Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program:
Created by the U.S. Green Building Council to certify that buildings meet with standards of energy efficiency, conservation, and sensitivity to locale. Hotels have been slow to take up the challenge; only about 20 throughout the country have applied.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program, also known as the LEED Program, offers various levels of certification ranging from standard to platinum; each designed to highlight a stronger commitment to sustainability. Depending on the certification level, LEED can add one or two percent more to the overall cost of the project when it is under construction or refurbishment.

LEED-certified buildings:

• Lower operating costs and increased asset value.

• Reduce waste sent to landfills.

• Conserve energy and water.

• Healthier and safer for occupants.

• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

• Demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

The picture above is a depiction of the all-new City Center in Las Vegas which will feature LEED accredited hotels.

LEED Accredited Hotels:

• Avalon Hotel and Spa — Portland, Oregon

• Gaia Shasta Hotel — Anderson/San Francisco, California

• Heritance Kandalama Hotel — Damulla, Sri Lanka

• Len Foote Hike Inn — Dawsonville, Georgia

• Orchard Garden Hotel — San Francisco, California

• Bardessono Hotel - Yountville, California

• Viceroy Snowmass — Aspen, Colorado

• The Ambrose — Santa Monica, California

• The John James Audubon Lodge & Camp — Charlotte, North Carolina

• The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens — Pine Mountain, Georgia

• The Marriott Inn & Conference Center — Adelphi, Maryland

• Vancouver Conference Center & Hilton Hotel — Vancouver, Washington

• Palazzo — Las Vegas, Nevada

• Vdara Hotel & Spa at City Center -  las Vegas, Nevada

• Unity Village Hotel - Kansas City, Missouri.

Important Note:

LEED certification of building projects differs from the certification by other the Green Hotel Associations in that LEED focuses on construction and energy consumption.

Green Hotel Certifications:

• Types of Green Certifications & Categories

• Green Globe Certification Program

• GSTC Partnership

• The Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program

• Florida Green Lodging Program

• Green Key Eco-Rating Program

• The Green Tourism Business Scheme

• Energy Star Program

Related Information:

• Preferred hotel brands & Their Green initiatives

• Search for environmentally-friendly hotels by region

• Hotel services

• Customer Care - Hotels

Types & Styles of hotels to choose from:

• Budget inns, hotels & motels

• Corporate / business hotels

• Chain / brand hotels

• Small / boutique hotels

• Design hotels

• Condo hotels (residences) & all suite hotels

• Vacation rentals & condominiums

• Luxury hotels & ultra-luxury hotels

• Traditional / historical hotels

• Contemporary hotels & Asia Contemporary Hotels

• Resorts

Specialty Hotels:

• Tented camp resorts

• Heritage Hotels

• Adults-only hotels & resorts

• Adult-oriented hotels & resorts

• Couples-only hotels & resorts

• Clothing-optional resorts

• Casino hotels & resorts

• All-inclusive hotels & resorts

• Spa hotels & resorts

• Vacation villas