WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Starwood Capital Group, led by Barry Sternlicht, announced the launching of “1” Hotel and Residences, the first luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand. The concept will combine the best of environmentally sustainable architecture and interior design with luxury service and comfort.
“1” will adhere to green construction and operating principles and commit to environmentally sensitive consumption of natural resources. “1” will demonstrate that green principles can coexist and enhance a luxury hospitality experience and healthy residential lifestyle. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has agreed to be an environmental advisor on “1” with the initial goal of setting a new standard for environmental excellence and, over time, to transform the entire hotel industry.
“We are excited to be able to bring a whole new concept to the hospitality industry with the launch of the “1” brand,” Sternlicht says. “As a c.e.o. and parent of three young children, I have grown acutely aware of the personal responsibility we each have to help preserve and protect our planet, which can only happen through the accumulation of small efforts by millions of individuals. It is the perfect time for “1”. With such critical issues facing us as foreign energy dependence and global warming, we cannot afford to ignore the growing consumption of our natural resources and the inability to sustain our enterprises.”
“While some hotel brands pay lip service to the environment by asking guests to reuse towels, and adding plants to a lobby, “1” is not using eco-friendly jargon simply as a marketing tool,” Sternlicht says. “Our intention with “1” is to build hotels and residences that are truly green and minimize their impact on their environment. We are excited about our partnership with the NRDC. Each property will donate one percent of its revenue to local environmental organizations guided by a steering committee with NRDC representation. All of our buildings will be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and all of our interiors will be LEED-compliant.”
“The green theme will only be noticeable to the extent that it will help create a healthy and invigorating environment,” Sternlicht says. “Enhancing this experience, we are thrilled to announce a new exclusive partnership with Stephen Hanson, perhaps the premier multi-site restaurant operator in the United States. Steve’s team at BR Guest will power the dining, banqueting and room service experiences at each of the “1” properties.”
Focus on New Construction
The initial four properties in the United States will all be new construction. The first hotel will be the “1” Hotel and Residences Seattle expected to open in late 2008. Following Seattle, “1” will open in the ski resort of Mammoth Mountain, Calif.; in Scottsdale, Ariz.; and in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The first international “1” hotel will be located in Paris, France and will be a renovation of a historic property.
In addition, Starwood Capital Group expects “1” to enter New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and other major urban markets, as well as premier resort destinations, within the next 12 months. The aim will be to have 15 hotels signed or under construction within 24 months. The five hotels are owned by controlled affiliates of Starwood Capital Group Global, LLC.
The NRDC strives to help create a new way of life for humankind, one that can be sustained indefinitely without fouling or depleting the resources that support all life on Earth. For more than three decades, NRDC has fought successfully to defend wilderness and wildlife and to protect clean air, clean water and a healthy environment.
“NRDC looks forward to working with the creators of “1” to help create exemplar environmental projects that can be models for the entire hotel industry,” says Ashok Gupta, an energy expert with NRDC.
The LEED Green Building Rating System, created by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Also important to the brand’s identity will be its unique operating model. Each operating unit of hotel properties will be managed by industry leaders. BR Guest will provide an innovative restaurant, banqueting and room service program.
“I’m thrilled to be a partner on the “1” concept, as it mirrors many of our values such as environmental stewardship and supporting local farmers,” Hanson says. “We will seek the premier local chefs who understand and support our mission. Barry Sternlicht is a great visionary, one that I’ve worked with for more than five years, and there is no one I’d rather be partners with in this exciting venture.”
Go to Starwood Capital Group.
