Home Energy Management It’s Official: Proximity Hotel is First LEED Platinum Hotel

It’s Official: Proximity Hotel is First LEED Platinum Hotel

2014
0
SHARE

GREENSBORO, N.C.—Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels announced that The Proximity Hotel and Print Works Bistro have been awarded LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC’s rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings. Opened in late 2007, the Proximity is the first hotel and Print Works is the first restaurant to obtain the USGBC’s top level of certification.

“When we started the design process four years ago, I would have never believed that we could use 41 percent less energy and 33 percent less water without one iota of compromise in comfort or luxury and with minimal additional construction costs,” says Dennis Quaintance, the CEO and CDO (Chief Design Officer) of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels. “It just goes to show what a determined team can accomplish if they use common sense and get a little bit of help from the sun.”

His “sun” comment refers to the 100 solar rooftop panels that heat water for the AAA Four Diamond hotel. To illustrate how the hotel and bistro save energy without negatively affecting guests, he asks, “How is it a compromise for a guest to shower with water that is heated by the sun? Or, how is it a compromise for a bistro guest if their dishes are washed with solar heated water?”

No Extra Cost to Save Water

Quaintance collaborated with his subcontractors on every little detail and personally tested most products. “We tested so many different commodes at home that our children were anxious to see what they called the ‘commode du jour’,” he says. “We finally found one that works wonderfully and uses a third of a gallon less with each flush, and it did not cost one cent more than a conventional toilet.”

The rigorous testing for a variety of water-saving products is paying off. The hotel and restaurant are on track to use 2 million gallons less water during the first year, saving more than $13,000 by spending less than $7,000 in additional construction costs.

“I’ve come to believe that it is an urban legend that employing sustainable practices with new construction is too expensive,” concludes Quaintance. “We are very happy with the results, including the costs and returns, of everything that we did. It’s not easy—but it’s not hard. And it’s definitely worth it.”

Proximity and Print Works did not attain this milestone by just using less energy and water. They also:

• Recycled 87 percent of the construction debris (1,535 tons);
• Sourced more than 40 percent of the building materials locally;
• Used more than 20 percent recycled content;

• Restored 700 feet of an adjacent stream;

• Installed the first regenerative drive elevators in North America, generating electricity on the descent;

• Provided natural lighting (day-lighting) to 97 percent of the occupied space;
• Used elaborate energy recovery systems so as to provide large amounts of fresh air to all guests;

• Sourced 90 percent of the furniture locally;
• Commissioned local artists and craftspeople for original art in every guestroom, a cantilevered reception desk, spiral staircases in the lobby, furniture and accessories; and
• Included more than 60 other sustainable practices.

LEED certification covers energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. LEED was established for market leaders to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources while also making good economic sense.

“Proximity Hotel is especially to be commended for achieving LEED Platinum,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO, founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “This facility is one that both the community and its guests can be proud of. Proximity is a showcase for a high-performance, energy-efficient, healthy environment, and an inspiration for others.”

Officials from the USGBC will present the LEED Platinum plaque to the Proximity and Print Works at a ceremony at the hotel on November 10. On that same day, Proximity will hold its second Sustainable Practices Symposium, a three-hour class and tour about their design and building process using the LEED criteria. There is no charge for attendance, but advance registration is required at www.proximityhotel.com.

LEAVE A REPLY