Hospitality Operations, Inc.’s new 221-room Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell-Downtown has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The property becomes the first LEED certified hotel within the City of Miami limits. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Less than one year after opening its doors, there is evidence the hotel’s green investments are paying off. Overall energy savings are 16 percent below the property’s initial budget and 20 percent below LEED baseline building performance requirements. Actual water consumption is 17 percent below budget thanks to low-flow water fixtures, efficient washing machines and a 35,000 gallon cistern that harvests rainwater for irrigation purposes. Natural gas costs are 49 percent below budget, the result of high-efficiency boilers and a laundry system that uses less hot water and reduces drying time. And electricity costs, the largest source of energy consumption for hotels, are 11 percent below budget.
“The hotel industry has historically trailed other sectors when it comes to emphasizing sustainability, largely due to excessive energy and water usage,” said Bernard Wolfson, president of Miami-based hotel development firm Hospitality Operations, Inc., in an announcement. “We are overcoming these obstacles at the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell-Downtown by embracing green features that conserve resources, appeal to eco-conscious guests, and reduce our operating costs.”
LEED certification of the hotel was based on green design and construction features including: An in-room energy management system which automatically powers down air conditioning systems when guests are not in their rooms; Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LED lighting, televisions and other appliances; Occupancy sensors which control lights in public spaces and work areas; An ozone laundry system designed to reduce the consumption of water, energy and cleaning chemicals; Low-flow water fixtures, dual flush toilets, and motion-activated faucets that reduce water usage; Biodegradable plates, cups and tableware for use at breakfast and coffee stations; Paints with low volatile organic compounds; Environmentally safe, non-toxic cleaning agents used by housekeeping staff; Preferred garage parking spaces designated for hybrid and electric automobiles, with electric vehicle charging stations available for guests; Bicycle racks, showers, and changing facilities for employees who bike and walk to work.
Amenities at the 15-story hotel include a rooftop pool/spa deck; full-service lobby/pool bar; state-of-the-art fitness facility; 24-business center featuring multiple touch-screen computers and printers; and 3,800 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel also offers free high-speed WiFi throughout all guestrooms and common areas, complimentary On the House hot breakfast served daily, and coffee and teas available free of charge in the lobby, day and night.
The hotel was designed by Miami architect Israel Bigelman. TLC Engineering served as the project’s LEED consultant.
