Spas are not typically known as being green with the amount of water and energy used in excess to offer ultimate relaxation for guests’, spas are now finding creative ways to “green” themselves that are not only great for the environment, but great for their bottom line as well.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council to help companies design, build, and operate their structures more sustainably.
Certifications are awarded according to points earned for things such as, design, energy efficiency and water conservation. LEED certifications entail different levels of Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum in which only 118 buildings have received.
Here are a few spa pioneers whom have earned a LEED accolade and are setting a standard that other spas are soon to follow.
The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Is the country’s largest LEED-certified high-rise building. Set on the Las Vegas strip, this resort opened in 2008 boasting an eco-friendly spa, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers an assortment of innovative spa treatments such the 100 minute Neuromuscular Therapy. This treatment is aimed to relieve tension headaches, back pain, TMJ, restricted ranges of movement and other musculoskeletal conditions. The service is conducted by a trained neuromuscular therapist, which includes referrals so you can continue treatments when you return home. All treatments incorporate organic spa products as well.
Other novel features include a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, water efficient showers, and valet bicycle parking.
Avalon Hotel & Spa, Portland, Oregon
Oregon’s first Silver LEED certification was awarded to the Avalon Hotel & Spa last August because of its energy and water conservation, recycling, and ethical purchasing efforts. Other reasons to visit this boutique hotel on the Willamette River are for its wine bar, complimentary breakfast, and 30 treatment rooms with Spa Chakra services.
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia
The Callaway property sits on 13,000-acre preserve as a dedicated non-profit towards environmental education. The preserve consists of gardens, hiking trails and a butterfly pavilion. Receiving the title as a LEED certified property because it was built with recycled materials and has efficient plumbing, lighting, and air-filtration systems. The 13-treatment room spas uses natural, indigenous products inspired from the gardens that are on the property.
Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, American Canyon, California
The Gala Napa Valley Hotel & Spa was the first hotel to receive the country’s Gold LEED lodging certification. Housing 132-rooms with a spa that is inspired by the wine region it calls home, offering locally sourced grape seeds for scrubs treatments and a restaurant that features seasonal, local and organic produce.
Its unique features that made this property LEED certified are its skylights that are shaped like magnifying glasses to help light interiors and real-time display of the hotel’s energy use in the lobby.
Nusta Spa, Washington, D.C.
The Nusta Spa is the first Gold LEED certified urban day spa in the country. Known as the pioneer for “spa-greening” in an urban environment it received this certification from its energy and water-saving features and waste reduction strategies. Sourcing only organic products along with its signature skincare line that contains sustainable, organic ingredients.
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Washington
The Hotel Terra has earned a Silver LEED certification by using an advanced water purification system that purifies wastewater and releases it back into the surrounding land, energy-saving fixtures, nontoxic paints and cleaning supplies. The Chill Spa offers organic and restorative treatments along with cotton robes and reusable water bottles for guests.
Other Spa’s that are in the process of gaining LEED certifications are:
Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Washington
Elaia Spa
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Colorado
Spa Anjali
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Spa
Inn by the Sea Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Spa at the Inn by the Sea
Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, California
Cavallo Point Healing Arts Center & Spa
The Springs Resort and Spa, Pagosa Spring, Colorado
The Springs Spa & Salon
Bardessono, Yountville, California
Spa Therapy Center
