San Francisco's new InterContinental aiming for LEED Certification

The InterContinental San Francisco just announced its plan to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification by early 2010. Working in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the organization that sets the standards and categories for LEED® certification, the InterContinental San Francisco is applying for certification in the “existing build operations and maintenance” category (EBOM) and will be evaluated on every facet of the property from construction and design elements to the types of amenities used in hotel guestrooms.

The InterContinental San Francisco, the first of a new generation of hotels, opened in February 2008. The 550-room hotel is set in the heart of San Francisco, in the city’s bustling South of Market district and adjacent to the Moscone Convention Center. Pursuing LEED® certification was a goal of the InterContinental San Francisco prior to its opening and since its debut the hotel has committed itself to integrating as many sustainable practices as possible into daily operations and upkeep of the property.

“From working with local organic and sustainable farmers at our restaurant Luce to our comprehensive recycling program throughout the property, we are constantly striving to run our business as efficiently and responsibly as possible for both our guests and our community,” says InterContinental San Francisco General Manager Peter Koehler. “We know it is our responsibility to respect the environment and pursing LEED® certification is the next step in our commitment for a better future.”

Since its opening, the InterContinental San Francisco has integrated numerous sustainable practices in an effort to achieve this certification. Sustainable measures that have been integrated include mold free dry wall, which ensures a safe environment by providing superior indoor air quality for guests and employees alike; floor to ceiling windows throughout the entire property that offer an abundance of natural light and reduce the need for electricity; public terraces that provide guests with access to nearly 13,000 square feet of outdoor space; double-paned windows to reduce UV exposure, noise, and temperature fluctuation and re-commissioning of its energy systems by bringing in a third party to evaluate and upgrade its current systems to make them more efficient.

In guest rooms and meeting spaces, motion sensors shut down power in unoccupied guestrooms to conserve energy; natural, automatic sensors on sinks and toilets conserve water; digital reader boards throughout the hotel and in meeting spaces reduce the amount of paper used for special events and a linen and towel re-use program, reusable laundry, shoe and newspaper bags and recyclable bins are offered in every guest room.

The InterContinental’s I-Spa uses products that feature organic ingredients and recycled packaging whenever possible; 100 % micro-fiber sheets and amenity robes cut down on drying time and expendable energy during the cleaning process and all spa products are free of synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes or colors, paraben and petroleum and are not tested on animals.

Luce restaurant at the InterContinental San Francisco is committed to sourcing local, organic and sustainable ingredients and uses energy efficient kitchen equipment such as Rationale Combi-Ovens. The hotel uses Green Bull Product, a microbial based natural cleaner that utilizes microbes and bacteria to eliminate fat, oils and grease that clog pipes which reduces the amount of contaminants and toxins that filter into the city’s sewer system and is the safest option for employees and has implemented a comprehensive recycling program that manages 70% of generated waste. Bicycle storage is also offered to all employees encouraging them to use green modes of transportation.

The InterContinental San Francisco expects to receive LEED® certification by early 2010 and will continue to evaluate its current practices, seeking and implementing new sustainable measures and eco-friendly initiatives.

For more information on the InterContinental San Francisco, visit www.intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com.