The report suggests through clear evidence that a “green” building does not necessarily protect human health. Yet, the urgency remains for us to include human health in the definition of what it means to be “green” or “environmentally responsible.”

EHHI is a nonprofit organization composed of doctors, public health professionals and policy experts who specialize in research that examines environmental threats to human health. The organization receives no funding from corporations or businesses.

“Although the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program has effectively encouraged energy efficiency in buildings, tighter buildings often concentrate chemicals released from building materials, cleaning supplies, fuel combustion, pesticides and other hazardous substances,” noted John Wargo, Ph.D., professor of Risk Analysis and Environmental Policy at Yale University.

“The underlying problem is that thousands of different chemicals, many of them well recognized to be hazardous, are allowed by the federal government to become components of building materials,” Wargo added. “Very few of these chemicals have been tested to identify their toxicity, environmental fate or the danger they pose to human health. Although the primary stated purposes of the Green Building Council are to promote both energy efficiency and human health, even the Council’s most prestigious Platinum award does little to ensure that hazardous chemicals are kept out of the certified buildings.”

Dr. Mark Cullen, chief of Internal Medicine at Stanford University Medical School, reviewed the report and concluded, “Dr. Wargo and colleagues warn us now of the potential for green building technologies—even while they bring important energy benefits—to jeopardize the indoor air we breathe, the water we drink and the overall safety of our habitats. This is a timely lesson from a very sage group.”

Fixing LEED

EHHI discovered that LEED standards have been incorporated into numerous federal, state and local laws by way of legislation, executive orders, resolutions and tax credits. Many corporations and other institutions also have adopted LEED standards without fully understanding that energy conservation efforts often reduce the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, which can cause synthetic chemicals to concentrate within buildings. EHHI is especially concerned that the LEED program is now providing the false impression that the buildings it certifies protect human health. LEED’s highest rating, “Platinum,” is attainable without earning any credits for indoor air quality protection.

“This is a lucid, well reasoned and balanced critique of the LEED certification process,” commented Dr. Philip Landrigan, Ethel H. Wise Professor and chairman, Department of Preventive Medicine, at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. “The authors argue on the basis of carefully assembled scientific data that LEED needs to be amended to better account for the potential health hazards of the toxic chemicals used in modern building materials. Energy efficiency and sustainability are laudable goals and LEED has done much to advance them. But health is important, too, and now it needs to receive careful consideration in building design.”

EHHI is recommending that numerous changes be made to the Green Building Council’s LEED program that will encourage it to become more health protective. The recommendations include:

• The Green Building Council should simplify the LEED scoring system within categories. Rather than issuing awards of “platinum,” “gold” and so on, the Council should require performance within each category (health, energy, sites, neighborhoods, etc.) on a 0-100 scale.
• The Green Building Council should expand its board expertise to include people in the area of human health. The board is now dominated by developers, engineers, chemical and materials manufacturers, and architects.
• The government should categorize building products to identify: a) those that contain hazardous compounds; b) those that have been tested and found to be safe; and c) those that have been insufficiently tested, making a determination of hazard or safety impossible. This database should be freely available on the Internet.
• The chemical content and country of origin of building materials should be clearly identifiable on building product labels.
• The Green Building Council should support federal efforts to require the testing of chemicals used in many building products for their toxicity, environmental fate and threat to human health.

For more information, click here.

The 366-room hotel does in fact house the largest solar panel building installation in all of Northern Europe, with every bit of it 85 meter-tall sunny façade and roof covered in panels. This impressive system is estimated to generate about 170,000 kw/h worth of power on a yearly basis.

While that may not be enough to make the hotel self-sufficient, it will undoubtedly help it on the way; the average European household consumes around 5,000 kWh per year.

The hotel also uses the first groundwater-based heating and cooling system. By drawing water from 100 meters underground, the system effectively uses the earth as a heat source in winter and heat reducer in summer. It is expected to reduce the energy needed to heat or cool the hotel by around 90 percent.

According to the hotel’s management, low energy lighting, computer equipment and kitchen equipment has also been installed to save energy.

“Future hotel guests will require hotels to run their businesses and operations based on environmentally friendly principles, without compromising on modern comforts and luxury,” said Mr. Allan L. Agerholm, the general manager. “We have therefore made the decision to build the most environmentally friendly Hotel building in Denmark- even the hand dryers in the public toilets have been selected based on their energy consumption.”

