him apart.

As General Manager of the four-diamond W San Francisco hotel, Michael led an employee-driven program to pursue LEED Silver Certification – the first major brand hotel in the world to receive LEED recognition for an existing building. Under Michael’s direction, W San Francisco has helped create an emerging industry standard that puts sustainability first, while also maintaining a competitive edge and promoting green practices to both guests and other businesses.

Michael started by creating the World Program, which empowered employees to recognize and adopt improved sustainable practices in their day-to-day jobs. From new energy efficient HVAC systems to offering guests free bicycles during their stay, Michael’s team made systematic changes and implemented new day-to-day practices that reduced the hotel’s energy usage by 300 k/wh per year. To “top off” these efforts, Michael is working with the City of San Francisco to place wind turbines on the hotel’s roof – which would make it San Francisco’s first wind-powered commercial building.

Michael’s enthusiasm has long been recognized as an alternative energy source, and one in which San Francisco leaders frequently tap into to support worthy programs. Michael serves on the San Francisco Travel Association (SFCVB) board of directors. He is chairman and president of the HARF (Hotel and Restaurant Foundation). He is an advisory board member for City CarShare, and he is on the board of directors for both CHLA (California Hotel and Lodging Association) and Hotel Council of San Francisco.

For Michael Pace, “Act Locally” has truly helped set a new global standard for businesses seeking to adopt the best environmental practices. For this, we think Michael Pace is a better man, helping to make a better world.