Element Hotels rolls out the green carpet for eco-savvy drivers

By the end of 2009, every Element Hotel property will have ChargePoint Charging Stations for electric vehicles, as well as preferred parking for electric cars and hybrids.

Element Hotels has just announced its plans to install ChargePoint electric car-charging stations at all of its properties by the end of 2009, as well as offer preferred space for electric and hybrid vehicles.

This move is one more step toward the Starwood-owned brand’s huge initiative to establish itself as THE premiere environmentally-friendly hotel chain.

The eco-chic brand recently tested a pilot of this program at its Element Lexington property, which turned out to be a tremendous success. The program is a first for the hotel industry.

“At Element, we aim to provide greener options for our guests, and the charging stations are a perfect next step,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty-Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Even guests who don’t yet drive electric cars tell us that the charging stations are encouraging them to think about more sustainable alternatives, and that’s very gratifying.”

With six Element hotels open to-date, Element is the only major hotel brand to mandate that its properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The ChargePoint Networked Charging Station was developed by California innovator Coulomb Technologies.

ChargePoint has partnered with Carbon Day Automotive to make the stations available at all current Element properties, as well as properties that the brand plans to open over the next several years.

Catering to a universal appeal

A few months back, President Barack Obama called for a million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015. Since then, utility companies across the country have pledged to increase efforts to expand the use of plug-in electric vehicles, while policymakers are increasingly turning to electric cars as a way to cut the emission of heat-trapping greenhouse gas linked to climate change.

Using Google Maps, travelers can locate the charging station and determine whether it is in use or unoccupied. Sleek and slim, ChargePoint devices are equipped with a universal plug-in for all kinds of electric vehicles, from cars and buses to electric bikes.

Plug-in hybrid cars, expected to roll out over the next few years, are also compatible. To use the stations, guests will simply swipe a key fob, plug in, and charge up. Guests who pull up in electric or hybrid cars will also get VIP green carpet treatment with “Hybrid Preferred” parking spots closest to Element hotels’ front doors.

Element will also be allowing non-guests to use the charging stations, similar to regular gas stations across the country.

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Barack Obama, cars, climate change, ELEMENT Hotels, google, green building, LEED, resorts, Starwood