“The Hotel underwent a $30 million dollar renovation in 2009 with an eye on sustainability,” explained Gary Goodman, Hotel Andaluz owner. “At the top of our priority list was long-term sustainability and good environmental stewardship. We are proud to have achieved this prestigious distinction.”
The Hotel Andaluz' LEED certification was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. For instance, the hotel uses less energy than traditional buildings by using solar heated water, high performance windows, fluorescent and LED lighting and a state of the art energy management system. The hotel also has reduced its water usage over 45%. In addition, the hotel has a comprehensive recycling program that recycles cardboard, paper, plastic, metal and all food waste is composted.
“By using less energy and water, the Hotel Andaluz saves our precious resources for our families, businesses and taxpayers; reduces greenhouse gas emissions; and contributes to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community,” Goodman added.
U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 155,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 32,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 9.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building,membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
ABOUT HOTEL ANDALUZ
Hotel Andaluz is managed by Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, a full-service management operating company that specializes in luxury and upscale hotels and resorts. Gemstone Hotels & Resorts manages properties all over the country including the Mosaic Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Carlton Hotel in New York City. They are experts in seamlessly blending effective management with hotel luxury, creating uncommon results in their management partnerships. For more information on Gemstone Hotels & Resorts go to www.gemstoneresorts.com.