Marriott are pioneering a prototype design for new, energy-efficient hotels.
It is hoped that by working to a prototype, new hotels will qualify for certification under the government-led LEED program faster than if designed from scratch.
Arne Sorenson, Marriot’s president, announced the idea at the Greenbuild 2009 conference in Pheonix, Arizona on Thursday (12th November 2009). So far the company is trying out the strategy with new hotels under its Courtyard brand.
Mr Sorensen said there were plans to design prototypes for further brands including the Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites.
The pre-approved prototype will allow the US Green Buildings Council to confer basic (level 1) LEED certification faster, speeding up the registration process. According to Marriott this could save property-owners six months in design time and $100,000 in design and other costs. The scheme makes sense for large companies with multiple sites, and is already in use by Wells Fargo and Kohl’s.
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