“LEEDING” the Green Initiative in the New York Area


InterContinental New York Times Square is committed to the environment and has undertaken a number of green initiatives in its pursuit of LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Upon completion and certification, the hotel will be one of the most environmentally responsible green hotels in the New York Area and the largest new-build hotel to achieve LEED status on the Eastern Seaboard. In many instances, initiatives are employed that go above and beyond those that are required to be an eco-friendly hotel.

The key LEED highlights to achieve a green hotel New York status include:

Green Roof

  1. Green roofs on second and seventh floors feature low maintenance and drought-tolerant plants (moss and sedum) that help to retain heat in the winter and to absorb sunlight (heat) in the summer. Plantings also help improve the atmosphere and reduce storm water run-off.
  2. Energy efficient irrigation system.

Construction and Waste Management

  1. At least 75% of construction debris has been diverted from landfills and recycled.
  2. Implemented an erosion control plan to limit the impact of the construction on the New York City water system.

Local and recycled materials:

  1. Project utilized construction materials, including concrete, that were at least 20% recycled materials and also obtained within a 500 mile radius.
  2. “Green” housekeeping initiative: use of eco-friendly cleaning products and sheet changing cards that ask guests staying multiple nights to consider using their linens more than once.
  3. Off-site composting—organic waste is separated out on-site.

Air Quality:

  1. Improved air quality due to no smoking policy and quality air ventilation system.
  2. Floor-to-ceiling window design allows for maximum natural day lighting and ventilation to help optimize energy efficiency.

Lighting Efficiencies:

  1. Use of CFL’s (compact fluorescents) and LED’s (Light-emitting diodes) in guestrooms and most public areas deliver excellent light level while conserving electricity.
  2. Guestrooms have controllable light and comfort systems. Building has been constructed with state-of-the-art, building wide Energy Management System controls to help manage building heat and cooling.
  3. Motion detector light switches found in stairwells and storage areas help reduce electrical usage.

Water Conservation:

  1. Low flow toilets installed in all bathrooms.
  2. Public area restrooms feature automatic flush and water shut off valves for more efficient use of water.