SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.—Scottsdale-based Forever Resorts announced the development of the United States’ first LEED certified floating green building at Nevada’s Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina on Lake Mohave, just south of Las Vegas. Upon completion, the structure will be submitted to become the first floating LEED certified structure in the nation.
A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina recently registered the boat rental and marina service for construction. The details will be unveiled during the Green Marina Launch on May 29, at which time Forever Resorts will also announce and celebrate the partners helping to make history with this floating structure.
“Forever Resorts has long been committed to preservation and environmental practices, and we couldn’t be more excited to make history by developing a building that embraces the eco-friendly principles we support,” said John Schoppmann, executive vice president of Forever Resorts.
To Be Completed This Summer
The new green building is set to replace a 30-year-old structure and moorage for more than 220 vessels. In partnership with the National Park Service, Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina will strive to attain the highest LEED certification possible. The project is underway and is scheduled for completion in summer 2009.
“This project will raise the bar for all green marinas,” said Collette Carter, general manager of Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina and a member of the Forever Resorts Floating Green Building Team. “The teams working on our project are incorporating the newest and most innovative products available. In fact, some of these materials and products will be used for the first time ever in the construction of this building.”
The floating eco-friendly structure will feature sustainable modular construction and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and environmentally responsible materials, fixtures and operations practices. The project’s key Earth-minded elements and commitments include the Forever Resorts Forever Earth Environmental Management System and a mix of new and existing programs:
• Green cleaning program throughout the resort (currently in place);
• Green purchasing program (currently in place);
• Energy and environmental education programs for boaters and community members (currently in place);
• Extensive energy saving materials and systems, including high-performance insulated glass;
• Highly efficient HVAC equipment and delivery systems;
• Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to capture sunlight and produce electricity;
• Extensive use of recycled and regionally extracted and/or manufactured materials, such as concrete, steel, drywall, metal studs, carpet, etc.;
• Finish materials, paints, adhesives, caulks and sealants that contain low or no Volatile Organic Compounds to ensure healthy indoor air quality;
• Extensive natural daylighting and views to the outdoors throughout, maximizing east/west orientation;
• Recycled and recyclable building and landscape materials;
• Prevention of night sky pollution; and
• Recycled construction waste.
Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina is home to Forever Resorts houseboats, which are custom-designed and manufactured by Fun Country Marine Industries, a Forever Resort property. Each houseboat is built with careful attention to luxury and details using materials and practices to maximize environmental sustainability for the wellbeing of the parks and lakes that bring meaning to the overall houseboat experience. All Forever Resorts marinas embrace and utilize Forever Earth’s earth-friendly practices and are dedicated to the environment.
