PRACTICAL STRATEGIES...LEED is a voluntary, third-party green building certification program that awards points to buildings for satisfying specified green building criteria. LEED-certified

PRACTICAL STRATEGIESin Green Building

HOTELS

What is LEED? LEED is a voluntary, third-party green building certification program that awards points to buildings for satisfying specified

green building criteria. LEED-certified buildings have implemented strategies intended to reduce building operating costs,

environmental footprint, and resource consumption such as water and energy use. LEED projects are designed, built and

operated to cut CO2 emissions while encouraging strategies to help create healthier indoor environmental quality. As new

technologies emerge, policies change, and the built environment evolves, LEED will respond through an ongoing, consensus-

based refinement process. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization of leaders and

experts from across the building continuum, LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying

and implementing practical and measurable design, construction, and operations solutions.

LEED and HotelsIn the United States alone, hotels represent more than 5 billion square feet of space, nearly 5 million guest

rooms, and close to $4 billion in annual energy use. Hotels and other hospitality venues have a significant

opportunity to reduce negative environmental impacts associated with guest rooms, event space, and general

facility use through measures such as energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and management, sustainable

and local purchasing, and use of alternative transportation. Hotels can also contribute to human health by

providing healthy, comfortable, and productive indoor environments with improved indoor air quality, access

to daylight and views, and occupant control of the lighting and thermal environment. The suite of LEED rating

systems includes a range of environmental and performance measures that can be implemented in hotels and

other types of lodging facilities. LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations and LEED for Existing

Buildings: Operations & Maintenance are the most appropriate rating systems for lodging projects to use. The

LEED for New Construction rating system provides a framework for green design and construction of new

development or major renovations. The LEED for Existing Buildings rating system provides a framework for

hotel owners and operators to implement sustainable operations and maintenance practices in new and old

buildings and measure operational improvements on a consistent scale with the goal of maximizing operational

efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts from existing hotel operations. Hotels certified under LEED

for New Construction can use LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance to maximize their

investment by efficiently maintaining and operating their assets and thereby continuing their commitment to

sustainability. Specifically, the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system addresses

site maintenance programs, water and energy use, environmentally preferred products and practices for

cleaning, sustainable purchasing policies, waste management and ongoing indoor environmental quality.

How to Use This Tool Practical Strategies in Green Building - Hotel edition provides hotel developers, owners, and managers with

examples of green strategies that have been used by LEED-certified projects. The information contained within

should help project teams and hotel executives better understand the types of strategies, investments and

benefits associated with LEED projects. The strategies in this guide are only a sample of possible approaches to

LEED projects. This resource should be considered a showcase piece that highlights smart and sensible choices

from a sampling of LEED-certified hotels.

OrganizationThis resource is organized the same way that the LEED rating systems are structured. Each of the six credit

categories within LEED has a separate section that includes four different examples of LEED strategies

utilized and the associated credits or prerequisites. Some strategies highlighted may be enough to meet pre-

scriptive LEED requirements, while others will simply be part of the overall approach to integrated credits such

as water or energy reduction.

Sustainable Sites

Water Efficiency

Energy and Atmosphere

Materials and Resources

Indoor Environmental Quality

Innovation in Operations

Credit checklists for the balloted versions of both the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations

and LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating systems can be found at the back of

this booklet. These can help you get a better understanding of the overall structure of the LEED for New

Construction and LEED for Existing Buildings rating systems, including the prerequisites and optional credits

that lead a project to certification.

Certification AwardsThe LEED certification system is a flexible framework that allows project teams to decide which sustainable

strategies to pursue based on the specifics of a particular project. LEED requires all projects to meet certain pre-

requisites, and project teams choose which optional credits to pursue for additional points toward certification.

Of the 100 points available in the LEED rating systems, at least 40 must be earned for base-level certification.

Certification levels start at Certified and increase to Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Prerequisites are technical requirements within LEED that must be completed in order to be considered

for certification. All prerequisites must be met in order for a project to become

LEED certified.

Credits are optional sets of requirements tied to a point value. To achieve certification a project needs to

achieve at least 40% of the available points in LEED.

LEARN MOREwww.usgbc.org/LEED2009 to view the LEED-NC and LEED-EB: O&M rating systems.

www.usgbc.org/EBOM to learn about the LEED EB: O&M rating system.

www.usgbc.org/store to purchase a LEED Reference Guide.

www.usgbc.org/hospitality to learn about USGBC’s work with the hotel & lodging industry.

www.usgbc.org/resources to download hotel project profiles.

SUSTAINABLE SITES

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Reflective and Open Grid Paving

Pave Non-Roof Surfaces with Highly Reflective Materials or Open Grid Pavement Heat Island Reduction – Non-roof: SSc7.1

Green Roof

Install Green Roof for Improved Stormwater Management and Reduced Energy Use Heat Island Reduction – Roof: SSc7.2

Populated with over 24,000 native sedum plants, the Hyatt at Olive 8’s

green roof reduces stormwater runoff by up to 75%, an extremely

important environmental priority in the Puget Sound region. The green

roof also mitigates the heat island effect that would otherwise be present,

reduces the amount of energy required to heat and cool the main ballroom

directly underneath, and provides a downtown habitat for birds and bees.

