Sustainability
Aurora is a very special place: a place of ancient trees, ensconced on the east by rolling hills with uninterrupted views, and protected by the calm shores of Cayuga Lake to the west. The village itself—founded in 1789, now a National Historic District—is brimming with remarkable architectural gems, many of which today make up the Inns of Aurora. We are dedicated to maintaining the beauty and authenticity of these fine historic buildings, yet we also believe we have a responsibility to care for our natural environment and minimize our impact on the planet’s health.
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In 2023, the Spa at the Inns of Aurora became the first spa in the United States to receive the WELL Certification by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Created through seven years of rigorous research and development, the WELL Building Standard is a vehicle for buildings and organizations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being, with evidence-based scientific research.
Sustainable Restoration
While restoring over a dozen one hundred-year-old plus buildings, we utilized today’s technology to create a more sustainable future. From installing windows that reduce energy loss by over 80% to maintaining original millwork, we view each new project as an opportunity to marry the beauty of the past with the leading systems of the present.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal systems leverage the Earth’s consistent below-ground temperature—warmer than the outdoors in the winter and cooler in the summer—to regulate the building’s climate. Nearly four times more efficient than a traditional furnace, geothermal systems heat and cool the majority of our resort.
Water Management
As a lakefront resort, responsible water management is an important element of our sustainability initiatives. Above and belowground retention features throughout the resort minimize stormwater runoff. To water our lawns on Main Street, we pump water directly from the lake, avoiding the need to filter and chemically treat the water we use for irrigation.
Lighting Design
Light pollution is a significant issue for both humans and animals, disrupting sleep cycles and affecting natural ecosystems. To protect the natural night sky and minimize blue-spectrum light, our resort utilizes Dark Sky Compliant lighting. At the Spa, a state-of-the-art computerized system manages both interior and exterior lighting controls, automatically dimming lights when sufficient natural light is available.
Environmental Practices
We are proud to use the Sense line of bath amenities from William Roam, a member of EPA’s exclusive Green Power Partner program. This all-natural collection is free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. In partnership with American Forests, William Roam has planted a tree for every guest room at the Inns of Aurora.
