Virgin Hotels has announced that Virgin Hotels Chicago—the brand’s first property located in the landmarked Old Dearborn Bank building—has achieved LEED Gold Certification. In advance of its opening, architects extensively restored and renovated the building to meet LEED certification standards—while at the same time respecting the original structure
Modern updates include a green roof over the penthouse roof deck terrace, as well the installation of technology such as smart thermostats and occupancy sensors to save energy when rooms are not inhabited. Additional highlights include high-performance windows and sensor lighting that reduce energy use; water-efficient toilets and aerated lavatory faucets that assist with water conservation; and high insulation walls and roofing that reduce heating and cooling costs.
“Our goal as a company is to have all our properties achieve LEED Silver, so we are ecstatic to have exceeded that benchmark in Chicago,” says Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “As we continue to open additional properties, we have aspirational goals of moving towards a net zero carbon footprint across the board.”
As an additional measure, guests of the property’s 250 guestrooms—which include 38 Grand Chamber suites and two Penthouse suites—are invited to donate 75 cents a night to offset their carbon footprint during their stay.
The achievement was celebrated with a panel discussion hosted by the hotel and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It covered topics surrounding reducing carbon, reaching net zero, and greening supply chains in the hospitality industry.
Additional Virgin Hotels properties are slated to open in Dallas, Nashville, and New York.
