Leadership and Sustainability

Gettys Blazes a Trail in Green Hospitality Design

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. October 14, 2008

SEPTEMBER 27, 2007. The media, both within the hospitality and without, is abuzz with sustainability and green design topics. Some of the best and most effective efforts to this end are being embraced by the hospitality industry, and global hospitality design and procurement firm Gettys is staying ahead of the curve.

Earlier this year, an ecotourism survey conducted by TripAdvisor(R) confirmed what many are already aware of - travelers are willing to shell out more cash to stay in an environmentally friendly hotel. In fact, 24 percent would pay 5 to 10 percent more at a green hotel and 12 percent would pay a 10 to 20 percent premium. Additionally, 38 percent of travelers have already stayed at a green hotel according to the survey.

In June of 2007, Gettys again joined Hospitality Design Group to lead the Hotel of TomorrowTM (H.O.T.) Project, an exclusive think tank that explores the possibilities of the hospitality industry today, tomorrow, and in the future. Renewable Resources was one of the key trends identified by the group at the projects inception three years ago, and the 2007 ideation session in New York City focused exclusively on this dynamic subject.

Gettys has also undertaken an aggressive initiative to attain Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design(R) (LEED) accreditation for all 80+ members of its design, architecture and procurement divisions by the end of 2008. In addition, all future renovations, expansions, or new construction of Gettys' own office spaces will prioritize sustainable design and US offices will be LEED certified.

Working hand in hand with clients to explore sustainable options that support their long-term goals for hotel, resort or spa projects is a key to Gettys' green success.

"Our clients and their future guests are educated on environmental issues, and we can help them develop a green hotel that balances outstanding design, operational efficiency, and investment return," says Roger Hill, Gettys' Chief Executive Officer. In contrast to what many believe, green design doesn't necessarily have to be cost prohibitive, either.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), even the highest performance features add an average of two to seven percent onto the initial design and construction costs of a project and operationally those costs can be recovered in as few as three to five years. LEED certification is also a real possibility for many projects without an increase in design or construction budgets, and the diversity of materials and systems available today means that hotels and resorts can reap the benefits of sustainable design without sacrificing beauty, durability, or even luxury.

Current projects in Gettys' portfolio that feature sustainable design include the new build, five-star Papagayo Princess Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica; a five-star urban hotel conversion from a commercial space in downtown Chicago, the renovation and repositioning of another hotel also in downtown Chicago, and Gettys' new office location currently under construction in Hong Kong.

As the sustainability movement continues to gain traction in the hospitality industry, Gettys will be leading the way to help their clients minimize their environmental impact while maximizing their property's potential.

Gettys' representatives can be seen discussing green design at the Green + Design Conference and Expo in Atlanta, October 1 and 2, and will presenting this year's green-focused H.O.T. concepts at the HD Asia Expo and the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific, both being held in Hong Kong this October.