Arista becomes the first LEED-Certified hotel in Illinois

Read more about: Chicago, green building, hospitality, Hotels, LEED, recycling, social responsibility

After a long evaluation process, Naperville, Illinois’ Hotel Arista has finally earned an official LEED certification almost a full year since its opening, becoming the state’s first hotel to ever achieve LEED status.

Situated 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, the 144-room modern and residential-style hotel offers “urban sophistication in a suburban setting,” balancing contemporary amenities and design with eco-friendliness.

“We are thrilled to have accomplished this certification, which not only demonstrates that being environmentally friendly is how we were constructed from the ground up, but also as the way we operate and the very core of what Hotel Arista stands for,” says Jeff Wardlaw, general manager, Hotel Arista.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System, established and managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green building design, construction and operations. LEED continually transforms the marketplace, both directly and indirectly, by providing a nationally recognized certification system to promote integrated, whole-building design practices in the building industry.

Green from the ground up

While being built, Hotel Arista established its initial promise to sustainabilty with its commitment to recycling 70% of construction waste. Now, while open tot he public, the hotel uses 30% less water and 21% less energy than hotels of comparable size by adhering to LEED standards and to operational practices designed to conserve energy and reduce waste consumption.

“Hotel Arista’s LEED certification not only marks a first for the state of Illinois, but is a leading example for how the retail and hospitality industries can and should be invested in environmental well-being and social responsibility,” said CEO and President Rick Fedrizzi of the U.S. Green Building Council. “Furthermore, consuming less energy and fewer resources will equate to great fiscal savings throughout the lifecycle of the property.”

All cleaning products at the hotel are completely free of all chemicals , while abundant natural lighting contributes to the hotel’s energy savings.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, SugarToad, also utilizes many organic and locally-sourced products, in addition to an on-site garden. Each guestroom also offers a “Nosh Box” which is stocked with local, regional and organic food items.

For more, check out Hotel Arista online.

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