October 2010, Hong Kong - Eaton Smart, Hong Kong is continuing its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of a 6 metre high by 8 metre wide indoor vertical green wall in its newly refurbished lobby. The green wall features 3600 Sansevieria trifasciata plants also known as - Mother in law's tongue or Snake plants. In China the plants are known as hǔwěilán (虎尾蘭).

These large leaf plants were specifically chosen to assist with improving indoor air quality through photosynthesis with every 10 plants purifying 100 square feet of air by reducing toxin such as Nitrogen Oxide and Formaldehyde. Most indoor plants also help absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen during the day however the Sansevieria plant chosen by Eaton also produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night. The use of this plant became popular in the 1990s after a report from NASA gave the plant a rating of 6.3 out of 10 for its ability to absorb indoor air pollution. Since then the plant has been used extensively in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. In the Philippines, arriving passengers at Manila's Centennial Airport are greeted by potted Sansevierias along the corridor of the arrival lounge.

As well as creating a healthier environment for hotel guests and visitors the plants reduce the velocity of mechanical air handling and the subsequent energy required to drive the air handling units. Reducing energy used is one of Eaton's Corporate Social Responsibility goals to achieve sound environmental practices and social policies across the entire organisation.

The lobby also features another sustainable material which is Bamboo walling and flooring. Bamboo can easily and quickly be re-grown and is typically harvested every four to five years without destroying the plant. In addition, because of its resiliency, bamboo doesn't have to be refinished as often as hardwood. This cuts down on the chemicals necessary to maintain the floor.

Guests and visitors can enjoy viewing the new green wall while they relax in the newly refurbished T Garden which is Eaton's new outdoor bar and dining area. Both areas are located on level L of the hotel.

About Eaton Smart, Hong Kong Eaton Smart, Hong Kong is located at 380 Nathan Road in the heart of Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Eaton Smart, Hong Kong is managed by Eaton Hotels International, an affiliate of Langham Hotels International. The Eaton is part of an environmental conscious and committed management company based in Hong Kong. It has actively introduced environmental and social performance initiatives to reduce overall resource consumption whilst promoting efficiency and behavioural change amongst colleagues, suppliers, guests and clients.

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For information on Eaton Hotel, please visit www.eatonhotels.com.

For media enquiry, please contact: Agnes Ma Assistant Communications Manager Eaton Smart, Hong Kong T (852) 2710 1046 F (852) 2710 1834 agnes.ma@eatonhotels.com