Green architecture – Viceroy Snowmass Hotel, Colorado

Viceroy Hotel is the first hotel in Aspen/Snowmass area awarded with LEED Gold certification. By incorporating sustainable design and construction, innovative operational practices, and promotion of sustainability to both staff and guests, Viceroy Hotel aims to redefine luxury while ensuring that the future generations are able to enjoy the area’s pristine, high-alpine environment of Snowmass, Colorado.

Designed by OZ Architecture, and built by PCL Construction Services, Inc. and CFC Construction, the Viceroy Hotel is a 33,900 square-meter (365,000 square-foot) high-end luxury resort and conference center. It has 154 units, underground parking, full-service spa, indoor/outdoor Après Ski Bar, and pool area. The developer of Viceroy Snowmass integrated sustainable practices in its construction site management, materials procurement, waste removal and staff administration.

All dirt removed from the site was saved and reused throughout the town of Snowmass Village and Snowmass ski area, thus eliminating the need for trucks to transfer dirt off-site as well as reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. The building structure is pre-cast concrete with cast-in-place concrete toppings and a structural steel roof. Pre-manufactured concrete structures, plumbing and electric assemblies were used to conserve waste throughout the construction process.

Viceroy Snowmass has purchased renewable energy REC’s to provide 70 percent certified green wind power. Energy-efficient light bulbs are used throughout the hotel, and LED lighting is used wherever appropriate. In order to lower the energy usage, the offices, meeting spaces, spa treatment rooms and back-of-house areas utilize sensor lighting. The building is equipped with improved insulation, high performance windows, and efficient centrally controlled mechanical and electrical systems.

Thermostats in rooms are equipped with motion sensors to deactivate heating or cooling if the room is unoccupied. Recycling is offered and encouraged throughout the property, including at every Viceroy meeting, event or group function. Low-flow aerators and low-flow toilets have been installed in order to lower the usage of potable water. Viceroy Snowmass anticipates an annual savings of 5.1 million liters (1.35 million gallons) of water, or 31% better than a similar building without low-flow fixtures.

Building materials were purchased locally, including the drywall and stone used on the exterior of the building. Low VOC paints and stains were used to reduce toxicity in the building. Housekeeping department uses a specialized Electrolyzer machine to create cleaning products by combining water, salt and electric current. The machine is also used to create chlorine used in the pool by use of salt and electro current.

Reusable, stainless steel washable water bottles are provided at check-in. Refill stations are available throughout the hotel. No plastic water bottles are provided. Filtered Snowmass Village water is served in glass bottles, and bottled water is served only upon request. Kitchens recycle fryer oil for locally made renewable biofuel.