LAS VEGAS—Crystals, the retail and entertainment district at CityCenter, has achieved LEED Gold Core & Shell certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the world’s largest retail district to receive this level of recognition. Opening in December, CityCenter was created with a vision to introduce a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip and has emerged as a leader in sustainable urban development. Crystals’ achievement marks the fourth LEED Gold certification for CityCenter; previous recipients included 1. ARIA Resort’s hotel tower, 2. ARIA’s convention center and theater, and 3. Vdara Hotel & Spa. CityCenter is poised to achieve a combination of LEED Gold and Silver ratings throughout its remaining hotels, residences, dining and public spaces.
Under the LEED for Core & Shell rating system, USGBC evaluated the entire district with the exception of the tenants’ interior spaces. This enables tenants to capitalize on green strategies implemented throughout Crystals, including energy and water efficiencies, enhanced indoor air quality, sustainable building materials and an abundance of natural light.
“From CityCenter’s inception, we aimed to create a vibrant destination to demonstrate that a community can be both beautiful and sustainable for today and for future generations,” said Cindy Ortega, MGM MIRAGE’s senior vice president of Energy and Environmental Services. “As we celebrate Crystals’ achievement, along with the recent Gold certification of ARIA and Vdara, we’re a step closer to introducing this transformative development to Las Vegas, and welcoming our guests to an environment designed with their health and well-being in mind.”
Crystals’ Sustainable Highlights
• Radiant floor cooling will use less energy for air conditioning by chilling the air specifically in occupied areas rather than cooling the entire space.
• The majority of all wood products used in Crystals are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, meaning the wood is produced from forests with sustainable management practices in place.
• Annually, Crystals will save an estimated 1.8 million gallons of water within the building through efficient water fixtures. This equates to a savings of nearly 38 percent over existing building codes.
• Skylights will allow for abundant natural light to illuminate the space.
• Guests arriving with alternative fuel vehicles will have access to preferred parking.
“From its intense focus on water conservation to the multiple strategies for energy efficiency, the CityCenter team has delivered several exceptional properties that qualify for the LEED Gold rating,” says Richard Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “Extreme climates challenge the most creative of project teams, and the CityCenter team has risen to the occasion and then some. We congratulate them on their significant achievement.”
Crystals’ multi-faceted exterior was designed by Daniel Libeskind; the brilliant glass canopy depicts the detailed beauty of a quartz crystal, welcoming an abundance of natural light into the three-level experiential environment. Crystals’ interior was designed by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, creating a 21st century park that will celebrate nature and the seasons, and feature “changeable artwork” such as abstract hanging gardens, a lush flower carpet and more.
Long List of Luxury Retailers
Large-format luxury retailers that will establish Crystals as a preeminent international shopping destination include Louis Vuitton, Prada, TIFFANY & CO., Ermenegildo Zegna, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior, Versace, Bulgari, Cartier, Hermes, Bally, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mikimoto, Emilio Pucci and ILORI. Unique-to-the-market retailers opening their first locations in Las Vegas include Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Kiton, Marni, Assouline, H. Stern, Tourbillon, Porsche Design and de Grisogono.
Visitors to Crystals also will enjoy Eva Longoria Parker’s first Las Vegas restaurant, BESO; two dynamic new dining concepts from internationally renowned master chef Wolfgang Puck; a new pub concept by Todd English; and Mastro’s Ocean Club.
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, Fore Solutions and Simon & Associates.
Click here for more information.