In addition to these environmental benefits, the hotel’s green roof serves

as a symbol of the Hyatt at Olive 8’s general commitment to sustainability

and provides guests with a tangible connection to nature. It has turned

usually unpopular rooms into hot commodities with a surprising number

of guests requesting rooms with views of the roof.

Using highly reflective concrete and open grid pavers on 100% of

Hotel Indigo Athens’ paved surfaces has reduced the building’s

heat island effect, minimizing the disturbance of local microclimates and

wildlife habitats. At a cost of $45,000 for grid pavers vs. $26,000 for

asphalt, this strategy has also reduced the summer cooling loads for the

building. Lighter cooling loads have in turn reduced energy use, pollution

generation, and infrastructure requirements. Hotel staff see the reflective

and open grid paving as tangible and visible LEED strategies that contribute

to the hotel’s green image. Staff report that guests easily understand the

unique paving systems, which makes it an accessible sustainability strategy

that quickly enhances a hotel’s green credentials.HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS | ATHENS, GEORGIAOWNER: RIALTO PROPERTY PARTNERS, LLCLEED GOLD

“With fuel prices skyrocketing and concerns about traffic congestion and global climate change, the demand from our guests and staff for greener

alternatives has been very strong. The new fleet of Barona buses are good for the environment, save wear on roads, and reduce traffic congestion.”

Jay Bart, Barona Resort & Casino

HYATT AT OLIVE 8 | SEATTLE, WASHINGTONOWNER: R.C. HEDEREEN COMPANY AND HYATT HOTELS CORPORATIONLEED SILVER

LEED for NEW CONSTRUCTION


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Alternative Transportation

Provide Environmentally Friendly Transportation for Guests and Staff with Shuttle ProgramAlternative Commuting Transportation: SSc4

Reduced Site Disturbance

Allow Majority of Site to Remain Undisturbed and In Its Natural HabitatSite Development – Protect or Restore Open Habitat: SSc5

AVALON HOTEL & SPA | PORTLAND, OREGONOWNER: GRAND HERITAGE HOTEL GROUPLEED SILVER

The Avalon is located in a reclaimed industrial area of Portland. A

small landscaped area is available for guest relaxation and enjoyment

of the surrounding nature, but the hotel makes every effort to maintain

a wild and undisturbed riverfront location. The area has been carefully

designed to support the local butterfly population and provide a salmon

safe zone. This is a no-cost measure that leads to increased business from

guests and local businesses that share the hotel’s commitment to the

environment. Many repeat guests return to the Avalon because of its

serene and “rural” setting within the city limits, and the hotel experiences

increased occupancy from customers who seek out LEED-certified hotels.

The Avalon’s landscaping expenses are also dramatically reduced compared

with the cost of maintaining an altered landscape.

A line of biodiesel-fueled luxury motorcoaches offer guests and

staff free shuttle service to Barona. They provide a fuel-efficient

and environmentally friendly way to travel to the gaming, golf and

entertainment destination just outside San Diego. The shuttles provide

206.6 passenger miles per gallon of fuel - on average seven times more

energy efficient than single occupancy automobiles. They run throughout

San Diego and Orange County, making it possible for guests and staff

to reach Barona without having to use their own vehicles. This greatly

reduces the number of vehicles driving to the property. The low-emission,

eco-friendly buses bring lighter traffic, reduced vehicle emissions, and a

convenient, reduced stress mode of transportation for guests and staff.

Site selection, management during construction, and ongoing maintenance are important components of a building’s sustainability.

The Sustainable Sites credit category encourages development on previously developed land, minimizing a building’s impact on

ecosystems and waterways, regionally appropriate landscaping, smart transportation choices, stormwater runoff management, and

reduction of erosion, light pollution, heat island effect, and pollution related to construction and site maintenance.

BARONA HOTEL | LAKESIDE, CALIFORNIAOWNER: BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANSLEED GOLD

LEED for EXISTING BUILDINGS


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“It’s really expected that a hotel with as many green credentials as ours make a true effort to cut back on water usage without impeding upon a guest’s experience. Our green building commitment and LEED certification has

opened doors to new business, partnerships, and marketing opportunities and resulted in lots of positive, ongoing media coverage without compromising

luxury and service.” Stefan Mühle, Orchard Hotel

Efficient Plumbing Fixtures

Install High-Efficiency Plumbing FixturesWater Use Reduction: WEp1 and WEc3

PROXIMITY HOTEL | GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINAOWNER: QUAINTANCE-WEAVER RESTAURANTS & HOTELSLEED PLATINUM

Native Landscaping

Landscape with Native Species that Require Little or No IrrigationWater Efficient Landscaping: WEc1

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa’s grounds were landscaped using

native plant species that can survive in a hostile, high-altitude

environment with little or no irrigation. A few exceptions were made

for some very limited areas of sod and annual flower beds at key entry

points. This strategy allowed the property to significantly reduce water

use, an important environmental priority in Colorado. In addition to

ongoing water cost savings, the native plant species save the hotel money

in other ways: they require no fertilizer and less maintenance, and are

more affordable to purchase than nonnative species. Guests appreciate

the use of native plant species, saying that they come to the mountains to

be surrounded by pine trees and aspen trees instead of plain lawns, which

they can find anywhere.