The hotel meets EU Regulations for an EU Green Building, meaning that its emissions are a maximum 5.7kg per guest per night, compared to 8.4 kg per guest per night. In actual fact, when using renewable energy sources, the action CO2 emissions are 0 kg per guest.

Hot competition

The competition to be green is hotting up in the accommodation industry.

In October 2008, the Proximity Hotel in North Carolina became the first hotel to achieve the US Government’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum green building standard, similar to the EU’s own program.

Since then, the hotel has regularly been voted the world’s greenest hotel – featuring 100 solar panels on the roof to heat approximately 60 percent of the hotel’s hot water, and a geothermal cooling system for the restaurants refrigeration equipment.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts, a worldwide leader in travel lodging, is successfully building its Element brand – a line of green, sustainable, boutique-like properties worldwide.

These properties, and others like them, will hopefully serve as a proper model for future design as well as the restoration of older, established lodgings.

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.

Launching at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and subsequent celebrity party, the all-suite hotel welcomed Vdara’s employees to be the first to officially walk through the hotel’s doors.

“We are incredibly proud to offer the world this first taste of all that CityCenter will bring to the Las Vegas Strip,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. “Travelers will finally find in Las Vegas what they find in other great cities around the world – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities. We look forward to unveiling all of this and more as the month unfolds.”

Vdara is the first hotel to open at CityCenter, which in total will put 12,000 employees to work in Las Vegas. The resort is an all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment.

Physically connected to The Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara offers access to all the amenities and energy of CityCenter while also providing a retreat from it all.

Vdara, together with Vanity Fair, threw a star-studded, invite-only event hosted by famed photographer Sebastian Copeland – a dedicated environmental activist, who shares Vdara’s commitment to sustainability, which is evidenced in the resort’s LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Also on hand for the festivities were award-winning actors Orlando Bloom and Rosario Dawson.

CityCenter will celebrate openings throughout the month, culminating with one final grand opening celebration, December 16. Crystals retail and entertainment district opens December 3, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas December 4 and ARIA Resort & Casino December 16.

City within a city

The forthcoming CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

CityCenter features ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel & Spa; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district.

At the forefront of sustainability, CityCenter is one of the world’s largest green developments. ARIA, Vdara, Crystals, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers all have received LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This marks the highest LEED achievement for any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. The Harmon also is pursuing LEED certification.

Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010.

For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com as well as www.vdara.com.

Beginning in 2010, the prototype model will save hotel owners arpound $100,000 as well as six months of design time, while reducing energy and water use by almost 25%.

LEED, which if you don’t know by now stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the “gold standard” of environmental stewardship for the hospitality industry.

“Marriott’s’ commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale,” said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.

The green hotel prototype has initially been created for Marriott’s Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline across the globe.

The Courtyard Settler’s Ridge in Pittsburgh, Penn., scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, will be the first to be built based on the new green hotel prototype concept.

“We are very excited to have collaborated with Marriott on this significant initiative to help mold the Courtyard brand to be green for the future,” said Mark Laport, president and CEO, Concord Hospitality. “We are committed to green building designs which are now being incorporated at different levels in every building we develop. We expect to build many more LEED-certified hotels using this prototype in the future.”

More to love

Referred to by the USGBC as “volume build certification,” the green hotel prototype will let Marriott continue its strides in “greenability” in mass production.

The company already has 50 hotels registered for LEED, with 15 open or set to open by the end of 2010. The Inn & Conference Center by Marriott at the University of Maryland in College Park was the first LEED hotel in North America, and Marriott’s recently opened Portland Courtyard City Center in Oregon was just awarded LEED-Gold status.

Other green hotels are planned in the Caribbean and Latin America, in partnership with Caribe Hospitality. As a benchmark, there are only 31 LEED-certified hotels across the entire U.S. lodging industry.

Ahead of the curve

“The green hotel prototype gives Marriott a competitive edge with guests who prefer a green hotel experience, and with the growing number of owners and franchisees who want to provide it,” said Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s President and Chief Operating Officer at the USGBC’s annual Green Build conference in Phoenix today.

While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms. These features are becoming even more important to travelers, who said that supporting environmentally-responsible travel service suppliers is a necessity, even in an economic downturn, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.

