Vision Hospitality Group’s Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanoooga/Downtown received Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for New Construction on Sept. 25, distinguishing the property as the first to achieve this status in the City of Chattanooga. LEED is a rating system used by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to identify and recognize building developers and operators for their leadership in social responsibility and environmental vigilance. Major factors for measuring the comprehensive effectiveness of the building’s performance include green building design, construction, operations and maintenance methods. “Seeking Silver LEED Certification was a priority for our flagship property,” Vision President & CEO Mitch Patel said. “We have always sought to be leaders and innovators in the hotel industry and place sustainability and community stewardship at the head of each project, which is exemplified by this significant achievement at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Downtown.” The USGBC established LEED as a voluntary program with the intention of developing a standard for environmental awareness that yields such outcomes as better indoor quality for occupants, conservation of both energy and water, lower operating costs and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the USGBC website. The property’s architect, Craig Peavy of River Street Architecture in Chattanooga, explained that there are several features that qualified the Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanoooga/Downtown for Silver certification, including:
- Large guestroom and ground floor windows that increase the use of daylight and therefore help decrease the amount of energy used to light the building.
- High efficiency units and heat wheel energy recovery equipment that have been installed to recover energy that would normally be lost.
- A system that collects and temporarily holds storm water runoff.
- Low flow faucets to limit the amount of water used in all the property’s sinks.
- A hotel roof that boasts a white membrane that reflects the sun’s heat, about 15-20 percent better than other colors. The less heat absorbed by the building the easier it is to cool the building.
- The property’s walkable, convenient location with access to public transportation for guests and associates.
- Exterior LED light fixtures, the most efficient lighting option in the market, have been installed.
“With much thanks to our corporate team, architect and property general manager, we have succeeded in fulfilling our vision to achieve this LEED status,” Patel said. “Accomplishments such as this not only adhere to our company’s core values, but also encourage and motivate us to further Vision’s goal to be the best, most respected hotel company in America.” The Hampton Inn & Suites additionally leverages Hilton Worldwide’s LightStayTM sustainability program, which helps reduce the property’s environmental footprint by tracking and analyzing operational practices, such as housekeeping, paper product usage, food waste, chemical storage, air quality, and transportation. For more information about the Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga/Downtown, please visit the hotel’s website here.