At 18 million square feet and 67 acres, Las Vegas' CityCenter aims to be one of the world's largest green developments, thanks to ambitious plans geared toward LEED certification. The project, a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Dubai World that will debut in December, is implementing a series of cutting-edge initiatives that wisely use natural resources without sacrificing quality or luxury.
"Designing CityCenter with sustainable elements and practices reinforces its permanence and creates a healthier environment for our guests and residents, as well as for the 12,000 people who ultimately will work at CityCenter," says Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage.
CityCenter's many green efforts include:
Construction and Recycling• The Boardwalk Hotel was imploded to make way for CityCenter, where 80 percent of the previous structure has been recycled into the building materials or sent elsewhere for reuse. Crushed blocks and mortar were used in dust abatement on the construction site and as aggregate in concrete and asphalt; recycled whole and broken glass, along with bathroom fixtures, were shipped to other countries for reuse after being wrapped in Boardwalk curtains and carpets as recycled packing materials.
• 95 percent of all construction waste that would have ended up in landfills has been recycled
• Ventilation systems have been completely sealed until installed, which protects them from the dust, smoke, and harmful particles that are present on a construction site. No smoking is allowed on the site once the ventilation is sealed, giving the buildings vastly higher indoor air quality when the facility opens.
• CityCenter uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood, which ensures wood only is taken from forests with responsible management practices. Low VOC paints are used, along with enough sustainable certified carpet to cover 140 American football fields.
• Reclaimed water from Monte Carlo is used for dust control in place of precious drinking water, which has contributed to savings of 2.4 million gallons of potable water.
• A concrete batch plant allowed concrete to be generated on site, saving gas and energy.
• Each room is carefully sealed to prevent migration of tobacco smoke.
Design• An 8.5 megawatt natural gas co-generation plant will provide efficient electricity on site (10 percent of overall CityCenter use), reduce emissions, and utilize the waste heat from the power generation to provide all the domestic hot water necessary at CityCenter, including within its numerous pools.
• Each tower has energy-efficient exterior features to help reduce the heat transfer from the sun onto the buildings, including air-brows, reflective rooftops, specially coated windows, and high-performance glass.
• CityCenter worked with manufacturers to create designer water fixtures that deliver one-third less water without sacrificing pressure.
• Outdoor landscaping was carefully selected to provide a beautiful array of native desert plant life, which is watered through a highly efficient irrigation system. The system is also equipped with moisture controls to ensure watering is only done when necessary.
Operations• CityCenter will offer sustainable options for meetings, conventions, and events by incorporating environmentally responsible practices and services; ARIA's banquet server uniforms will be made from recycled polyester.
• Many restaurants will focus on farm-to-table ingredients, buying produce, meat, and dairy directly from responsible local growers.
• Spas will be committed to using organic or wild-crafted paraben-free products; the implementation of a recycling program and use of recycled paper for spa materials are also planned.
• CityCenter will implement green cleaning practices within the hotels, using products that minimize concerns to human health and the environment. Additionally, the areas where chemical use occurs are negatively pressurized with separate outside exhaust and no recirculation of air.
• All of CityCenter's facilities will have integrated recycling programs.
Guest Experience• First-ever fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG)
• Guests arriving at CityCenter via carpool or in alternative-fuel vehicles will have access to preferred parking spaces; bicycle valet services also will be provided.
• CityCenter's hotels will rooms where guests can easily indicate their preferred light level and room temperature. The properties can automatically put a room into unoccupied status upon checkout, turning off the heating/cooling system, televisions, lights, and any appliances.
• Extensive natural light will be utilized through skylights and expansive windows at CityCenter to reduce energy use.
Source: Hospitality Design Magazine