Marriott was recently ranked one of Newsweek’s “The Greenest Big Companies,” and has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists; the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org; and Travel + Leisure magazine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored Marriott with its Sustained Excellence Award for the third straight year, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR® label to approximately 275 Marriott hotels.

The company’s Spirit To Preserve environmental strategy calls for has also instituted the greening of its $10 billion supply chain by:

• Reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room
• Creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
• Educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment
• Inviting guests to add to the company’s $2 million commitment to help save the rainforest in Brazil.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/environment or www.marriott.com/savetherainforest.

The 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa, salon and fitness center is committed to “sustainable luxury”. Selected by Green Spa Network to be network’s very first Las Vegas member, Vdara Health & Beauty carefully selects retail partners that share its concern for the environment; utilizing organic or wild-crafted, paraben-free products, implementing a recycling program and use of recycled paper for spa materials, and aproviding natural nail services using a vegan treatment line.

Vdara is an all-suite hotel and spa designed within the new Las Vegas CityCenter that caters to those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment.

Solidifying CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability, Vdara has achieved LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Physically connected to Bellagio and adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara will offer access to all of the entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and throughout Las Vegas, while also providing a retreat from it all.

Soothing calm amidst the bustle of Vegas

Located on the second level of the CityCenter’s new Vdara, guests are welcomed by a two-story waterfall comprised of shimmering strings of beads that glisten as water cascades down them into the reflective pool below. Sapele wood floors with mink marble and river-stone floor accents will create a sleek and modern look throughout the space.

Each level of the spa will express a distinct atmosphere laced with luxury. The first level will be a light, social space where patrons can mingle in the main reception lobby, enter the fitness center and salon, browse the spa boutique or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar. The wellness spa on the second level will inspire a calm and soothing energy.

Even the lobby itself will feature a champagne bar that will include a thoughtful selection of champagne and wine for guests to enjoy while relaxing in the lobby or experiencing a manicure, pedicure or hair service in the salon.

Finding wellness

Eleven private treatment rooms, retreats, and serene lounges featuring inviting soaking tubs and dramatic circular waterfalls allow guests to immerse themselves in complete relaxation while enjoying a selection of herbal teas and apothecary-infused water, redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms.

Spa treatments, comprised of a variety of massages, body treatments and skin care services, focus on holistic health by incorporating high-grade and organic ingredients derived from fruits, herbs, flowers, vegetables and oils.

The salon at Vdara Health & Beauty will boast a full menu of services for men and women including nail care by “SpaRitual.” Known for creating eco-friendly products, SpaRitual has developed a collection of sophisticated nail products that are DBP, formaldehyde and toluene-free, as well as  the first spa treatment line of vegan nail care products.

For those looking for a more active way to let off some steam, a variety of cardio equipment with individual entertainment centers, exercise machines and free weights will be available in the spa’s fitness center. Fitness classes will include strength training and yoga, with personal trainers and yoga instructors available for individual or group instruction. A registered dietician also will be available for nutritional consultation.

On the upper level of the spa, guests will be able to enjoy spa and salon treatments poolside at Sky Pool & Lounge – boasting six spa cabanas with interior seating, outdoor chaise lounges and private plunge pools. Poolside spa treatments will feature Akhassa, a line inspired by spa rituals from Thailand with properties of lemongrass, Kaffir lime, jasmine and hibiscus flower.

For more information about Vdara Health & Beauty, visit www.vdara.com.

Previously known as “Vail Resorts 360,” ECHO encompasses the company’s long-standing efforts in volunteerism, environmental stewardship and charitable contributions.

“As part of our almost year-long process in putting together our recently announced Hayman Restoration Partnership, we learned more about the goals and ideals of our entire corporate responsibility efforts,” said Rob Katz, chairman and CEO for Vail Resorts. “We realized that these efforts are aimed at mitigating our ‘footprint’ on the environment and on our communities. But even more important, it’s the impact our actions and behavior can have with our guests and our communities as we look to stake out leadership positions on important issues.”

You may recall just a few days ago a post about the Hayman Restoration Partnership – a joint effort in which Vail is partnered with both the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation to benefit forest restoration and clean water projects as part of Colorado’s largest reforestation efforts.

