| Green Travel News |
Fairmont Pittsburgh has scored a double first: first hotel in that city and first in the entire Fairmont collection of hotels to get Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
This Fairmont property, which opened in March, is part of Three PNC Plaza, one of the nation’s largest green, mixed-use buildings. Owner PNC has more newly constructed LEED certified buildings—80—than any company on earth.
Some of the hotel’s more interesting green features:
- Recycled construction waste: 99% was diverted from landfills and recycled;
- Indoor air quality: the building’s design and materials optimized indoor air quality. Examples: guest rooms have ventilation units that supply 100% outside air, and all paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets and fabrics are green;
- Green materials: building materials and furnishings are made from recycled content or other “green” materials. Example: most bedding is organic or made from recyclable fiber;
- Pittsburgh focus: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and support the local economy, the hotel selected products from the city and its surrounding area. Example: lighting fixtures in the lobby and ballroom are made by local Pittsburgh artisans;
- Green operations: on a daily basis, the hotel limits its environmental impact. Examples: housekeeping cleans guest rooms with products verified as low-toxic and environmentally friendly, and the hotel chef features local and organic ingredients in the restaurant and bar.
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