Tourism has a significant impact on the environment. Within its hospitality sector, more hotels, inns, and resorts are going green as visitors become more aware of climate change and the critical need to protect the earth’s environment, as well as their own health. Meanwhile, retail establishments, especially wineries, breweries, and restaurants, can provide destinations and demonstrations of sustainably built indoor and outdoor environments. SDC has been involved in the development of a growing number of green hospitality and retail projects, assisting developers and management companies in pursuing their sustainability goals.
The Forum Hotel, Charlottesville, VA: This nearly 200,000 sf hotel and conference center includes 199 hotel rooms, a ballroom, meeting spaces, and an arboretum, replacing the former Inn at Darden to enhance programming for the UVA Darden School of Business. SDC provided LEED BD+C Hospitality Process Management services to support its sustainable design. The project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in September 2023.
Lockwood Hotel, Waterville, ME: Serving the Colby College community, this 48,460 sf hotel features a basement and four floors above grade and includes a kitchen, restaurant, bar, lounge, meeting room, and board room. Developed as part of a downtown revitalization effort, the project promotes walkability and economic development in a Qualified Census Tract and includes two electric vehicle charging stations. SDC provided LEED Process Management services, and construction was completed in August 2021, earning LEED-NC Silver-level certification in September 2021.
Aertson Hotel, Nashville, TN: The new 130,000 sf Kimpton hotel interiors designed by Torti Gallas and Partners is part of a 900,000 sf mixed-use development in downtown Nashville, which also includes residential, retail, and parking facilities. Energy efficiency considerations extended to the lighting and televisions in the guest rooms and common spaces. The project achieved LEED for Commercial Interiors Silver-level certification in February 2019.
Capital One Center Block C Tower 1, Tyson, VA: Designed by Gensler, this 413,679 sf, 25-story luxury hospitality tower features the Watermark Hotel with an 82,300 sf Wegman’s grocery store at the ground floor. The hotel offers 300 guest rooms, plus another 26,500 sf of amenities including meeting spaces, a lobby bar with lounge, and penthouse overlooking a rooftop garden. This project achieved LEED-NC New Construction Gold-level certification in March 2022.
The Morrow, Washington, DC: This 148,322 sf, 12-story luxury hospitality tower designed by Shalom Baranes comprises 203 hotel rooms as well as offices, meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a penthouse with amenities. SDC worked directly with the Central Armature Works developer, Trammell Crow Company, to provide LEED-NC Process Management. The Morrow exceeded the initial project goal of Silver and achieved LEED-NC Gold-level certification in July 2023.
Market 34, Goochland, VA: Designed by SMBW, this 20,572 sf newly renovated building connects office buildings 3 and 4 at Capital One’s West Creek campus. It houses a commercial kitchen and indoor dining facilities with a large outdoor seating area and terrace that overlooks the recently renovated Meadow. The project scope also included the addition of a food truck space and conversion of an exterior garden area to refresh the identity of the Village space. The project earned LEED Silver-level certification in March 2020.
Lindsay Volvo, Alexandria, VA: This sustainable automotive sales and service facility is part of a master site with Lindsay Lexus and aligns with Volvo’s goal of 100% electric vehicles by 2030. Sustainable features include rainwater management, native plantings, energy-efficient systems, and green transit options like bike storage and EV parking. Completed in August 2023, the dealership earned LEED-NC Silver-level certification in March 2024.