The same partnership has also committed to raising up to $500,000 per year for local conservation projects that improve and enhance the forests in and around the resorts – helping to build trails, improve wildlife habitat, mitigate pine beetle effects and improve the overall health of the White River and Lake Tahoe forests.

Vail is also working on its own internal energy conservation initiatives; aiming to reduce energy consumption by 10% by the end of next year.

“It’s how what we do resonates and is amplified with our five stakeholders: our employees, shareholders, guests, communities and the environment,” continued Katz. “We feel the word ‘echo’ is in better keeping with our goals and will offer a better connection with our guests. It is our hope that Vail Resorts ECHO continues to reverberate positively in the places where we live, work and play for generations to come.”

Environmental activism

Vail Resorts boasts the largest “on-mountain” recycling program in the world, recycling over 3 tons of waste per year, while it plans to eliminate ALL internally used paper products by 2011 as well as develop composting programs at select properties.

Architecturally, the company has partnered with the University of Colorado to develop new, green building standards as well as a comprehensive database of green building materials and resources for developers to use on all projects both on and off the mountain.

For guests, Vail has implemented the “Appetite for Life” program, offering high quality, organic and natural food to the company’s on-mountain restaurants and five-star resort dining experiences. The company also offers “Green Guest Rooms,” green weddings, events and meetings to all interested guests.

Giving back

The Vail Resorts ECHO program focuses its charitable contributions on two areas: youth and environment. In 2008, the company donated $5 million in cash and services to more than 100 local nonprofits across the resort communities, including The Vail Valley Foundation, The Summit Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and The Keystone Science School’s innovative Third Grade Local Ecosystems science program.

In 2009, 250 Vail employees donated their own time and skills to seven local community volunteer projects in Summit and Eagle Counties as well as South Lake Tahoe, Calif., planting over 1,000 trees in local forests and assisting in clean up efforts to protect the Eagle and Platte Rivers.

Starting in 2010, Vail Resorts ECHO plans to host a companywide volunteer day, bringing together every division of the company and nonprofits for one day in late spring to work on local community projects.

Through 2011, Vail Resorts will commit 1,500 hours of volunteer time to help with the Hayman Restoration Partnership, allowing employees to take a hands-on approach to one of the most critical forest restoration projects in the state.

For more information on Vail Resorts ECHO, visit www.vailresorts.com.

Originally built in 1928, the 22-guestroom Bancroft Hotel is a National Registered Landmark known for its historic charm, personalized service and eco-friendly practices. The hotel sits directly across the street from the University of California at Berkeley and next door to the Berkeley Art Museum.

“The Bancroft Hotel has a rich history,” said Daryl Ross, owner of the Bancroft Hotel. “It’s vital that we protect this heritage, and that includes the preservation of historically accurate furniture pieces that were previously custom-made for the hotel. The Refinishing Touch’s experience in wood preservation techniques and its skills in armoire conversion are vital to meeting our goals of preserving as much of the Bancroft’s history as possible while also keeping up with the expectations of today’s hotel guests.”

Sustainable history preservation

For Ross, it was essential that the project was as eco-friendly as possible.

“As part of our green commitment, I meticulously researched everything. With expert insight from David Gottfried, the founder of the US Green Building council, and green design advice from Kelly LaPlante and Dan Smith, I knew we had a great team. That’s why I was especially thrilled to discover the Refinishing Touch – plus they did all the work on-site, which saved greatly in shipping costs and limiting the ‘carbon footprint’ of the project.”

After multiple structural renovations in the early 1990s in preparation for Bay Area seismic activity, the hotel began this new project – focusing on sustainably preserving the history of the property; utlizing such “green” elements as organic cotton sheets and bamboo towels in each of its bedrooms as well as cork flooring, recycled carpet tiles, nontoxic paints and earth-friendly cleaning solutions throughout the property.

The hotel has been outfitted with custom made furniture pieces that are based on the architect’s original 1928 drawings of furniture (all of which were never actually made). The designs have been drawn to cater to the needs of the hotel’s 21st-century guests and to ensure space was maximized in each guest room.

The Refinishing Touch was selected to fulfill this role and convert historically accurate armoires into desks. In line with the Bancroft’s sustainability goals, the tops of the armoires will be re-used as material for new countertops.