The Proximity Hotel was built with high-efficiency Kohler plumbing

fixtures, saving two million gallons of water, or 33%, in its first

year of operations. This strategy enabled the hotel to address a local

environmental issue: water conservation is very important in Greensboro

as the area has limited water resources. The hotel expects to continue

to see savings of around $14,000 in annual water bills. With a cost of

only $7,000, this investment had a quick payback of six months. Guest

comfort is of prime concern, and the hotel affirms that guests do not

notice they are using less water. They are often amazed to find out that

their rooms are equipped with efficient fixtures, including showerheads.

The hotel’s toilets use a third of a gallon less water for each flush but cost

the same amount as conventional toilets.

WATER EFFICIENCY

THE WESTIN RIVERFRONT RESORT & SPA | AVON, COLORADOOWNER: EAST WEST PARTNERSLEED SILVER



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Overall Water Use Reduction

Install Waterless Urinals and Drought Tolerant PlantsIndoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency: WEp1 and WEc2Water Efficient Landscaping: WEc3

Fixture and Fitting Upgrades

Reduce Water Use by Installing Low-Flow Fixtures and Flow RestrictorsIndoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency: WEp1 and WEc2

Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and flow restrictors installed in the

Orchard Hotel have reduced water use by 20%. Showerheads that used

2.3 gallons of water per minute were replaced with showerheads that use

only 1.5 gallons per minute. Hotel staff believe that the new showerheads

actually perform better than the old showerheads and have heard very few

negative guest comments about them. Rebates from the California Public

Utilities Commission covered 75% of the showerheads’ purchase price and

5% of the flow restrictors’ purchase price, and there was no cost premium

on the low-flow toilets. The entire plumbing upgrade cost the hotel

around $3,500 with a payback of two to three years. Water cost savings

from these upgrades increase the hotel’s profits without harming guest

experience.

The W Hotel replaced all urinals in public restrooms with waterless

urinals. The hotel also replaced all exterior landscaping with drought-

tolerant plants that require little to no irrigation. These measures reduced

the hotel’s water use significantly and cost the hotel only $4,000. The

payback was less than one year. Implementation of this strategy, along

with the property’s general commitment to green building practices, has

opened doors to new opportunities for the hotel. The W’s sales team

has been able to penetrate new markets and target new clients for group

business. Additionally, the hotel has become a pilot hotel for green

initiatives for all W Hotels and its general manager sits on the Starwood

Sustainability Committee.

Buildings are major users of our potable water supply. The goal of the Water Efficiency credit category is to encourage smarter use

of water, inside and out. Water reduction is typically achieved through more efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings inside and

water-wise landscaping outside.

THE ORCHARD HOTEL | SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIAOWNER: THE ORCHARD HOTELLEED CERTIFIED

W HOTEL | SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIAOWNER: KSSF INVESTMENTSLEED SILVER



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Solar-Heated Hot Water

Install Rooftop Solar Water Heating SystemOn-site Renewable Energy: EAc2

Efficient HVAC System

Install HVAC System with Energy Recovery Units and Variable Refrigerant Volume Heat PumpsOptimize Energy Efficiency Performance: EAc1

Hotel Indigo installed a Mitsubishi City Multi Variable Refrigerant

Volume (VRV) split HVAC system which utilizes energy recovery

units and VRV heat pumps to maximize the building’s energy performance.

These systems are nearly 30% more efficient than the PTAC (Packaged

Terminal Air Conditioner) units typically found in hotel guest rooms and

account for a 23% reduction in building energy use, translating to annual

savings of $34,462. The energy recovery units have a payback of just 3.5

years. The HVAC system also improves indoor air quality and contributes

to occupant comfort and well-being with its guest-friendly, individually

controlled digital thermostats. Software gives front desk staff ability to

monitor guestroom occupancy and adjust temperature levels accordingly,

further conserving energy and reducing operating costs.

One hundred solar panels cover the Proximity’s 4,000-square-foot

rooftop, providing around 60% of the hot water used by both

the hotel and the restaurant inside it. By eliminating over half its water

heating energy use, the hotel avoids using other fuel sources and reduces

its emissions of greenhouse gases. The hotel saves $18,000 annually in

natural gas costs. It also sells renewable energy credits at $20,000/year.

At the time of installation, the Proximity received a 35% Federal Tax Credit

as well as a 30% North Carolina State Tax Credit for the solar hot water

system. With these incentives, the $450,000 investment has a payback of

4-5 years. The solar panels are the most visible of the hotel’s more than 70

sustainable practices as they can be seen easily on the roof of the hotel.

