Marriott's public relations team deserves some kudos today for organizing a bicoastal event to celebrate the greening of two Courtyard by Marriott properties. Two press conferences are being held simultaneously. One of the conferences--to be held in Chevy Chase, Md. to celebrate the opening of the Courtyard Chevy Chase--will include Marriott chairman and CEO J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. The other press event--in Portland, Ore., to celebrate the earning of a LEED Gold designation by the Courtyard Portland City Center--will include U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) senior vice president Scot Horst.
In Maryland, where the Courtyard Chevy Chase is expected to earn LEED Gold by the end of the year, Marriott's chairman and CEO will be joined by USGBC COO Chris Smith and senior vice president of Grosvenor USA Ltd., Mark Darley (the hotel's developer). The Maryland property’s green features include 100 percent renewable energy provided by wind power, which greatly reduces the operational carbon footprint; a reflective roof; energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems that do not use ozone-depleting refrigerants; energy-efficient windows; low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpets, and sealants; low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets; an energy management system; special parking for hybrid cars; a bike to work program for employees; a centralized recycling station for on-site sorting; and a solar-powered trash compactor.
In Portland, Scot Horst will present the Gold plaque to the CEO of Sage Hospitality, Walter Isenberg (the hotel's developer), and general manager of the Courtyard Portland City Center, Mike Castro. The Courtyard Portland City Center is designed to lower overall energy consumption by 28 percent (equivalent to the energy consumption of 42 households per year) and reduce carbon emissions. Water consumption was reduced by 26 percent through the use of dual flush toilets and more than 75 percent of the construction waste was recycled and reused. All of the hotel’s electricity comes from renewable sources, including wind and hydroelectric. To further reduce waste, recycling containers are situated in each guestroom and on each floor. Additionally, kitchen grease from the Original Restaurant is recycled into biodiesel fuel and food waste from the restaurant is composted.
Click here to access a site that will include press event coverage. Information about both Courtyard by Marriott hotels can also be found at http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/.
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