PHOENIX—The first Best Western hotel to be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards recently broke ground in Golden, Colo. The 86-room Best Western Inn and Suites at Dinosaur Ridge in the west Denver area is expected to be complete in May 2009.
This $13 million project is being designed to achieve a silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It will be the first LEED-certified property in Golden. Gateway Development Group, developer of the hotel, has plans to build another three LEED-certified properties in the Denver area.
“This is a leading-edge green property, and we are excited to add it to our portfolio,” said Mark Williams, vice president, North American development for Best Western International. “We are thrilled to see environmentally-friendly hotels and amenities become increasingly popular with guests and developers.”
Among the property’s key features:
• A high-efficiency, energy-saving HVAC system;
• A 10kW grid-tied photovoltaic solar-electric system;
• Water-saving fixtures, including dual-flush toilets that will reduce water usage by up to two-thirds;
• Healthy indoor air quality achieved through low or no VOC paints, adhesives, carpet, and casework;
• Energy Star-rated appliances;
• Porous asphalt parking lot allowing for natural recharge of underground aquifers and reduced storm water run-off and a reduced burden on municipal storm water systems;
• In-room recycling;
• Preferred parking for low-emitting vehicles and carpools; and
• Construction waste recycling.
Upon completion, the new Best Western Inn and Suites at Dinosaur Ridge hotel will feature 3,000 square feet of private event and banquet space, a spacious fitness studio, indoor swimming pool, sweet shop and outdoor patio area ideal for weddings. The spacious guest rooms include 22 mini-suites and two presidential suites, multiple windows, custom furnishings, LCD panel TVs, and luxurious bathrooms.
“We are very excited to be part of the Best Western brand, and just as excited to create a healthy, comfortable environment for hotel guests and staff,” said John Franzman, director of real estate development for Gateway Hotels.
As an organization, Best Western International is providing its member hotels with the resources, tools and education they need to implement green practices. The chain also is working with the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. on a voluntary green certification program for the hotel industry.
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