The Refinishing Touch is a leader in environmentally safe furniture refinishing, fabric design and re-upholstering, armoire modifications, and customized granite. It has clients across the hospitality, college and government sectors and has saved the equivalent of 500,000 hardwood trees from destruction.

“We’re proud and honored to be part of this important project and to play a small part in the history of this landmark hotel,” said Mario Insenga, CEO and founder of The Refinishing Touch. “We have developed a unique process for the Bancroft that will preserve the carvings, character and style of its unique and valuable furniture while modernizing the pieces to ensure they remain useful for many years to come.”

Scheduled to open their doors this coming December, ARIA and Vdara are the first of CityCenter’s developments to be LEED certified. CityCenter anticipates Gold or Silver LEED certification for its remaining developments which include Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental; Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district; Veer Towers, the community’s only strictly residential buildings; and The Harmon (opening late 2010), a 400-room luxury boutique hotel.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Meeting the rigorous environmental standards of LEED Gold Certification is a testament to the complete integration of sustainable principles throughout the design and construction of ARIA and Vdara, and the remainder of CityCenter.

“From the beginning we believed that intelligent design and sustainable practices would reinforce a sense of permanence for CityCenter and create a healthier, more appealing environment for guests, residents and our workforce,” said Bobby Baldwin, CityCenter’s president and CEO. “The LEED Gold certification for ARIA and Vdara is a great leap forward in our effort to redefine the destination resort experience and provide a true cultural center to the Las Vegas Strip.”

Collaborating with the foremost sustainability and LEED consultants from throughout the nation, CityCenter has introduced more than 10,000 construction trade and craftsmen to green building techniques that can be implemented at other developments throughout Las Vegas and beyond.

“The CityCenter team set a standard for responsible growth in Las Vegas by pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification,” added Cindy Ortega, MGM MIRAGE’s senior vice president of Energy and Environmental Services Division. “CityCenter’s pursuit of LEED is driving green economies of scale in multiple industry segments, paving the way for other entities to build and operate sustainably.”

CityCenter will serve as a demonstration that a community can be both attractive and sustainable while providing exceptional entertainment, hospitality, and meeting and convention experiences. This blend of nature and luxury will be evident in the design and construction solutions employed to achieve dramatic improvements in energy efficiency, water conservation, and occupant health and comfort.

Highlights of CityCenter’s LEED efforts include:

• Energy generation through an 8.5-megawatt natural-gas co-generation plant
• Water conservation technology and programs that  save between 30 and 43 percent of water within the buildings and 60 percent in landscaping
• World’s first fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG)
• Nation’s most technologically advanced hotel rooms with exclusive features allowing guests to “green their stay”
• Development of slot machine bases that serve as floor air-conditioning distribution units, efficiently cooling public spaces from the ground up in the occupied zones, rather than wasting energy cooling the empty space below the ceiling
• Energy-efficiency initiatives providing a savings equivalent to powering 8,800 households annually
• Creation of a large-scale recycling operation that enabled the recycling or reuse of more than 260,000 tons of construction waste, including 97 percent of the imploded Boardwalk Hotel

CityCenter’s LEED certification effort was lead by MGM MIRAGE’s Energy and Environmental Services Division along with a recognized group of sustainability consultants including CTG Energetics, Green Building Services, Viridian Energy & Environmental, and The Fore Group.

Go to www.citycenter.com for more information.

LEED certification is the nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Originally built in 1977, the 521-room hotel is part of the 2.25-million-square-foot, 25-story 350 West Mart Center which has also been awarded LEED Gold certification.

The hotel’s recent $20 million redesign included extensive ecological measures, including a solar film on many of its windows to reduce solar heat gain and reduce air-conditioning load on the building. The installation of this solar film will also create a better thermal climate in many areas of the hotel.

Beyond changes to the actual physical characteristics of the building itself, the entire Mart Plaza has adopted a Sustainable Purchasing Policy; giving preference to green products for cleaning supplies, office supplies, furniture, electronic equipment, lamps, and renovation materials in order to reduce environmental impacts of materials acquired for use in the ongoing operations, maintenance, and future upgrades of the hotel.

“We are always striving to better serve our community, our guests and the globe with efforts as aggressive as this redesign and as small as using ‘green’ cleaning products,” says France Langan, director of sales and marketing at the hotel. “This is a priority for the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.”

