SAN FRANCISCO—The InterContinental San Francisco announced its plan to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification by early 2010. Working in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the organization that sets the standards and categories for LEED certification, the InterContinental San Francisco is applying for certification in the “Existing Buildings: Operations & maintenance” category (EBOM) and will be evaluated on every facet of the property from construction and design elements to the types of amenities used in hotel guestrooms.
The InterContinental San Francisco opened in February 2008. The 550-room hotel is set in the heart of San Francisco, in the city’s bustling South of Market district and adjacent to the Moscone Convention Center. Pursuing LEED certification was a goal of the InterContinental San Francisco prior to its opening and since its debut the hotel has committed itself to integrating as many sustainable practices as possible into the daily operations and upkeep of the property.
“From working with local organic and sustainable farmers at our restaurant Luce to our comprehensive recycling program throughout the property, we are constantly striving to run our business as efficiently and responsibly as possible for both our guests and our community,” says InterContinental San Francisco general manager Peter Koehler. “We know it is our responsibility to respect the environment and pursuing LEED certification is the next step in our commitment for a better future.”
Since opening in 2008, the InterContinental San Francisco has integrated numerous sustainable practices in an effort to achieve this certification. Sustainable measures that have been integrated include mold free dry wall, which ensures a safe environment by providing superior indoor air quality for guests and employees alike; floor to ceiling windows throughout the entire property that offer an abundance of natural light and reduce the need for electricity; public terraces that provide guests with access to nearly 13,000 square feet of outdoor space; double-paned windows to reduce UV exposure, noise, and temperature fluctuation; and recommissioning of its energy systems by bringing in a third party to evaluate and upgrade its current systems to make them more efficient.
Motion Sensors Save Energy
In guestrooms and meeting spaces, motion sensors shut down power in unoccupied guestrooms to conserve energy; automatic sensors on sinks and toilets conserve water; digital reader boards throughout the hotel and in meeting spaces reduce the amount of paper used for special events; a linen and towel re-use program is in place; and reusable laundry, shoe and newspaper bags and recyclable bins are offered in every guestroom.
The InterContinental’s I-Spa uses products that feature organic ingredients and recycled packaging whenever possible; 100 percent micro-fiber sheets and amenity robes cut down on drying time and expendable energy during the cleaning process; and all spa products are free of synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes or colors, paraben and petroleum and are not tested on animals.
Luce restaurant at the InterContinental San Francisco is committed to sourcing local, organic and sustainable ingredients and uses energy-efficient kitchen equipment. The hotel uses a microbial-based natural cleaner that utilizes microbes and bacteria to eliminate fat, oils and grease that clog pipes. This reduces the amount of contaminants and toxins that filter into the city’s sewer system. The hotel has also implemented a comprehensive recycling program that manages 70 percent of generated waste. Bicycle storage is also offered to all employees, encouraging them to use green modes of transportation.
The InterContinental San Francisco expects to receive LEED certification by early 2010 and will continue to evaluate its current practices, seeking and implementing new sustainable measures and eco-friendly initiatives. For more information on the InterContinental San Francisco and its commitment to sustainability, visit www.intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com.
