Fancy, schmancy: Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte to be the company's first green property

Scheduled to open in October 2009, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte will unveil a host of eco-friendly initiatives for the luxury lodging company, being its first environmentally-built hotel (and the first for greater Charlotte), designed to attain LEED Gold certification in two distinct categories.

The hotel is expected to earn an LEED Gold New Construction certification once it opens, followed by LEED Gold Existing Building certification the following year. This dual certification would set a new benchmark for the luxury hotel industry.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a multi-category green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Certification is awarded to select properties based on their site sustainability, water efficiency, energy use and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design for a new building or innovation in operations for an existing building.

Green sophistication

Highlighting its eco-conscious features, the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte will utilize a Natura water purification system that will save approximately 73,000 plastic bottles from landfills, save more than 104 barrels of oil, eliminate nearly 49 tons of CO2 emissions and save almost 605,000,000 BTUs of electricity each year.

The hotel’s super-efficient air transfer system will circulate outside air into guest rooms and suites, while its bi-level penthouse Wellness Center will utilize only organic and vegan spa products.

Hotel meeting space will feature recycled aluminum conference tables, and parking will be complimentary for Hybrid vehicles.

“Attainment of LEED building and operational certification is a first for the top-tier hotel-brand sector,” said David Rothwell, General Manager. “Our environmental and sustainable practices have been developed as meaningful guest amenities, offering a next generation in guest well-being. We look forward to delivering a supremely comfortable yet environmentally-mindful guest experience, carefully integrating green and sustainable practices with the rigorous standards of The Ritz-Carlton brand.”

More sustainable highlights include:

• A green, vegetated rooftop is planted on the hotel to reduce the “urban heat island effect”. The green roof reflects heat, thus reducing the amount of energy needed for air conditioning. It also slows rain runoff and insulates the rooftop, keeping the building cooler overall.
• More than 80% of construction waste is recycled, diverting 3,900 tons of debris from landfills as of April 2009.
• Water usage is reduced by 35% by installing high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, saving 700,000 gallons of water in the first year alone.
• The hotel will contract with a green power supplier to purchase 35% of the building’s electricity use for two years.
• The hotel building uses 30% less energy than a conventional hotel through use of ultra-efficient materials and the latest construction technology.
• 150 bicycle parking spaces are provided for hotel guests, with complimentary bicycle usage and Bike Valet services available for guests.
• Local complimentary transportation will be provided to guests on weekday mornings, with a Hybrid vehicle to be used for this service.
• Hybrid and electric vehicles will receive complimentary valet parking.
• Interior use of low-emitting volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, adhesives and carpets reduces indoor air contamination.
• All hotel dining and beverage menus incorporate organic, local and 100% natural products, while all unused food will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
• The hotel Wellness Center incorporates Eco-Luxe treatments utilizing 100% organic and vegan products.
• Environmentally-sensitive cleaning products will be used throughout the hotel.

The hotel also plans to conduct regular community activities focused on environmental conservation. The hotel’s pre-opening team has already led a city clean-up project, and upcoming activities include community recycling days for consumer electronics, used athletic shoes and bicycles.

Luxury at its finest

The 146 room, 18-story hotel will feature a 13,000-square-foot bi-level penthouse Wellness Center, fitness center and saline-treated swimming pool, as well as 12,000+ square-feet of state-of-the-art meeting space.

Dining highlights include the Lobby Lounge’s regional and organic culinary choices and signature martinis, cocktails, wines, coffees and flavored ice teas, while a street-side BLT Steak offers prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, a wide variety of tempting side dishes, and classic American dessert favorites.

Located seven miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the hotel enjoys a walkable setting moments from Uptown Charlotte’s favorite sights, sounds, businesses and attractions.

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is scheduled to open in October 2009, with individual reservations to be accepted beginning July 24, for stays beginning October 1, 2009.

For more info, visit www.ritzcarlton.com, or call the hotel’s pre-opening office at 704.547.2244.