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE“How can you tell if the hot water for your shower was heated by yesterday’s sunlight or with natural gas? We made sure none of our sustainable practices

caused one iota of sacrifice in comfort for our guests.”Dennis Quaintance, Quaintance-Weaver

Restaurants & Hotels

PROXIMITY HOTEL | GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINAOWNER: QUAINTANCE-WEAVER RESTAURANTS & HOTELSLEED PLATINUM

HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS | ATHENS, GEORGIAOWNER: RIALTO PROPERTY PARTNERS, LLCLEED GOLD



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Improve Equipment Efficiency

Install Exhaust Fans with Variable Frequency Drives and Carbon Dioxide SensorsOptimize Energy Performance: EAc1

Renewable Heat and Energy

Install Geothermal Ground Loop System and Solar Photovoltaic Roof PanelsOptimize Energy Performance: EAc1On-site Renewable Energy: EAc2

A ground-coupled heat pump system provides most of the hotel’s space

heating and domestic water heating. The system also captures air

conditioning waste heat for domestic water heating during the summer.

Nearly 100 rooftop solar photovoltaic panels offset reliance on the local

electrical grid, taking advantage of the region’s many clear and sunny days.

These two systems account for energy savings of around 40%, reducing

Bardessono’s peak electricity consumption and overall annual energy use.

This equates to annual savings of roughly $90,000 and 500,000 pounds

of carbon dioxide emissions. The hotel estimates that the marketing value

created by these systems was equivalent to around $80,000 worth of

advertising in 2009. At a combined cost of around $700,000, the hotel

estimates a payback period of five years for these investments.

The underground parking garage that services Montage Beverly Hills

has been equipped with exhaust fans that are controlled by carbon

dioxide sensors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), allowing fans to

operate only when needed. This reduces the electricity required to run the

garage ventilation system by over 85%. It also generates annual savings

of over 3.4 million kilowatt hours of energy, or roughly $420,000. At a

cost of around $750,000, this equipment investment carries a payback

of 1.8 years. This strategy also reduced the constant noise associated

with running fans 24 hours a day, providing a more pleasant garage

environment for guests and staff.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings use 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced each year in the

United States. The Energy and Atmosphere credit category encourages a wide variety of energy strategies: commissioning; energy

use monitoring; efficient design and construction; efficient appliances, systems and lighting; the use of renewable and clean sources

of energy, generated on-site or off-site; and other innovative practices.

BARDESSONO | YOUNTVILLE, CALIFORNIAOWNER: YOUNTVILLE INVESTORS LLCLEED PLATINUM

MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS | BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIAOWNER: MONTAGE HOTELS & RESORTSLEED GOLD



“We’ve invited all of our team members who are involved in procurement for the hotel to thoroughly research the products that they are in search of which in turn continues to keep all of us up to date on the most current, sustainable options and engaged in the process. The LEED for Existing Buildings process

has also allowed us to exceed our guests’ expectations of what it means to be a green hotel.”

Deirdre Wallace, The Ambrose Collection

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MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Construction Waste Diversion

Reuse and Recycle Resource and Material Waste from Construction SiteConstruction Waste Management: MRc2

Sustainable Building Materials

Use Building Materials Extracted and Manufactured LocallyRegional Materials: MR Credit 5

CityFlats’ parent company, Charter House Innovations, designed

and manufactured all of the hotel’s interior seating and décor at

a production facility just a few blocks away from the hotel, acquiring

95% of all raw manufacturing materials for seating and décor from

local vendors. This reduced the fuel use, pollution and greenhouse gas

emissions associated with transporting these products. In addition to

the environmental benefits of avoiding long-distance transportation,

the company avoided both the costs and logistical challenges associated

with importing products. The hotel also partnered with a local mattress

manufacturer to create its signature CityDrem Mattress brand. It has since

become extremely popular with guests and has increased sales for both

the hotel and the mattress manufacturer. In total, 38% of the building

materials used in the hotel were extracted and processed or manufactured

within the region.

The Element Lexington’s development team established a construction

waste management plan targeting the project’s primary waste

materials: wood, plastic, metal, gypsum, asphalt, brick, concrete, paper,

cardboard, carpet, and carpet padding. The team diverted 83% of

construction, demolition, and land-clearing debris from disposal in

landfills or incinerators. Reusable materials were sent to appropriate

sites for reuse and recyclable resources were redirected back into the

manufacturing process. Reduced tipping fees completely offset the

$10,000 cost of the tracking and monitoring activities performed by the

general contractor in order to coordinate this effort, making this a no-cost

environmental strategy. Efforts to reduce the total amount of resources

used and waste generated during construction also contributed to the

positive environmental impact of this strategy.

ELEMENT LEXINGTON | LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTSOWNER: STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTSLEED GOLD

CITYFLATS HOTEL | HOLLAND, MICHIGANOWNER: CHARTER HOUSE INNOVATIONSLEED GOLD



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Sustainable Purchasing

Implement Sustainable Purchasing Program Sustainable Purchasing Policy: MRp1Sustainable Purchasing – Ongoing Consumables: MRc1Sustainable Purchasing – Durable Goods: MRc2

Building Waste Management

Implement a Robust Recycling and Solid Waste Management ProgramSolid Waste Management Policy: MRp2Solid Waste Management – Ongoing Consumables: MRc7Solid Waste Management – Facility Alterations and Additions: MRc9

Through extensive staff education, upstream separation of waste by

staff, an on-site recycling center, and a final step of off-site recycling,

The Venetian and Sands Expo & Convention Center divert more than 55%

of their total ongoing solid waste stream from landfill disposal. This

equates to over 25 tons of glass, plastics, metals, cardboard, and paper

daily. 100% of used batteries are recycled and over 75% of waste from

renovation projects is reused or recycled. Additionally, more than 75%

of the property’s food waste, an average of more than 10 tons daily, is

either composted or reused as animal feed at a local farm. Leftover food

packages and used electronics are donated to local charitable organizations.

