WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that its newest brand, ELEMENT hotels, will require all hotels brand-wide to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED certification.
With its first hotel debuting this summer and more than 20 hotels set to open by the end of 2009, ELEMENT will make history as the first major hotel brand to commit to LEED certification.
Designed for longer stays, and consisting entirely of new-build hotels, ELEMENT is uniquely positioned in the industry to spur widespread green development. ELEMENT designated its first hotel, Starwood-owned ELEMENT Lexington, MA scheduled to open in July 2008, as a working laboratory to test the latest in green construction, products, design and operations. Using these learnings, the ELEMENT brand has created a road map for developers which streamlines certification pursuits and provides a pathway to cost-effective green building. Starwood's research indicates that LEED certification is achievable at a minimal cost premium. In addition, ELEMENT's research shows that the initial investment can be recouped within a few years, given associated operational savings.
"ELEMENT's efforts around green are great for the Earth and great for our guests," said Brian McGuinness, ELEMENT hotels' Global Brand Leader. "From improving the quality of the air, to minimizing pollutants and toxic chemicals, to providing ample access to natural light, ELEMENT provides a cleaner, healthier environment and a sense of well being, all designed to help our guests thrive on the road."
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