by Glenn Hasek
August 03, 2010 04:23
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide just announced that its Element Hotels brand has achieved LEED Volume Pre-certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Starwood's Element Hotels brand joins Marriott International's Courtyard brand in offering LEED Volume Pre-certification. Marriott just announced last week that the Courtyard Charleston/Summerville in South Carolina will be the first hotel built using its green hotel prototype. Do I detect a trend developing here? Marriott had already announced that it has plans to create similar green hotel prototypes for Residence Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott.
Why is LEED Volume Pre-certification important? Some developers have been turned away by some of the added costs to building to LEED standards. By offering LEED-ready prototypes, many of the costs associated with LEED can be reduced or eliminated.
In a press release announcing the LEED Volume Pre-certification for Element Hotels, Paul Sacco, senior vice president of development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said, "Building from a prototype that's already LEED pre-approved means that Starwood helps our partners substantially reduce consulting fees, spend less on applications and certifications, and minimize documentation requirements wherever possible. This presents a real incentive for partners and developers to join us in the pursuit of more sustainable buildings and greener operations."
What Starwood and Marriott are doing is smart and gives them a competitive advantage. They are making it easier for developers to save before shovels hit the ground and once hotels are up and running. The Element Hotel in Lexington, Mass., is 20 percent more energy efficient and 32 percent more water efficient than a comparable hotel. Hotels that efficient are easier to operate, provide a faster return on investment, and hold their value longer. What company will be next to offer LEED Volume Pre-certification?