Impressively, the property has achieved these waste management goals

with little to no additional costs.

The Ambrose reduces its environmental footprint through its sustainable

purchasing policy, which covers everything from electric-powered

equipment to paper products. The policy encourages the purchase of

products that contain recycled content or are recyclable, as well as

locally produced products, reducing environmental impacts associated

with transportation, virgin material use, and pollution. Purchasing only

ENERGY STAR rated appliances for use throughout the hotel reduces energy

consumption by around 30%, saving an estimated $32,000 in operating

costs annually. Purchasing locally also provides an excellent opportunity

for the hotel to connect with and support the local economy. The hotel

ensures quality by requiring that sustainable products are purchased only if

performance will not be compromised.

During both construction and operations, buildings generate a lot of waste and use a lot of materials and resources. This credit

category encourages the selection of sustainable materials, including those that are harvested and manufactured locally, contain

high recycled content, and are rapidly renewable. It also promotes the reduction of waste through building and material reuse,

construction waste management, and ongoing recycling programs.

THE AMBROSE | SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIAOWNER: DEIRDRE WALLACELEED SILVER

THE VENETIAN RESORT HOTEL AND SANDS EXPO & CONVENTION CENTERLAS VEGAS, NEVADAOWNER: LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP.LEED GOLD



INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

“CityFlats Hotel’s recognition as the first hotel in the Midwest to achieve LEED Gold Certification ensures that it is a healthy, environmentally-friendly

component of the community.”Chuck Reid, President, CityFlats Hotel

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Daylight and Views

Provide Access to Natural Light and Views of the Outdoors in Regularly Occupied SpacesDaylight and Views: EQc8

Low-Emitting Paints

Use Low-Emitting, Human and Environmentally Friendly PaintsLow-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings: EQc4.2

When choosing paints for this new hotel, decision-makers took

into account statistics they had heard from the U.S. EPA: indoor

air is three times more polluted than outdoor air and is considered one

of the top five hazards to human health. They considered that paints and

finishes containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emit toxins into

the air for years after application and are among the leading contributors

to poor indoor air quality. CityFlats used low-VOC paints and coatings that

are as efficacious as traditional paints but emit significantly fewer harmful

off-gases. In addition to the indoor air quality and human health benefits,

using environmentally friendly paints reduced the amount of contaminants

this project released into landfills, groundwater, and the atmosphere.

Over 95% of all regularly occupied spaces in the Bardessono,

including offices and meeting and conference rooms, have access to

natural daylight and views of the outdoors. This provides both staff and

guests with the health benefits of natural light and a visual connection

with nature. Rooms brightened with sunlight reduce occupant eye strain

and contribute to the human body’s absorption of Vitamin D. Views of the

exterior grounds and surrounding landscape and gardens provide guests

with a sense of serenity, attracting guests to the property. Guests often give

positive feedback on the hotel’s daylight when booking or during their

stay. The natural daylight also has the effect of reducing energy use as

occupants can function normally without electrical lighting in most spaces

during the summer.

BARDESSONO | YOUNTVILLE, CALIFORNIAOWNER: YOUNTVILLE INVESTORS LLCLEED PLATINUM

CITYFLATS HOTEL | HOLLAND, MICHIGANOWNER: CHARTER HOUSE INNOVATIONSLEED GOLD



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Green Cleaning

Ensure your Green Cleaning Policy Works as DesignedGreen Cleaning – Sustainable Cleaning Products, Materials and Equipment: EQc3.3 and EQc3.4

Healthy Indoor Environment

Improve Indoor Environment and Air Quality Low-Emitting Materials: EQc4Daylight and Views: EQc8Innovation in Design: IDc1

In a recent survey at Element Lexington, a guest with severe allergies

indicated that the hotel’s healthy indoor air made an enormous

improvement in her comfort, making it the only hotel in the Boston area

where she could comfortably stay. The hotel was built using low-emitting

paints, carpeting, and adhesives, minimizing harmful toxins in its indoor

air. Going beyond the requirements of LEED for New Construction,

Starwood carried its commitment to indoor air quality into hotel

operations and developed a green cleaning program, earning the hotel a

LEED innovation credit. Nearly all regularly occupied spaces have natural

daylight (98%) and views (88%), including offices, meeting rooms,

laundry areas, kitchen, and the hotel’s employee break room, giving staff

a healthier work environment. Guest satisfaction with these features is

evidenced by scores in the high 8s and 9s on Starwood’s 10-point index.