With the new policy in place, approximately 60% of facility alterations and additions (renovation) and almost 50% of furniture purchases met third-party LEED sustainability criteria building-wide. Purchasing highlights from the Mart Plaza’s recent redesign project include carpeting certified by the Carpet and Rug institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus certification systems, chairs and cabinets made with Forest Stewardship Council certified sustainable wood, recycled upholstery fabric, and energy conserving guestroom TVs.

Many additional initiatives such as a Solid Waste Management Policy that requires recycling or other diversion of ongoing consumables, durable goods, facility alterations and additions, and mercury-containing lamps, have been adopted at the hotel.

For more information, visit www.martplaza.com.

The hotel’s sleek, new urban design elements complement the building’s antique instinct and structure, including exposed brick throughout, large windows, pillars and high ceilings. Blending seamlessly into its loft-like, historic setting, this singular, contemporary hotel is owned by a joint venture between Hamilton Properties Corp. and Sava Holdings, Ltd., both Dallas-based development companies.

The transformation of the original train depot into Aloft Dallas Downtown was completed over a three-year period under the direction of the architecture and design team at One Group Design, LP. Following the brand’s initial debut in Montreal in 2008, Aloft has since opened 30 hotels spanning 3 countries. Starwood plans to further the brand’s development through adaptive, re-use projects like Aloft Dallas Downtown.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, adaptive re-use projects like the Aloft Dallas Downtown can offer developers significant advantages and provide great benefits to communities in search of urban renewal opportunities,” said Simon Turner, president of Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Through the redevelopment of historic or older structures, developers can gain access to prime real estate to create an innovative and historically meaningful hotel, while benefiting from unique zoning opportunities and public subsidies. We see great opportunities to use this approach in many cities throughout the world.”

“While all of Starwood’s nine lifestyle brands are candidates for adaptive re-use projects, Aloft is particularly well-suited based on its urban design aesthetic and appeal to savvy travelers,” said Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “In this case, an 85-year-old railroad depot was successfully transfigured into a modern, hip hotel by incorporating the loft-like design scheme, high ceilings, open floor plans and large windows that are characteristic of Aloft.”

“The designer did a fabulous job marrying the old building with the new,” said general manager Al Hunter. “We essentially dropped a new, ultra-modern building inside the bones of a warehouse that is on the historic register. This concept preserves the history of Dallas and showcases all the Aloft brand’s modern amenities.”

Aloft Dallas Downtown is pursuing LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) specifically for the utilization of natural materials like cork and sustainable wood veneers, and in-shower product dispensers replace non-biodegradable bottles to reduce landfill waste. In addition, nearly 75 percent of the demolition debris was reused below ground in the lower-level meeting and ballroom spaces.

For more information, visit www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/hotels.

Twenty six, 72-inch Lincoln Town cars will run on 100% CNG and will provide exclusive service to CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel. The vehicles are being developed by Krystal Enterprises, the world’s largest manufacturer of stretch limousines, in collaboration with Clean Energy Fuels, BAF Technologies and Ford engineers.

Compressed natural gas was selected for the limo fleet because of the abundant U.S. natural gas reserves; it also is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels available and is generally less expensive than either gasoline or diesel with greater price stability.

“Commissioning the first CNG stretch-limo fleet is a demonstration of CityCenter’s commitment to environmental responsibility, while never sacrificing guest experience,” said Bill McBeath, president and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino. “Just as with every element of CityCenter’s design and construction, we’re determined to employ the most innovative solutions possible to grow responsibly, while continuing to raise the bar on service, comfort and experience.”

Compared with vehicles fueled with conventional diesel and gasoline, natural gas vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (35-60 percent less), particulate matter (90-97 percent less), carcinogenic and toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (90-97 percent less) as well as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (25 percent less). Source: U.S. Department of Energy

“As the leader in stretch-limo development, Krystal Enterprises worked closely with CityCenter and BAF Technologies to ensure this custom fleet provided the highest level of CNG practices without compromising the quality experience CityCenter guests will expect,” said Ed Grech, president and CEO of Krystal Enterprises.

Every element of CityCenter has been masterfully woven together with the greatest of consideration for our environment and future. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. The 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will incorporate a variety of elements – from the use of reclaimed water to on-site power generation and sustainable materials selection to indoor environmental quality – to make it one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities.

