The Proximity Hotel Is the First to Gain LEED Platinum Status

October 9, 2008 at 1:07 PM | 1 Comment

Hard work pays off, and nobody has been working harder for their LEED certification than Greensboro, North Carolina's Proximity Hotel, who have been rewarded as the first hotel in the US to hold Platinum status. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council's rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings, with platinum being the height of achievement.

Opened only last year, Proximity boasts all the usual amenities of a luxury property, including an outdoor pool and free airport transportation in your choice of a restored London cab or checker taxi. Even their sister property down the road, the O. Henry Hotel, provides more choice for lounging and dining.

Even the green touches add to the luxury of the Proximity's environment, as they've not only restored the nearby stream, cultivated a garden and provided natural light to 97% of interior spaces, but 90% of the property's furniture was sourced locally. Original art from local craftsmen is found in each guestroom, and outdoor fresh air cycles through the hotel.

Of the Proximity's decision to go green, the Chief Design Officer Dennis Quaintance said: "When we started the design process four years ago, I would have never believed that we could use 41% less energy and 33% less water without one iota of compromise in comfort or luxury and with minimal additional construction costs." Considering that only an extra $7,000 went into the eco-water system, which now saves them $13,000 a year, we're wondering why every hotel isn't immediately jumping on the bandwagon.

Adding to the weight of the LEED award is the fact that the hotel's restaurant, Print Works, joins in the eco-practices and will even host the hotel's second Sustainable Practices Symposium in November. Curious and want to go check out the hotel's 100 solar panels? Room rates start at $179 for a sunny and airy Loft King.

[Photo: Proximity Hotel]

Tags: Greensboro Hotels / Hotel News / Green Hotels / Eco-Hotels

by JetSetCD

HotelChatter

Select a Region or Country:

Greensboro Hotels