By implementing a high-performance green cleaning program, the

Avalon Hotel & Spa has been able to reduce costs and avoid toxic

fumes and skin irritants that could harm guests or employees. The hotel

reduced cleaning costs substantially by replacing three different cleaning

chemicals with a single Green Seal Certified household cleaner that is used

throughout the entire building. The hotel also uses Green Seal Certified

laundry products, micro-fiber cloths, and dual motor vacuum cleaners

with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that prevent particles

from becoming airborne. The hotel reports that these measures incur no

additional costs compared with using traditional cleaning products and

equipment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans spend about 90% of their day indoors, where the air quality

can be significantly worse than outside. The Indoor Environmental Quality credit category promotes strategies that can improve

indoor air through low emitting materials selection and increased ventilation. It also promotes access to natural daylight and

views.

AVALON HOTEL & SPA | PORTLAND, OREGONOWNER: GRAND HERITAGE HOTEL GROUPLEED SILVER

ELEMENT LEXINGTON | LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTSOWNER: STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTSLEED GOLD



“In the hospitality industry, while it is important to build sustainable hotel buildings, operators are able to achieve greater sustainable success by focusing

on sustainable operating procedures in order to limit the impact we have on the environment. Montage Beverly Hills has chosen to open the property with

these policies in place and in turn proves to be a good steward for our guests, our associates and surrounding community.”

Mark Slymen, Montage Hotels & Resorts

INNOVATION IN OPERATIONS

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Public and Staff Education

Provide Comprehensive Staff Training and Guest Education on Sustainable PracticesInnovation in Design: IDc1

Sustainable Operating Policies

Open a New Property with Sustainable Operating Procedures in Place Innovation in Design: IDc1

Montage Hotels & Resorts saw the importance of going beyond

sustainable design and construction and adapted operating

strategies from LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance into

Innovation in Design credits for the hotel’s LEED for New Construction

certification. Sustainable operating practices include sustainable

purchasing, an integrated pest management and landscape management

program, and a green housekeeping program. These strategies limit the

ongoing impact the hotel has on the environment. Sourcing of green

cleaning products and reductions in the amount of fertilizers, fungicides,

and pesticides used on the property minimize the exposure of guests,

staff, and the local habitat to harsh chemicals. Environmentally Preferable

Purchasing reduces environmental impact from the hotel’s vendors and

suppliers.

Training for staff at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor

ensures they are able to implement the hotel’s sustainable practices

effectively and understand them well enough to answer any guest

questions. A series of strategically designed displays as well as regular

building tours educate guests about the hotel’s environmental attributes.

These include a rainwater capture system, a green roof, efficient and user-

responsive lighting and conditioning systems, sustainable (renewable,

recycled, reclaimed, or regional) materials, recycling systems, and

alternative transportation options, including a smart car for guest use. The

educational aspects of the building have attracted local groups to host

events at the hotel, generating over $10,000 in additional revenue in the

first few months of opening.FAIRFIELD INN AND SUITES, INNER HARBOR | BALTIMORE, MARYLANDOWNER: SUMMIT ASSOCIATESLEED GOLD

MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS | BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIAOWNER: MONTAGE HOTELS & RESORTSLEED GOLD



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Eco Team

Create a Committee to Focus on Environmental IssuesInnovation in Operations: IOc1

Innovative Cooling Tower Design

Implement a High Performance Cooling Tower Blowdown SystemInnovation in Operations: IOc1Cooling Tower Water Management: WEc4

Increasing the cycles of concentration for water circulated through

cooling tower units greatly reduces the amount of makeup water needed

to replace water lost through evaporation, drift, and blowdown. Cycles of

concentration were increased from 2.5 to a minimum of 5.0 by using acid

injection to control the water’s pH level occurring with additional cycles

of concentration. With an estimated annual cooling load of approximately

51,000,000 ton-hours attributable to the Venetian and Sands Expo

building, decreasing the system blowdown resulted in a direct reduction in

water usage of approximately 39,525,000 gallons per year (0.775 gallons

per ton-hour). The system had a payback period of less than one year.

Additionally, less blowdown water is discharged to the Publicly Owned

Treatment Works for treatment, an economic and environmental benefit.

It is the job of the Ambrose Green Team to keep environmental issues at

the top of the office priority list and to provide hotel staff and guests

with accurate, meaningful, and up to date information on the company’s

sustainable practices and policies. Through dedicated teamwork, monthly

meetings, and communication, all Ambrose staff members are empowered

to reach and maintain the program’s environmental goals of pollution

control, effective waste management, energy use reduction, resource

conservation, and sustainable purchasing. The scheduled monthly

meetings serve as reminders for all staff of the importance of the hotel’s

environmental programs and have allowed the hotel to remain committed

to its environmental mission. Each Eco Team member monitors one

assigned LEED credit and ensures that staff stay engaged with it.

The Innovation in Design and Inovation in Operations credit categories provide additional points for projects that use new and

innovative technologies, achieve performance well beyond what is required by LEED credits, or utilize green building strategies

that are not specifically addressed elsewhere in LEED. This credit category also rewards projects for including a LEED Accredited

Professional on the team to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to design, construction, operations and maintenance.