In addition to CityCenter’s CNG limo fleet, guests will be greeted with preferred parking for green cars and carpoolers, and will be offered bicycle valet service; residents will have bicycle storage, rideshare options and dedicated carpool pickup lanes; and employees will be presented with a full range of transit, bicycle, green car and carpool options.

The ChargePoint™ Charging Station will mark the most recent in a series of green initiatives implemented at Element Hotels, as well as a first-ever EV charging effort in the hotel industry. The hotels also provide preferred parking for drivers of hybrid or electric cars and “bikes to borrow” for guests.

Another green star for Element

With four 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 brand’s green features are often cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and comfort.

All Element hotels utilize eco-friendly materials whenever and wherever possible, as well as natural light throughout the hotels. To reduce waste, guest room bathrooms are equipped with amenity dispensers, kitchens are supplied with silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper cups, and filtered drinking water is available rather than plastic water bottles.

Element conserves water and energy with low-flow faucets and fixtures, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and energy-efficient appliances. Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with an environmentally-friendly magnet.

“By offering a charging station for electric vehicles, we are deepening our commitment to greener travel as a key part of an environmentally responsible lifestyle,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty-Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “We are proud to be playing a part in the development of the infrastructure needed to support the anticipated increase in electric vehicles over the next several years.”

“Starwood’s Element brand shares our commitment to driving environmental awareness and helping individuals, businesses and municipalities lower their carbon footprint,” said Scott Emalfarb, one of the principals at Carbon Day Automotive. “By installing the ChargePoint charging station at Element Lexington, we are preparing for the influx of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles expected on America’s roads in 2010. We hope that other hotels will follow Starwood’s lead and take the initiative to encourage this important change in the automobile industry.”

The push to develop more hybrid-electric cars recently received a big boost from President Barack Obama, who has made reducing oil consumption a top priority.

In May, President Obama announced tough new fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and trucks and several major auto makers are currently developing new models of electric cars for 2009-2010 to join those already available.

For more information, visit both www.starwoodhotels.com and www.carbonday.com.

The statewide partnership between the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (VHTA) offers “green” certification to tourism businesses that commit to waste-reducing activities such as recycling, optional linen service, water and energy conservation, green cleaning, purchasing eco-friendly products and other steps that help reduce harmful environmental impacts.

“We support Governor Kaine and our state tourism office’s efforts to keep Virginia Green,” said CACVB Executive Director, Kurt Burkhart.

“Tourism partners will be surprised by how easy the process to become certified really is,” said Bill Hamilton, owner of Hamilton’s at First and Main, “[Partners] took our suggestions to heart, filled out the Virginia Green application and received notice of Virginia Green certified in less than ten days! We hope other partners will follow suit.”

Launched as a pilot in 2006, The Virginia Green program currently has over 500 Virginia Green certified tourism partners statewide. Virginia Green participants ’self-certify’ that they are meeting the program’s requirements and it encourages active consumer feedback to ensure that Virginia Green facilities live up to their commitments and become even ‘greener’ over time.

Virginia is only one of ten states that have a green lodging certification program, and the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of eight destination marketing organizations in Virginia that is designated, Virginia Green.

“We encourage our many local establishments to participate in the Virginia Green initiative, become important partners in our effort to be a green city, and be recognized for their leadership,” said Kristel Riddervold, Environmental Administrator for the City of Charlottesville.

A history of bringing green to the community

In July 2006, then-mayor and now City of Charlottesville Councilor, David Brown, joined with hundreds of other mayors throughout the United States to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

On Tuesday, June 16th, Governor Kaine and locally elected officials announced Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s participation in SmartGrid, a program initiated by Dominion Power to promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility by providing digital meters to users. Charlottesville is only second to Boulder, Colorado to launch such an initiative.

The U.S. Green Building Council, in 2008, presented Charlottesville with the first LEED Gold municipal designation in Virginia for the Downtown Transit Station, which is located at 610 E. Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia. The Visitors Bureau has both its administrative offices and visitor center in this building. The CACVB will soon begin work to overhaul its current website, and businesses that are identified as Virginia Green will get special positioning on the bureau’s home page.

Green Goes First!

Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries, generating $19 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia communities. In 2007, tourism businesses in the Greater Charlottesville region supported nearly 5,000 jobs and produced $435 million of direct economic impact.

