Starwood Debuts Eco-Conscious Hotel in China

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has debuted its eco-conscious Element brand of hotels with the opening of Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. The hotel, owned by Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development, features 188 guestrooms and suites.

Each Element guestroom includes water-efficient faucets, Energy Star rated kitchen appliances and carpets made from up to 100 percent recycled content. Art on the walls is mounted on a base made from recycled tires, and interior walls are painted with low VOC paints.

Silverware and glassware is used to reduce waste generated by plastic utensils and paper cups, and bath amenities are supplied via a dispenser system rather than in mini plastic bottles. Guest rooms also include recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass.

The brand has made commitment for all of its hotels to pursue the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification.

According to Stephen Ho, president of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Asia Pacific, “Recent studies have shown that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally friendly practices and products, as well as sustainable living.”

Starwood says it will open an Element hotel in Fargo, North Dakota, in November. Element signed 19 deals in 2014 and is on track to triple its portfolio by 2017.
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Source: environmentalleader.com