Hilton, Kimpton Hotel Chains Go for the Green

August 11, 2009

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Thanks to energy-efficient features, recycling programs and water conservation, among other sustainable features, the Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group and Hilton Hotels Corp. have announced the opening of their first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registered hotel, and LEED Gold certified headquarters, respectively.

The Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group’s first LEED registered hotel, the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia features energy-efficient mechanical systems, low-flow fixtures, a water filtration system to eliminate on-property use of bottled water, and in-room recycling containers, according to Green Lodging News.

During renovation of the $92.5 million, 230-room boutique hotel, first built in 1929, the project diverted more than 50 percent of waste from the landfill during construction, and used recycled materials wherever possible including floor tiles and the ceiling, reports Green Lodging News.

In addition, the on-site restaurant, Square 1682, will focus on sustainable cuisine, and organic and/or Fair Trade coffee and tea will be served at the hotel, as well as organic snacks and beverages in in-room honor bars.

Peggy Trott, general manager at Kimpton said in the article that the hotel chain is pursuing LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Silver rating. Kimpton expects to hear about its final LEED status about 60-90 days after opening on October 14.

Meanwhile, Hilton’s new global headquarters in McLean, Virginia, meets the highest environmental standard for design, construction and operation. During construction of the 11-story, 323,000-square-foot building, 97 percent of construction waste was diverted from the landfill. Hilton occupies about one-third of the building, which is owned by the B.F. Saul Real Estate Investment Trust.

Green building features include a reflective roof, low-flow plumbing that reduces water use by 40 percent compared to a non-LEED building, energy-efficient windows, sustainable wood in doors and lobby millwork, and a 10,000-gallon cistern for rainwater and air conditioner condensate capture.

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