During a recent trip to the US, I had the pleasure to stay in several excellent hotels. Two of them were LEED certified. What surprised me were that they were the only hotels of their kind (in the 2 major markets they were in).

“Eco” has been a buzzword for a while nowwith every hotel thrusting its eco credentials forward, even if it is only a sign in the bathroom asking you to reuse towels (incidentally the most self-serving of all eco-friendly options, something I find quite cynical on the part of the hotels).

Finally with LEED there’s a way to objectively assess environmental impact. LEED is intended to provide building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

The 2 properties couldn’t be more different, one a new build in San Diego, the other a renovated 80 year old property in downtown Chicago.

Judging by the success of these 2 properties, and talking to the management of the properties, the LEED certification has hit a chord with customers, with both properties doing well during the downturn, and reporting that people are actively seeking them out because of their green credentials.

One of the most noticeable things about both properties is the fact that no compromises have been made for the customer experience — staying at one of these hotels is no ‘low-fat diet’ that must be suffered at the expense of comfort.

A great move forward, and something that other hotel owners should consider. At the moment, there are only around 79 LEED certified hotels in the world, a tiny number, which shows there is still a great opportunity to save costs (and the environment) and appeal to more eco-conscious consumers.

Here’s a great article detailing the benefits for hotels seeking LEED certification.

Anthony Green — November 2011