THE VENETIAN RESORT HOTEL AND SANDS EXPO & CONVENTION CENTER LAS VEGAS, NEVADAOWNER: LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP.LEED GOLD

THE AMBROSE | SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIAOWNER: DEIRDRE WALLACELEED SILVER



CREDIT CHECKLISTS

EXISTING BUILDINGSNEW CONSTRUCTION

Yes ? No Sustainable Sites Possible Points 26Y Prereq 1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required

Credit 1 Site Selection 1

Credit 2 Development Density and Community Connectivity 5

Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1

Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation – Public Transportation Access 6

Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation – Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms 1

Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation – Low-emitting and Fuel-efficient Vehicles 3

Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation – Parking Capacity 2

Credit 5.1 Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat 1

Credit 5.2 Site Development – Maximize Open Space 1

Credit 6.1 Stormwater Design – Quantity Control 1

Credit 6.2 Stormwater Design – Quality Control 1

Credit 7.1 Heat Island Effect – Non-roof 1

Credit 7.2 Heat Island Effect – Roof 1

Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1

Yes ? No Water Efficiency Possible Points 10Y Prereq 1 Water Use Reduction – 20% Reduction Required

Credit 1 Water Efficient Landscaping 2 to 4

50% Reduction 2

No Potable Water Use or Irrigation 4

Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 2

Credit 3 Water Use Reduction 2 to 4

30% Reduction 2

35% Reduction 3

40% Reduction 4

Yes ? No Energy & Atmosphere Possible Points 35Y Prereq 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning Required

Y Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance Required

Y Prereq 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management Required

Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance 1 to 19

12% New Buildings or 8% Existing Building Renovations

1

14% New Buildings or 10% Existing Building Renovations 2


















Credit 2 On-Site Renewable Energy 1 to 7

1% Renewable Energy 1







Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning 2

Credit 4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 2

Credit 5 Measurement & Verification 3

Credit 6 Green Power 2

Yes ? No Materials & Resources Possible Points 14Y Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables Required

Credit 1.1 Building Reuse – Maintain Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof 1 to 3

Reuse 55% 1

Reuse 75% 2

Reuse 95% 3Credit 1.2 Building Reuse – Maintain 50% of Interior Non-Structural

Elements 1

Credit 2 Construction Waste Management 1 to 2

50% Recycled or Salvaged 1

75% Recycled or Salvaged 2

Credit 3 Materials Reuse 1 to 2

Reuse 5% 1

Reuse 10% 2

Credit 4 Recycled Content 1 to 2

10% of Content 1

20% of Content 2

Credit 5 Regional Materials 1 to 2

10% of Materials 1

20% of Materials 2

Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1

Credit 7 Certified Wood 1

Yes ? No Indoor Environmental Quality Possible Points 15Y Prereq 1 Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance Required

Y Prereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control Required

Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1

Credit 2 Increased Ventilation 1

Credit 3.1Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan – During Construction 1

Credit 3.2Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan – Before Occupancy 1

Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives & Sealants 1

Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials – Paints & Coatings 1

Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems 1

Credit 4.4Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products

1

Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 1

Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems – Lighting 1

Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems – Thermal Comfort 1

Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort – Design 1

Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort – Verification 1

Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views – Daylight 1

Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views – Views 1

Yes ? No Innovation & Design Possible Points 6Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design: Specific Title 1

Credit 1.2 Innovation in Design: Specific Title 1




Credit 2 LEED® Accredited Professional 1

Yes ? No Regional Priority Possible Points 4Credit 1.1 Regional Priority 1

Credit 1.2 Regional Priority 1



Project Total 110

LEED for New Construction 2009100 base points; 10 possible Innovation and Design and Regional Priority points

Certified 40–49 points

Silver 50–59 points

Gold 60–79 points

Platinum 80 points and above

Possible Points 110LEED for New Construction 2009

19

Yes ? No Sustainable Sites Possible Points 26Credit 1 LEED Certified Design and Construction 4Credit 2 Building Exterior and Hardscape Management Plan 1

Credit 3 Integrated Pest Management, Erosion Control, and Landscape Management Plan 1

Credit 4 Alternative Commuting Transportation 3 to 15Reduce by 10% 3Reduce by 13.75% 4Reduce by 17.5% 5Reduce by 21.25% 6Reduce by 25% 7Reduce by 31.25% 8Reduce by 37.5% 9Reduce by 43.75% 10Reduce by 50% 11Reduce by 56.25% 12Reduce by 62.5% 13Reduce by 68.75% 14Reduce by 75% 15

Credit 5 Site Development—Protect or Restore Open Habitat 1Credit 6 Stormwater Quantity Control 1Credit 7.1 Heat Island Reduction—Nonroof 1Credit 7.2 Heat Island Reduction—Roof 1Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1

Yes ? No Water Efficiency Possible Points 14Y Prereq 1 Minimum Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency

Credit 1 Water Performance Measurement 1 to 2Whole building metering 1Submetering 2

Credit 2 Additional Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency 1 to 5Reduce by 10% 1Reduce by 15% 2Reduce by 20% 3Reduce by 25% 4Reduce by 30% 5

