LEED Platinum certification - the U.S. Green Building Council's highest designation - has been achieved by the 237-room College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in College Park, Md., one of only four hotels to reach that level through its sustainability programs.
The hotel gained the certification after finishing up a multiyear renovation, which used green-building techniques in the 40,000 square feet of meeting space, all guest rooms and public spaces, and increased eco-friendly practices used in the property's daily operations. The hotel also is a Maryland Green Travel Partner and a 2015 TripAdvisor GreenLeader.
"As the nation's first LEED-certified hotel - and now one of the first to achieve Platinum certification - we're proud to engage in a variety of eco-friendly hospitality practices," said general manager Mike McCarthy.
The property's owners carefully chose eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient upgrades for the recent redesign. For instance, low-flow bathroom fixtures and high-efficiency lighting and HVAC were installed, and more than 90 percent of the construction was diverted from landfills to be recycled.
Sustainability wasn't the only focus of the renovations, however. Added were The Common, an American pub and kitchen offering locally sourced cuisine; the 6,700-square-foot Potomac Ballroom, and a 250-seat conference dining room. Among areas that were renovated were the 8,200 square-foot Chesapeake Ballroom, 18 meeting rooms, the Marriott Hotels Greatroom, the business center and the fitness center.