Starwood’s element by Westin – Raising the sustainability bar for major hotels worldwide

Leave it to Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide to come up with one of the most beautiful and thoughtfully designed green hotel brands we’ve seen so far.  Starwood – one of the world’s largest hotel and leisure companies – is rolling out its slick new extended stay properties called element by Westin.  Starwood has pledged that all element hotels will work toward the USGBC LEED Certification for all its buildings.  Now that’s a commitment we should all celebrate!

There are currently element properties up and running in Hanover, Maryland; Lexington, Massachusetts; Houston and Irving, Texas and Las Vegas.  More are slated to open throughout the U.S., Canada and the Middle East within the next two years.

            The element philosophy is simple: satisfy guest’s needs while keeping the environment in mind.  Each chic, elegantly-appointed guest room has a full kitchen, a work area and one or two bedrooms.  Here are some of the “elements” that make element such a wonderful addition to the green extended-stay hospitality lineup:

•         Recycled materials are used as frequently as possible.  For example, carpets and carpet cushions are made from recycled content.  Art is mounted on bases made from recycled tires.

•         Low VOC paints are used throughout the property to improve air quality.

•         To reduce waste, silverware and glasses are provided instead of plastic utensils and cups.  Bath amenities are presented in dispensers instead of miniature bottles.  All guest rooms have recycling bins for glass, plastic and paper.

•         Natural lighting is enhanced by large windows in each room.

•         Compact Fluorescent lighting is installed throughout the hotels.

•         Each guestroom kitchen features Energy Star stainless steel appliances.

•         Low flow showerheads and faucets, and either low flow or dual flush toilets reduce water consumption.  Filtered water is provided in each room to discourage use of bottled water.

•         Healthy breakfast options like yogurt, fresh fruit, smoothie shooters, wraps and sandwiches.

•         Priority parking is reserved for guests driving hybrid cars.

EcoGreenHotel salutes Starwood’s element by Westin for offering eco-conscious travelers a fantastic new extended-stay option, and for its commitment to environmental sustainability worldwide!

Do you know of a green hotel that is doing great things for the environment?  Send a message to us at info@EcoGreenHotel.com and tell us all about it.  We may feature your suggestion in our newsletter and/or on our website!

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