Hampton Inn - Sarasota, Florida

CASE STUDY

The hotel developers, Finergy Development LLC, strived to reduce the environmental impact of the project from the point of site selection, throughout the construction process, up to the day-to-day operations of the hotel. Here are the steps that have been taken to ensure the Hampton Inn's environmental footprint remained as small as possible:

• Site Selection:
The site selected for the project is located on the premises of the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport. The urban site at the entrance to the airport minimized the environmental impact by not requiring additional removal of plant life nor disturbing wetlands or local bodies of water. The site required minimal additional infrastructure for waste, water and traffic patterns.

• Site Design and Development:
The site was developed to increase the open spaces beyond the zoning guidelines, thereby minimizing the footprint.

Native landscape requires little water Low output irrigation with sensors reduces water usage Reclaimed water used for irrigation

The site landscaping uses native plants that, once established, will require watering only during the driest months. The irrigation system is a low output model with rain sensor reducing water usage by 23% annually. 100% of the water for irrigation is reclaimed city water.

• Storm water system
• Building position maximizes solar energy lighting resources while limiting impact on cooling costs
• Outside structures allow for perfect natural lighting

The storm water system is designed to store, filter and clean the water on site before being released into the waterways. The building design was run through a vigorous energy modeling program under the watchful eye of an MEP engineer. The position of the building on the site, along with the procurement of all the materials and equipment was analyzed through this model prior to construction. The building position on the site maximizes the resources of the Florida sunshine for lighting and solar power, while limiting the impact on cooling costs. The building’s abundant windows increase the natural lighting. The sculpture-like structures situated just outside the building, shade the sun light from the meeting rooms & public area windows. The light is received while the sun's glare is not.

Purchasing local reduces transportation pollution Supports local economy Recycled materials used and recycling program implemented during construction

Hampton Inn's goal was to maximize energy savings while minimizing the environmental impact of the products used. 50% of the construction products utilized were purchased, assembled and manufactured within 500 miles of the site. This high local material percentage reduces the impact of transportation on the environment, while also maintaining the local economy. 20% of the construction products used were recycled, including the gypsum board, metal framing, acoustical ceilings and window frames.

Throughout the construction, Firmo Construction maintained a rigorous recycling program of all materials and implemented a system of barriers around the construction area to reduce soil erosion and waterway sediment. Special care was given to maintain the health of the oak trees fronting University Parkway.

Energy efficient building Zero CFC Air conditioner refrigerant Smart sensors

Glazing is utilized on the exterior surface of the building that transmits visible light, but rejects the hot Florida sun. A similar strategy was used for the rooftop, where reflective, Energy star rated material was installed to reduce the heat absorbed by the rooftop.

The Air Conditioning and water heater systems selected are among the most energy efficient available on the market. Zero CFC based refrigerants will be used which minimizes the impact on the ozone depletion. Each of the 108 guest rooms is equipped with a individually controlled thermostat with smart sensor. Using motion detection and door switch sensors, the system resets the thermostat settings when the room is unoccupied. In addition to the water savings from the irrigation system, Potable water usage will be reduced by a third by the use of water saving fixtures in the guest rooms and public areas.

• Hotel Operations:
Hampton Inn's operational practices are also green-minded. Employees are encouraged to use public transportation to get to work. Special parking spaces are set aside in the parking lot for Fuel efficient and carpool vehicles. Cleaning solutions are bio-degradable. An extensive recycling program has been implemented and the use of recycled products is encouraged. From the beginning, our brochures and sales collateral have all been printed on recyclable paper. Even our guests can get involved participating in our in-room recycling and linen re-use programs.

Solar Direct and Hampton Inn

Sarasota Hampton Inn partnered with Solar Direct in the installation of five industrial-duty solar thermal collectors. This solar thermal system was a critical component in Hampton Inn achieving its first nation-wide LEED® Green Building Certification. The Solar package included project engineering, installation, and funding.

Solar water heating reduces energy costs and negative impact on environment

Atop the roof, a solar water heating system has been installed to take advantage of Florida’s 350 days of sunlight. The system is anticipated to generate up to 1.7 million kBTU’s per year, saving $X in energy costs.

The 'LEED® Certification Mark' is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and is used with permission.

Excerpts from http://hamptoninnsrqairport.com/subs/ecogreen.php