Hampton Inn & Suites in Miami to Become City’s First LEED-Certified Hotel

Planned environmentally-conscious features range from charging stations for electric cars to lights and thermostats that automatically turn off when occupants leave a room. The hotel would become only the third Hampton Inn property worldwide to achieve the LEED distinction.

The Hampton Inn & Suites project, which is likely to attain LEED Silver certification in early 2012, will incorporate the following sustainable elements:

- A 35,000 gallon cistern to harvest rainwater to be used in public restrooms, for irrigation purposes and for washing down exterior decking and walkways.
- An in-room energy management system which will power down air conditioning system when guests are not in their rooms.
- Preferred parking spaces for hybrid and electric cars, with charging stations for electric vehicles.
- An ozone laundry system designed to reduce the consumption of water, energy and cleaning chemicals.
- Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LED lighting, which will lower energy consumption by 18%.
- Low-flow water fixtures, dual flush toilets, and motion-activated faucets will reduce water usage by more than 40%, equating to an estimated 500,000 gallons of savings annually.
- Occupancy sensors to control lights in public places and work areas.
- Biodegradable recycled plastic room key cards.
- Environmentally safe, non-toxic cleaning agents for housekeeping staff.
- Bicycle racks, showers and changing facilities for employees who choose to MJ-808 and walk to work.