SNOWMASS VILLAGE, COLO.—Related/WestPac announced that the $2 billion 80-acre Snowmass Village, Colo. mixed-use development will combine groundbreaking environmental stewardship with a first-class resort experience. The development includes residential units, world-class hotels, retail, entertainment, and restaurant amenities surrounding the renowned ski area. The Snowmass development seeks to create a new model in community and resort sustainable development and be one of the first and most ambitious projects to be chosen for the new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Pilot Neighborhood Development certification program.
Related/WestPac will incorporate LEED’s pilot Neighborhood certification program and plans to augment these efforts by extending them into every aspect of the design, development, construction and operations at Snowmass Village. In partnership with the town of Snowmass Village and the Aspen Skiing Co., Related/WestPac is currently exploring best practices to maximize efficiencies through the utilization of renewable energy sources, storm water management, carbon-neutral technologies, the use of high-performance mechanical ventilation, low-VOC and no-VOC for healthy indoor air quality for all residents and visitors, and the incorporation of eco-friendly components throughout all buildings. Additionally, Related/WestPac will create a community with seamless pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods designed with walkable destinations and gondola people-movers that allow for limited auto usage.
“Today the global sustainability momentum is undeniable and exciting,” says Patrick N. Smith, president of Related/WestPac. “As a developer in Snowmass Village, Related/WestPac has both an opportunity and an obligation to commit our strong resources toward sustainable, green development. Our vision is one where every resident, every visitor and every business will contribute to a brighter future through a raising of the green bar. Snowmass Village is known for its pioneers and Related/WestPac is proud to continue that spirit by taking a leadership role in applying substantial sustainable practices to our redevelopment plans.”
Establishing Best Practices
“We are proud to be a part of a groundbreaking program to create one of the world’s most sustainable neighborhoods and set a new standard for environmental excellence in the development and hospitality industries in Snowmass Village,” says Jeff T. Blau, president of Related Companies. “In order to effectively combat climate change, an ecological consciousness and an environmental commitment from both the public and the private sectors is absolutely required. Through the new LEED Neighborhood Development Pilot Program, we will accelerate global progress towards sustainable development. We look forward to sharing our ideas and experience as we help create best practices with our partners—the U.S. Green Building Council, National Resources Defense Council and the Congress for New Urbanism.”
Related Companies developed one of the first green residential buildings in the nation, Tribeca Green in Battery Park City, New York, and Chicago’s first green residential building, 340 on the Park. Related is currently developing eight new LEED-certified residential buildings.
The LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system integrates the principles of smart growth, new urbanism and green building into the first national standard for neighborhood design. LEED for Neighborhood Development is a collaboration among the U.S. Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The rating system will evaluate the development based on smart location and linkage to the community at large; the neighborhood pattern and design; green construction and technology; and innovation and design process. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development’s location and design meet accepted high standards for environmentally responsible and sustainable development. Snowmass would be one of the first development projects under this newly formed certification.
Smarter, Healthier Communities
“The LEED for Neighborhood Development program is designed to go beyond the single green building approach and focus on design and development—on a community-wide scale,” says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “Our pilot projects are pioneers—paving the way for the development of smarter and healthier communities.”
“The town of Snowmass Village has consistently taken a leadership position to foster and encourage the green building techniques of both the private and public sectors,” says Snowmass Village Mayor Douglas “Merc” Mercatoris. “We are pleased to be working with partners large and small to obtain these goals. The lead taken by Related/WestPac with Aspen Ski Co. and by having a LEED certified neighborhood with their new construction is a wonderful example of the private sector working for the environment.”
“We applaud these efforts and are excited to work with partners who share Aspen Skiing Company’s commitment to sustainable business practices and green building,” says Mike Kaplan, president and CEO of Aspen Skiing Co. “With this announcement, Related/WestPac has taken an overall leadership position in the development business.”
Related/WestPac is a joint venture partnership of Related Companies, a fully integrated private real estate development company, and WestPac Investments Colorado LLC, a diversified real estate investment and development company.
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