JULY 20, 2009 -- San Diego’s first certified LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) hotel has opened its doors. Hotel Indigo San Diego is the city’s most eco-friendly hotel—and one of just three LEED certified properties in Southern California and seven in the state.
Some flooring is made of recycled materials (grocery bags, milk jugs, etc.). There’s an onsite recycling program, and recycling containers in guest rooms. Certain floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow natural daylighting and ventilation. Guests who drive low-emitting and fuel-efficient cars get a parking discount. There’s also an herb garden growing basil, spearmint, rosemary and other items to be used in the hotel’s bar and bistro.
Also, a much ballyhooed eco-roof will be used to grow drought-tolerant, native grasses. This practice serves to insulate the building, and helps use less energy for heating and cooling.
The 12-story, 210-room property is pet-friendly. But don’t get any ideas about taking Rover for a walkabout on the grassy roof—it won’t be open to the general public.
Hotel Indigo is part of the huge InterContinental Hotels Group. San Diego’s is the 29th of the brand, but first with a LEED certification. To San Diego-ize the property, rooms and public areas are decorated with photos of local scenes shot by Ian Cummings. Yes, to chip in for the green effect, the posters of Cummings’ shots are printed in a soy-based ink.
