ATLANTA—The Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, adjacent to one of the world’s busiest U.S. airports and home to the Georgia International Convention Center, recently earned Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The eco-savvy, 403-room property is among the greenest hotels in the city and is one of only 41 LEED Silver hotels for new construction in the United States to earn this level of accreditation. “We are proud of this outstanding achievement in being recognized as an environmental leader,” said Robert Woolridge, general manager. “Our contributions in making the environment a healthier place by reducing waste, conserving energy and water and using “green power” provided by the city of College Park are paying off and will continue for years to come.”
The Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway was created with 10 percent of recycled materials and a landscape and irrigation design that reduces water consumption by 50 percent. The hotel uses 30 percent less water and 28 percent less energy than a non-LEED hotel. Twenty percent of all hotel supplies are sourced locally, within a 500-mile radius, and a white roof reduces heat absorption. The eco-friendly venue uses non-coal produced energy, low-flow plumbing and shower fixtures, energy efficient lighting and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, sealants and carpets.
The Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway regularly monitors and tests indoor air quality to ensure the best level and provides guests access to thermostats to control personal environments. Additionally, guests will discover recycling in centralized locations, hybrid rental cars, premium parking spaces for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, paperless billing, and green meeting options and materials.
Voluntary Standard for Green Buildings
The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution.
Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment. The company’s Spirit To Preserve environmental strategy calls for: greening its multi-billion dollar supply chain; further reducing energy and water consumption by 25 percent per available room by 2017; expanding its portfolio of green hotels and buildings and green hotel development tenfold over the next four years; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and investing in innovative, large-scale conservation projects worldwide.
For more information about Marriott’s sustainability efforts visit www.marriott.com/environment. For more information on the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, click here.
