Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Press release here. The press release doesn’t say what level of LEED certification the hotel is trying to achieve. I passed it the other day when I had lunch at 131 Main – it looks like there’s a lot of work left to be done before it opens:
ASHEVILLE, NC – The Hilton Asheville, scheduled to open this August, is one of the first major hotels in the United States to take a considerable step toward sustainability. For evidence of the Hilton Asheville’s unique commitment to eco-stewardship, you need only to look up. Atop the Hilton is one of the nation’s first hotel solar water heating systems. This system will be one of the largest installations in the Western North Carolina region.
Water throughout the hotel, including the pool, will be solar heated, eliminating twenty-five tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of planting 7,377 trees. Here guests can feel good about relaxing in one of the Hilton’s Whirlpool® Tubs or taking a dip in the heated saline pool. Moreover, the solar water heating system is just one of the hotel’s many environmentally focused features.
The 165-room hotel is set in the heart of Biltmore Park Town Square, the largest mixed-use district outside of the city’s downtown. The Hilton Asheville was built to blend green practices with the Hilton’s acclaimed commitment to guest comfort, and was designed to LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards from the Green Building Council. LEED certification is based on numerous metrics including energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Committed to the stewardship of its natural surroundings, the Hilton will reduce water usage by 30% through the installation of low-flow toilets, showerheads and sink fixtures. The hotel will also focus on reducing energy consumption by using ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Each kilowatt-hour saved preserves one pound of coal. The Hilton Asheville will also employ a recycling program for both guests and employees to further reduce raw materials, energy and air pollution. Select staff will even wear uniforms made out of regenerated plastic bottles.
Promoting lower emissions is also part of the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Guests may accept shuttle service in an alternative fuel shuttle, which reduces the burning of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The hotel will offer preferred parking for energy efficient hybrid vehicles.
Sounds nice; maybe bus service will head down that way too.
The Hilton Asheville is confidently working toward “silver” status (LEEDS). We won’t be certain until all certification is completed. Probably a year. Thanks so much for your post.