DALLAS—LQ Management LLC, one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States, has long had an interest in running properties that are energy efficient. It has been an Energy Star partner since 1995, first established a compact fluorescent lighting program for its La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inns & Suites brands in 1999, has a towel and linen reuse program at its more than 700 hotels, has deployed guestroom energy management systems in more than 160 properties, and is currently working with the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. to follow its 11 Minimum Guidelines for going green. The recently opened 241-room La Quinta Inn & Suites—Chicago Downtown and a planned 67-room hotel in Memphis, Tenn., are bound to give the La Quinta brand an even stronger “green” reputation.
“The Chicago hotel was built with energy efficiency in mind,” says Angelo Lombardi, chief operating officer for LQ Management LLC. “To help reduce its carbon footprint, it includes a 3,000-square-foot green roof. It helps to conserve energy, reduces the urban heat island effect, and helps to clean and retain rain water. In May, as part of the green roof installation, almost 5,000 plants were planted. Most of the plants are Sedum varieties.”
For the cooling of the Chicago hotel, cooled water is purchased from the city of Chicago as part of an innovative system that eliminates the need for on-site equipment such as a chiller system. Digital thermostats are installed throughout the property and an energy management system powers down the heating and cooling system when guests are not present. Sensors turn off lighting in public restrooms and store rooms.
The nine-story Chicago hotel was originally the Jewish Federation Building. Two wings were added for the new property. By starting with an existing building, LQ Management helped minimize the structure’s environmental impact. Low-flow showerheads and toilets help reduce water flow, recycling is practiced throughout, and nontoxic, non-phosphate cleaning products are used by housekeeping staff.
LEED Hotel Planned for Memphis
CBH Hospitality LLC, co-owned by Bhavesh Patel and Hitu Bhakta, is currently constructing the new 67-room La Quinta Inn & Suites in Memphis. The developers are aiming for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. Patel says LEED Gold is a possibility. The property will be the first La Quinta property to earn the LEED designation.
The hotel will include a $200,000, minimum 20-kilowatt solar system to help generate electricity and a 1.5- to 2.0-kilowatt vertical access wind turbine. Ninety percent of the rooftop solar panels will be hidden from view. Rainwater will be captured for later use and a reflective white roof will help to keep the building cool under the hot Memphis sun.
Patel says 85 percent of construction waste is being diverted from the landfill, low-VOC paint, caulking and glue were used throughout the building, and carpeting including recycled content has been purchased. Eighty percent of the lights in the hotel will be LEDs, and insulated concrete forms were used in the building’s construction.
“Our goal is to reduce our impact and increase guest satisfaction at the same time,” says Patel, who admits that going green is costing his company more than expected.
The $6 million hotel is costing the developers 10 percent more than a comparable, non-LEED hotel.
“We believe it is worth going green,” Patel says.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is a partner in the project and will benefit with “50 percent of the proceeds,” Patel adds.
The new La Quinta property has a tentative opening month of March 2010. After completing its Memphis property, CBH Hospitality intends to build a LEED Platinum hotel.
Committee Meets Frequently
An environmental committee at LQ Management helps oversee all of the various energy, water, and waste management programs.
“We meet several times per month,” Lombardi says. “We have completed nine sustainability initiatives this year.”
With the leadership of Mike Milburn, director of energy and sustainability, LQ Management is working with Energy Star on additional partnerships, exploring carpeting recycling, and continuously working with franchisees to build on existing green programs.
“Sustainability is here to stay,” Lombardi says. “Our franchisees are quick to the table to bring their ideas. When we ask them to invest in something, they know we have done it ourselves. Our franchisees are our partners. Our goals are aligned.”
Go to LQ Management.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
