Green Initiatives
On the Path to LEED Certification
The Viana Hotel and Spa was designed and built as an innovative “green” property. We’re currently in the process of being certified as a LEED property (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, be healthier and safer for occupants and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovative Building, Inside and Out
It was so important to us to leave as small of a carbon footprint as possible while building this hotel. Even from the earliest parts of the construction process, we paid attention to every detail. All demolition refuse from the previous structure was carefully recycled. The steel, insulation, roof and concrete are all made of recycled materials.
The roof insulation is Icynene, a material made partially of recycled soda bottles with a very high R-value of 22. The walls are insulated with Roxul, made up of basalt rock and slag (used in roads). The exterior vertical walls are insulated with spray cellulose by Nuwool, which is made of recycled newspaper.
We are very proud of our rooftop 10kw solar panel system with an annual estimated kwh production of 94%. The total roof system has an R value of 50.
A Different Kind of Hotel Experience
In addition to innovative building techniques, there are some eco-friendly features you will experience firsthand when you stay with us. We’ve developed an entirely paperless check-in and check-out process (unless you require a paper receipt). Our restaurant, room service and spa menus will soon be available on your TV.
Our unique in-room heating/cooling system uses water instead of air for maximum efficiency. An advanced energy management system with smart digital thermostat and sensor in each room interfaces with the larger property management system, allowing us to monitor heating and cooling in occupied and vacant rooms. This cuts heating and cooling run times by 20-30% overall.
Each guest bathroom is equipped with a dual flush toilet, designed to conserve water by giving the user a choice between .8 gallons for liquid waste and 1.6 gallons for solid waste. All sinks are water restricted, however showers are not because we know how important good shower water pressure is to our guests.
Eco-Friendly Through and Through
We have many more efficient features throughout the hotel. Interior décor features low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and stains. Carpets and wallpapers are made of recycled materials. All wood flooring is bamboo - a sustainable alternative to conventional hardwood floors.
All public area lighting features dimmable LEDs. LED lights are much more efficient then standard incandescent bulbs. In addition, LEDs usually operate at comparatively low temperatures, simplifying heat management and maximizing efficiency.
The beautiful landscaping you see outside is made up of low water-usage plants watered by an almost-exclusively drip irrigation system for maximum water conservation. Solar panels on the roof
Resources
To learn more about our ecologically responsible hotel, please visit the following links:
LEED Information
Recycled roof insulation
Interior wall insulation
Exterior wall insulation
Our staff is available for hotels tours to explain our green Initiatives in more detail. Let us educate you.
