Radisson Blu Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the first hotel in the world to install CarbinX™, a carbon-capture technology unit developed by CleanO2.

The installation is part of a pilot program being conducted by CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility. The property is one of 10 the utility’s commercial customers in Minnesota participating in the program.

The size of about two home refrigerators, the CarbinX device is connected directly to the flue of the hotel’s natural gas water heating equipment, where it captures carbon dioxide (C02) and converts it to a nontoxic carbonate powder known as pearl ash. Clean02, the manufacturer of CarbinX, collects the pearl ash and recycles it as a key ingredient in commercial products such as soaps and detergents. The products are sold online at Clean02.ca to customers in the U.S. and Canada, and through several retail chains and boutiques in Canada.

Radisson Blu MOA, which is part of Choice Hotels International, also expects to reduce its energy bill because the CarbinX unit recycles heat, increasing efficiency in the water heating system to achieve both energy and cost savings.

“We are thrilled to be leading the way to the future of hospitality stewardship,” said Alberto Abreu, general manager, Radisson Blu MOA. “We at Radisson Blu Mall of America and Choice Hotels International are committed to being part of the climate change solution, and we are proud to be a leader in the industry as the first hotel in the world to install a CarbinX unit. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with CenterPoint Energy and Clean02 to demonstrate the success of CarbinX in this setting, and we’re extremely optimistic about the impact this technology can make.”

Jaeson Cardiff, CEO of Clean02, said, “Moving carbon capture technology to the mainstream takes vision and commitment. At some point, we hope people will take it for granted. But right now, we need leadership and collaboration. That’s exactly what we’ve experienced from CenterPoint Energy and Radisson Blu Mall of America. We’re proud to collaborate with them for this installation.”

Choice Hotels notes that having this innovative new technology installed at Radisson Blu MOA is one example of its overall focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts to strengthen sustainability in the lodging industry while driving financial returns and lower costs for owners.

Additional CarbinX installations are being considered for inclusion in CenterPoint Energy’s first five-year innovation plan under the Natural Gas Innovation Act, a new Minnesota energy law.