ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park announced that it has been awarded LEED Silver certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
“The Hilton Asheville is a great example of how to combine sustainability with exceptional features and amenities to create a memorable guest experience,” said Ron Storto, vice president of hotel development with Biltmore Farms LLC. “From a destination spa and fine dining to eco-conscious products and operations, this new addition to our hotel portfolio pairs environmental stewardship with Biltmore Farms’ legacy of service, style and innovation.”
Hilton Asheville achieved LEED certification for incorporating a variety of sustainable strategies. The largest factor being that Hilton Asheville is among the first hotels in the country to install a solar hot water system. It is the largest system installed in western North Carolina to date. Water throughout the hotel, including the pool, is heated using solar power, eliminating 25 tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is the equivalent of planting 7,000 trees. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings, such as the Hilton Asheville, save money for families, business and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
Important Addition to Green Building Movement
“With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC’s vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.”
LEED certification of Hilton Asheville was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:
• Solar powered hot water system;
• Building materials with low volatile organic compounds;
• All Energy Star qualified CFL lighting throughout the hotel;
• Saline pool reduces purchase, transport and storage of chlorine type chemicals;
• Full scale recycling program including guestrooms;
• Farm to table menu items;
• Donation of cooking oil for alternative fuels;
• Donation of food waste for composting;
• A linen and towel reuse program to reduce water consumption;
• Shuttle service provided in an alternative fuel vehicle;
• Special parking for all hybrid vehicles; and
• Bicycle racks for alternative transportation.
Go to the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park.