Credit 3 Water Efficient Landscaping 1 to 5Reduce by 50% 1Reduce by 62.5% 2Reduce by 75% 3Reduce by 87.5% 4Reduce by 100% 5

Credit 4 Cooling Tower Water Management 1 to 2Chemical Management 1Nonpotable Water Source Use 2

Yes ? No Energy & Atmosphere Possible Points 35Y Prereq 1 Energy Efficiency Best Management PracticesY Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Efficiency PerformanceY Prereq 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management

Credit 1 Optimize Energy Efficiency Performance 1 to 18ENERGY STAR Rating of 71 or 21st Percentile Above National Median 1

ENERGY STAR Rating of 73 or 23rd Percentile Above National Median 2

ENERGY STAR Rating of 74 or 24th Percentile Above National Median 3







ENERGY STAR Rating of 81 or 31st Percentile Above National Median 10

ENERGY STAR Rating of 82 or 32nd Percentile Above National Median 11





ENERGY STAR Rating of 91 or 41st Percentile Above National Median 16


ENERGY STAR Rating of 95+ or 45th+ Percentile Above National Median 18

Credit 2.1 Existing Building Commissioning—Investigation and Analysis

2

Possible Points 110LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 2009Credit 2.2 Existing Building Commissioning—Implementation 2

Credit 2.3 Existing Building Commissioning—Ongoing Commissioning 2

Credit 3.1 Performance Measurement—Building Automation System 1Credit 3.2 Performance Measurement—System-Level Metering 1 to 2

40% Metered 180% Metered 2

Credit 4 On-site and Off-site Renewable Energy 1 to 63% On-site or 25% Off-site Renewable Energy 14.5% On-site or 37.5% Off-site Renewable Energy 2

6% On-site or 50% Off-site Renewable Energy 37.5% On-site or 62.5% Off-site Renewable Energy 4

9% On-site or 75% Off-site Renewable Energy 512% On-site or 100% Off-site Renewable Energy 6

Credit 5 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1Credit 6 Emissions Reduction Reporting 1

Yes ? No Materials & Resources Possible Points 10Y Prereq 1 Sustainable Purchasing PolicyY Prereq 2 Solid Waste Management Policy

Credit 1 Sustainable Purchasing—Ongoing Consumables 1Credit 2.1 Sustainable Purchasing—Durable Goods 1 to 2

40% of Electric 140% of Furniture 1

Credit 3 Sustainable Purchasing—Facility Alterations and Additions

1

Credit 4 Sustainable Purchasing—Reduced Mercury in Lamps 1Credit 5 Sustainable Purchasing—Food 1Credit 6 Solid Waste Management—Waste Stream Audit 1Credit 7 Solid Waste Management—Ongoing Consumables 1Credit 8 Solid Waste Management—Durable Goods 1

Credit 9 Solid Waste Management—Facility Alterations and Additions 1

Yes ? No Indoor Environmental Quality Possible Points 15Y Prereq 1 Minimum Indoor Air Quality PerformanceY Prereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) ControlY Prereq 3 Green Cleaning Policy

Credit 1.1 Indoor Air Quality Best Management Practices—Indoor Air Quality Management Program 1

Credit 1.2 Indoor Air Quality Best Management Practices—Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1

Credit 1.3 Indoor Air Quality Best Management Practices —Increased Ventilation 1

Credit 1.4 Indoor Air Quality Best Management Practices—Reduce Particulates in Air Distribution 1

Credit 1.5 Indoor Air Quality Best Management Practices—Facility Alterations and Additions 1

Credit 2.1 Occupant Comfort—Occupant Survey 1Credit 2.2 Controllability of Systems—Lighting 1Credit 2.3 Occupant Comfort—Thermal Comfort Monitoring 1Credit 2.4 Daylight and Views 1Credit 3.1 Green Cleaning—High-Performance Cleaning Program 1Credit 3.2 Green Cleaning—Custodial Effectiveness Assessment 1

Credit 3.3 Green Cleaning—Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials 1

Credit 3.4 Green Cleaning—Sustainable Cleaning Equipment 1

Credit 3.5 Green Cleaning—Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 1

Credit 3.6 Green Cleaning—Indoor Integrated Pest Management 1

Yes ? No Innovation in Operations Possible Points 6Credit 1.1 Innovation in Operations: Specific Title 1Credit 1.2 Innovation in Operations: Specific Title 1Credit 1.3 Innovation in Operations: Specific Title 1Credit 1.4 Innovation in Operations: Specific Title 1Credit 2 LEED Accredited Professional 1Credit 3 Documenting Sustainable Building Cost Impacts 1

Yes ? No Regional Priority Credits Possible Points 4Credit 1.1 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1Credit 1.2 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1Credit 1.3 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1Credit 1.4 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1

Project Total (Certification Estimates) 110

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 2009Certified 40–49 points

Silver 50–59 points

Gold 60–79 points

Platinum 80–110 points

USGBC.org

Documents

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES...LEED is a voluntary, third-party green building certification program that awards points to buildings for satisfying specified green building criteria. LEED-certified