LEED-ing green hotels to a sustainable future

I admit it: I’m not a fan of acronyms. But unfortunately the world is full of them – especially, it seems, the sustainability world. There’s CFL, CFC, HEPA, HFC, LCA, VOC and so many more… not to mention the granddaddy of them all – LEED.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and I suppose that as far as acronyms go, it’s one of the more useful ones. The LEED Green Building Rating System is the most universally accepted building certification program in the country, and its authority is even spreading around the world.

Administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, this voluntary program recommends practices and performance criteria to help architects, engineers, construction and facilities managers, interior designers, lenders and government officials design, construct, remodel, operate and maintain sustainable buildings – everything from homes schools and hospitals, to retail establishments, government facilities and yes, even hotels.

The LEED program helps improve five areas critical to human and environmental wellbeing:

• Sustainable site development
• Water conservation
• Energy efficiency
• Material selection
• Indoor environmental quality

Not sure which flooring option is the most sustainable choice for your new hotel? LEED can point you in the right direction. Wondering if you should incorporate solar water heaters into your remodel, or want to tap into tax incentives and government initiatives to help offset costs? LEED has resources to guide you.

Once the U.S. Green Building Council has ensured that the building meets its requirements, it awards the facility its prestigious LEED certification. In the sustainable building world, there’s no more highly-regarded acronym than LEED!

If you’d like to find out how your planned or existing lodging facility can earn LEED certification, send a message to info@EcoGreenHotel.com. We’ll be happy to help you get the process started!

For more information visit: www.EcoGreenHotel.com