With the ‘green’ certification, InterContinental San Francisco has also become the first property in the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts portfolio to achieve LEED certification for an existing building and the third largest in US to receive this distinction.
The energy-efficient and socially responsible hotel achieved LEED EBOM, following an evaluation process that considered operational efficiency and minimisation of environmental impact.
The InterContinental San Francisco Hotel is designed as a refined tower of translucent cool-blue, soaring 32 storeys above the vibrant South of Market (SoMa) neighbourhood of San Francisco. The property features 550 guest rooms including 14 suites featuring a spectacular duplex Presidential Suite offering city skyline and San Francisco Bay views. The hotel has an intimate footprint with only 22 guest rooms per floor. Rooms are luxuriously appointed with rich wood and marble, striking contemporary art, sleek, stylish furniture, and the latest high-tech amenities.
Since its unveiling, the hotel has committed itself to incorporating a variety of sustainable features and practices into daily operations. Floor-to-ceiling windows are featured throughout the entire property, offering an abundance of natural light that also enhances the ‘daylight and views’ aspect of the LEED-certified experience. Public transportation is used by more than 95% of the hotel’s staff, reducing the carbon dioxide emitted by commuting. The hotel uses energy-efficient ENERGY Star labeled appliances, including in-room televisions. Motion sensors are fitted in guest rooms, meeting spaces and other areas to reduce power and conserve energy. The hotel also implements a comprehensive recycling and composting programme, diverting 80% of the hotel’s generated waste away from landfills and utilising solar powered compactors.
Guest rooms also feature eco-friendly elements such as linen and towel re-use program, reusable laundry, shoe and newspaper bags and recycling bins in addition to sustainable bathroom amenities. The traditional guest directory can be found on TV rather than in a paper-based book format.
The InterContinental San Francisco is owned by Continental Development Corporation of El Segundo, California and was developed along with Hampshire Properties Inc. of Mill Valley, California. The property is managed by IHG. It is the first InterContinental property to receive LEED EBOM certification and the fourth within the IHG portfolio.
