Wise Ways That Normandy Farm Is Protecting the Environment

Being a “friend to the environment” is at the top of the priority list at Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center and Blue Bell Country Club—after all, we are a farm. We not only respect the 200-plus acres of land that our property resides on, but we also value the environment of the surrounding area. It's critical for business and just plain smart to be aware of the benefits to everyone of being eco-friendly as we continue to secure our spot as a true farm of the future!

Look at the many ways that our dedicated staff takes care of helping the planet:

Efficient Kitchen

Executive chef Mtele Abubakar grew up in Mombasa, Kenya, where he adapted a philosophy to utilize every scrap of food—nothing is wasted. “Chef Abu’s” way of practice is not only good for the environment, it's really good for those who dine on one of his extraordinary culinary creations.

Chef Abu consistently utilizes 90–95 percent of everything that comes into the kitchen to create something delectably delicious on the menu. “I don’t allow waste in my kitchen,” he boasts. “That's how I was raised.” And get this—whatever the man can’t use at Normandy Farm, he takes home to his personal composting pile. How dedicated is that?

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Meats (procured from local Lancaster farms) are used from main entree to soup and everything in between. Whether sliced, ground or the fat rendered down to use for searing other meat, every piece is put to good use.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Fish, chicken and other meat bones and skins always make their way into rich stocks for sauces and soups.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Even herb stems are used in stock and for pestos. Seeds are dried or roasted and used as garnishes. Leaves of roasted veggies are used to add flavor at the final stages of prepping meals.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]And if that's not enough, Chef Abu lays claim to utilizing “combi-ovens” in the kitchen, which reduce cooking time and save electricity while maintaining the high integrity of the cuisine.

Let There Be Light

Erick Frieze, our resident electrician and knower-of-all-things with a plug has been with the Normandy Farm team for close to nine years. He practically lights up with excitement when asked for ways the company has saved energy (and money).

[if !supportLists]● [endif]With over 15,000 bulbs lighting up the Normandy Farm complex, simply swapping 90 percent of the existing bulbs with newer energy-efficient LED bulbs has cut energy use by two-thirds. Wow! The newer bulbs also cut down on heat (saving on air-conditioning costs), save man hours in maintenance and are warrantied for a full five years.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]The recent introduction of variable frequency drives (VFD) to all machines and motors allows equipment to “ramp down” the speed of motors to prevent unnecessary power consumption and double the lifespan of motors, including HVAC (heating and cooling systems) equipment.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]“Air curtains” are used in areas that have vast temperature differences, like dock entrances and walk-in refrigerators and freezers. These “curtains” automatically come on using compressed air when doors are opened so heat or cool air is not lost or wasted.

Glorious Groundskeeping

Having six years under his belt, Denis Bergey, our superintendent of grounds for the Normandy Farm complex as well as our award-winning Arnold Palmer 18-hole golf course, also is quick to describe a few ways that the grounds crew keeps the sacred acreage close to heart.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Bio-safe degradable liquid fertilizers have been incorporated that absorb into the ground quickly—as opposed to granular fertilizers that tend to runoff and are wasted.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Newer “Tier 4” motors have been added to the grounds fairway and tractor mowers. Considered a no-smoke engine, canisters within the motors collect bad carbons and prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]On the grounds at Normandy Farm are two destination high-power TESLA charging stations for electric vehicles that are FREE of charge (pun intended) to guests. May the Force Be with You

When it comes to saving energy while remaining efficient, director of IT Stephen Ferraguti has the 411 on everything geek. Seriously though, Steve makes sure that all the critical systems of this hotel and conference center are “Star Wars” perfect while saving energy along the way.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]All computers have an average of a five-year span to stay current. Once past that stage, Steve oversees the local donation of usable computer parts as well as sending unusable drives, monitors and printers to proper recycling centers throughout Montgomery County.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]A major server upgrade of 40% of the outdated “keepers of all info” is currently in the works. Not only will it make the business more efficient, but the amount of power the newer servers will save is exponential.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]A new phone system is in place (and growing) that uses one ethernet cord to power phones—eliminating the need for energy-hogging and grossly inefficient inverters.

[if !supportLists]● [endif]Calendar-driven HVAC servers are in place that monitor conference room and guest room locations by those in use. In other words, when a room is not scheduled, the heat or AC is controlled remotely via a main schedule of occupancy.

Are you as excited as we are to see how Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center and the Blue Bell Country Club are sharing in their part in keeping our environment safe? Come take a look for yourself and contact one of our representatives today.

Located just 25 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and situated in the heart of Blue Bell, Pa., Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is more than a meticulously restored American landmark—it's a fully wired, high-tech hospitality venue. Relax on our grand terrace, sip a cocktail in America's oldest silo, play a challenging game of golf on our championship course, plan an event with us or dine on our delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It all adds up to One Historic Experience.