Proximity Hotel to Receive LEED Platinum Accreditation
Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels announce that The Proximity Hotel and Print Works Bistro have been awarded LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is the USGBC's rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.
"When we started the design process four years ago, I would have never believed that we could use 41% less energy and 33% less water without one iota of compromise in comfort or luxury and with minimal additional construction costs," says Dennis Quaintance, the CEO and CDO (chief design officer) of Quaintance-Weaver. "It just goes to show what a determined team can accomplish if they use common sense and get a little bit of help from the sun."
His "sun" comment refers to the 100 solar rooftop panels that heat water for the AAA Four Diamond hotel. To illustrate how the hotel and bistro save energy without negatively affecting guests, he asks, "How is it a compromise for a guest to shower with water that is heated by the sun? Or, how is it a compromise for a bistro guest if their dishes are washed with solar heated water?"
Quaintance collaborated with his subcontractors on every little detail and personally tested most products. "We tested so many different commodes at home that our children were anxious to see what they called the 'commode du jour'," he says. "We finally found one that works wonderfully and uses a third of a gallon less with each flush, and it did cost one cent more than a conventional toilet."
The rigorous testing for a variety of water saving products is paying off. The hotel and restaurant is on track to use two million gallons less water during the first year, saving more than $13,000 by spending less than $7,000 in additional construction costs.
"When we started the design process four years ago, I would have never believed that we could use 41% less energy and 33% less water without one iota of compromise in comfort or luxury and with minimal additional construction costs," says Dennis Quaintance, the CEO and CDO (chief design officer) of Quaintance-Weaver. "It just goes to show what a determined team can accomplish if they use common sense and get a little bit of help from the sun."
His "sun" comment refers to the 100 solar rooftop panels that heat water for the AAA Four Diamond hotel. To illustrate how the hotel and bistro save energy without negatively affecting guests, he asks, "How is it a compromise for a guest to shower with water that is heated by the sun? Or, how is it a compromise for a bistro guest if their dishes are washed with solar heated water?"
Quaintance collaborated with his subcontractors on every little detail and personally tested most products. "We tested so many different commodes at home that our children were anxious to see what they called the 'commode du jour'," he says. "We finally found one that works wonderfully and uses a third of a gallon less with each flush, and it did cost one cent more than a conventional toilet."
The rigorous testing for a variety of water saving products is paying off. The hotel and restaurant is on track to use two million gallons less water during the first year, saving more than $13,000 by spending less than $7,000 in additional construction costs.
"I've come to believe that it is an urban legend that employing sustainable practices with new construction is too expensive," concludes Quaintance. "We are very happy with the results, including the costs and returns, of everything that we did. It's not easy -- but it's not hard. And it's definitely worth it."
- Recycled 87% of the construction debris (1,535 tons)
- Sourced over 40% of the building materials locally
- Used over 20% recycled content
- Restored 700 feet of an adjacent stream
- Installed the first regenerative drive elevators in North America, generating electricity on the descent
- Provided natural lighting (day-lighting) to 97% of the occupied space
- Used elaborate energy recovery systems so as to provide large amounts of fresh air to all guests
- Sourced 90% of the furniture locally
- Commissioned local artists and craftspeople for original art in every guestroom, a cantilevered reception desk, spiral staircases in the lobby, furniture and accessories
- Plus more than 60 other sustainable practices
LEED certification covers energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. LEED was established for market leaders to design & construct buildings that protect and save precious resources while also making good economic sense.