Green Building Makes Sense for Our Lodging
Long-term energy savings -
- Over the long term there will be lower costs because of energy savings (savings may increase as energy costs go up)
- The building will be constructed of masonry, which means longer building life, and low maintenance.
Community Relations value -
- Attracts positive publicity which helps to attract environmental conscious lodging customers, which translates to higher occupancy.
Here are some of features we plan to implement at our properties to increase energy savings --
Wind turbines - electric generation to supplement power from the grid (also attracts attention)
Solar voltaic system - electric generation to supplement power from the grid
Solar thermal - heat the pool and spa water
Geothermal - HVAC system (efficient heating and cooling of the building)
Siting on the property will maximize daylighting (saving lighting costs)
Maximize the efficiency of insulation and air infiltration (saving HVAC costs)
We are investigating the advantages of obtaining a LEED Green Building Certification.
What is LEED? (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
The LEED Green Building Rating System is the national benchmark for high performance green buildings.
The USGBC is the premier resource for green building news and information.
Excerpted from the U.S. Green Building Council website...
Breakthroughs in building science, technology and operations are available to designers, builders and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.
Environmental benefits:
- Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce solid waste
- Conserve natural resources
Economic benefits:
- Reduce operating costs
- Enhance asset value and profits
- Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Health and community benefits:
- Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Contribute to overall quality of life
Here are some useful websites about Green Building
The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) is a member-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in Minneapolis in 1978 to promote the use of and advocacy for renewable energies in Minnesota through education and demonstration of practical applications.
Center for Energy & Environmental Education, Univ of Northern Iowa.
From Alliant Energy: "What's good for the environment is
good for business"
Alliant Second Nature Energy Plan. This PDF (requires Adobe Reader) explains the Alliant Energy Second Nature program. "What's good for the environment is good for business".
Alliant Second Nature for your business. "What's good for the environment is good for business".
Wind Power Page - Alliant Second Nature Energy Plan.
Solar Power Page - Alliant Second Nature Energy Plan. An array of solar panels capable of generating 7,200 watts of electricity was installed in summer 2005 on the Kouba Building in southeast Cedar Rapids. The building is part of a brownfield redevelopment area adjacent to the Bohemian Historic Commercial District.
Commercial New Construction. Alliant Energy-Interstate Power & Light's Commercial New Construction programs provide expert energy assistance and money-saving incentives to help Iowa businesses build in energy efficiency from the ground up..
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