The new campaign, of which a website will “go live” in Fall 2009,  will provide the CACVB with a great opportunity to showcase online, what is expected to be, a growing list of business establishments that have signed on to Virginia Green.

“It’s all about getting the word out by articulating the features and benefits,” Burkhart said.

“We expect to see more public attention and business going to those destinations that meet these environmentally sensitive requirements,” added Burkhart. “Destinations like the Greater Charlottesville region are well positioned to take full advantage of going Green. Our office will do whatever we can to assist local businesses that want to get hard-wired for this next wave of economic prosperity.”

“As the consuming public becomes more discerning as to where they will ultimately make the spend on such things as lodging, restaurants, attractions and more, going Green fits perfectly with our community’s landscape.”

For more informatrion, visit http://www.virginiagreentravel.org.

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.

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.

In response to the daunting tasks ahead, the Green Research Council, a research and advocacy group in green technology, environmental sustainability and energy conservation issues, has released its second and updated edition of the Green Stimulus Guide – a manual of sorts that explains exactly how Obama’s recovery plan helps pave the way for green business as well as personal opportunities throughout the country, providing an information resource specific to green building, clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Green Stimulus Guide provides “how to” instructions in great detail on grants, laws and funding opportunities, state and federal agencies, and general resources for success with the ARRA, covering just about everything progressively-mided professionals need.

Who needs this?

The guide is a must-read for eco-enthusiasts, obviously, but even more importantly for building owners, contractors, consultants, architects, engineers and energy service companies that are lookign to further development in the eco-industry. It outlines opportunities, tips and resources state-by-state and sector-by-sector that are “accessible” through the ARRA.

The Green Research Council’s team of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals – a team with extensive professional experience and a deep knowledge base in green buildings, energy efficiency and sustainability – sifted through extensive government documents and useful articles while consulting with various industry experts and government officials in order to accurately detail how to apply for grants, loans and other funding opportunities, specific green initiatives in weatherization, energy retrofits, smart grids and green buildings, and other useful tools and resources.

“This guide is the best and only resource I know about that gives you everything you need to know for Green Stimulus Opportunities.” Paul Nichols, AIA Architect, Iowa City.

To learn more and download the guide, visit www.greenstimulusguide.com.

The property spans 16 floors and 256 guestrooms, and is located along the upcoming “MAX Green Line” giving guests and visitors easy, car-less access to the Oregon Convention Center and Portland International Airport.

“Clearly the strength of the Marriott brand will be an advantage for this hotel and its central location and unique amenities will appeal to a healthy mix of business and leisure travelers,” said Walter Isenberg, president and CEO of Sage Hospitality. “We are thrilled to be a part of revitalizing this neighborhood in Portland to bring such a unique hotel to the market. We are confident in the property’s potential to become a major draw for this area of the city.”

The hotel blends the region’s natural elements with rich, local artwork and design. Local artist Paige Powell served as a consultant to Sage Hospitality and SERA Architects to build on a vision of the hotel; filled with artwork and photography that represents Oregon’s regional culture.

Large photo samples are aligned throughout the property as large wall murals in each guestroom as well as the walls opposite each elevator landing, complimenting the interior design concept of textural, abstract and varied landscapes of Oregon.

“This artistic collaboration is significant because the typical Courtyard by Marriott properties do not feature original art,” said general manager Mike Castro. “Working with Paige…gave us the opportunity to break out of the traditional Courtyard model and put our Portland stamp on this exciting new property in the heart of downtown.”

Eco-conscious design

Aiming for LEED Gold, the newly-renovated property is designed to greatly conserve on overall energy and water consumption, while over 75% of the construction waste materials was recycled and/or reused. Meanwhile, 100% of the of the property’s electrical power is derived from renewable sources, including wind and hydroelectric power.

“The complete renovation of the old Toronto National building gave us the opportunity to apply all of the best thinking around sustainable development,” said Isenberg. “Restoring an existing building rather than just tearing it down was the first important decision, and then every decision after we considered the best option to create an eco-conscious hotel that offers our guests an amazing hotel experience.”

The hotel is also a smoke-free environment and utilizes “green” housekeeping products, non-PVC wall coverings and low VOC paints.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/pdxpc.