EWING, N.J.—Ewing is now the home of New Jersey’s first LEED-certified hotel. Element Ewing Hopewell, an eco-chic boutique hotel, has earned a coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Designed to be “green from the ground up,” Element hotels blend nature-inspired smart design, inspiring public spaces, and comfortable modern touches. Element, from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., made history with its 2008 launch by becoming the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue LEED certification. Element serves as Starwood’s green innovation lab, where sustainable practices are tested before migrating to other brands.
With Element Ewing Hopewell’s certification, four Element hotels in North America now boast LEED accreditation. For Starwood, the hotel becomes the 14th in its worldwide portfolio to earn LEED certification—the most of any global hospitality company.
The certification reflects Element Ewing Hopewell’s dedication to sustainability. All 127 guestrooms are outfitted with Energy Star-qualified kitchen appliances, eco-friendly bath fixtures, and recycling bins for paper, plastic, and glass. The property minimizes waste with recycled paper towels in the kitchen, filter systems for drinking water to replace plastic bottles, and silverware and glassware instead of disposable products. Showers feature dispensers for shampoo/conditioner and body wash, rather than wasteful mini-bottles. Throughout the hotel, eco-friendly design enhances comfort, quality, and performance.
Natural Light Maximized
Physical spaces use materials that are both sustainable and inviting, from stylish carpets with up to 100 percent recycled content to low-VOC paint that enlivens walls without harming indoor air quality. Oversized windows and open layouts flood the space with natural light, supplemented by compact fluorescent bulbs that shed a soothing glow while using about 75 percent less energy than conventional bulbs. Green cleaning products help keep Element clean and healthy for both people and the planet.
For the added convenience of eco-minded travelers, the hotel recently installed a ChargePoint electric-vehicle charging station, which Element has been rolling out at properties nationwide. The property even offers a special thank you to green-minded guests, providing priority parking spots for hybrid cars.
“Our LEED certification is gratifying because it recognizes our team’s efforts to conserve resources and reduce waste,” said Perry Hansen, general manager of Element Ewing Hopewell. “But even more important, guests keep telling us how much it means to them. There’s a real appreciation among guests for all of the thoughtful practices that have become an integral part of the Element experience.”
Team Effort for Element Ewing Hopewell
“LEED certification is a terrific achievement for the Element Ewing Hopewell team, a real win for New Jersey, and a meaningful milestone for our guests,” added Brian McGuinness, senior vice president, Specialty-Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “The hotel’s certification proves that green practices can enhance every aspect of a hotel’s operation, from providing great guest experiences to enriching a neighborhood.”
Expanding on its long-term commitment to conservation and sustainable operations, Starwood in 2010 announced plans to significantly reduce energy and water consumption at every one of its hotels within a decade. Starwood will aim for a 30 percent reduction in energy use and a 20 percent decrease in water consumption per available room by 2020. The initiative will apply to all of Starwood’s owned, managed, and franchised hotels around the world.
Click here for more information.
