NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, has earned its LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first hotel in Peru to be awarded with such a distinction.
LEED is an internationally recognized, third-party certification for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. This certification recognizes Tambo del Inka’s commitment to areas of environmental impact and occupants’ well-being, having earned credits in the sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy savings, material use, indoor environmental quality, as well as technological and process innovation.
“Tambo del Inka reaffirms Starwood’s commitment to “responsible luxury” and demonstrates that the luxury hotel industry and environmental stewardship are not diametrically opposed,” states Paul James, Global Brand Leader of The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “The Luxury Collection celebrates Peru for its pristine location and ecological wonders, and we look forward to welcoming guests at this extraordinary hotel.”
“It is an honor to be recognized for our commitment to the environment and to community where we work and live. We are striving to certify all of our hotels in Peru in the next several years,” said Jorge Melero, CEO of Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas, owner of Tambo del Inka.
Located in the middle of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, Tambo del Inka boasts mesmerizing views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River and has been thoughtfully developed to ensure that the local plant and wildlife have not been disturbed. As part of its commitment to environmentally sustainable development, the resort created its own water treatment plant to filter water throughout the resort and irrigate its grounds as well as installing indoor climate monitoring and lighting control systems in an effort to be more energy efficient. Tambo del Inka also enforces its recycling program and a green program that encourages guests to reuse towels and that promotes carpooling and bicycling as a means of transportation for hotel staff.
Tambo del Inka’s LEED certification means another milestone for The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, adding to their portfolio of properties that have obtained the coveted designation, including The Nines in Portland and ITC Royal Gardenia in Bengaluru. Both hotels engage in environmentally friendly practices utilizing innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and design integration.
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland was the brand’s first LEED certified hotel in 2009 and among only a handful of hotels in the United States to receive this distinction. The architectural gem was recognized for having efficient plumbing systems in place to save upwards of 500,000 gallons of water annually and for receiving 100% of our energy from renewable sources such as wind power and carbon offsets.
In 2010, ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru earned Asia’s first LEED Platinum Rated Hotel and became the world’s largest hotel to earn this certification. The hotel’s dedication to refined living is reflected in our environmental stewardship. For example, wastewater is treated and reused in flushing, fountains, HVAC cooling, gardening and so on. With this initiative, the hotel consumes about 120 kilolitres of fresh water daily – half as much as a conventional hotel. Furthermore, energy-efficient lighting helps reduce power consumption by 40%.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts (NYSE: HOT), the hotel’s parent company, has a total of 67 hotels worldwide that are either LEED certified or registered for or pursuing LEED certification, including Starwood’s new “green from the ground up” brand, Element, which made its own history by becoming first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue LEED certification.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.
Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas
With its first opening in Cusco more than 30 years ago, Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas is Peru’s leading hotel group, offering an authentic Peruvian experience for discerning travelers who have a passion for deep local flavors and culture. With two new openings in 2010 in conjunction with Starwood’s Luxury Collection (Hotel Paracas on the stunning coast south of Lima and Tambo del Inka in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba), the current Libertador portfolio includes properties in Arequipa, Cusco, Lima, Paracas, Puno (directly on Lake Titicaca), Trujillo and Urubamba; the Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center, opening May 2011, will be the eighth hotel in the Libertador collection. A private 12-passenger aircraft is also part of the portfolio, offering guests private transfers between Lima and Paracas. www.libertador.com.pe
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.