JULY 21, 2008. The Ambrose Collection, having pioneered environmentally responsible practices years before “green” buildings were touted by the media, has made history with the recognition of its flagship property, The Ambrose, as the first-ever U.S. hotel to earn LEED-EB certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The prestigious honor positions The Ambrose Collection at the forefront of the green development movement and verifies its expertise in marrying affordable luxury with eco-consciousness, offering a profitable new model of “sustainable hospitality.”

Under the vision of its founder and president, Deirdre Wallace, The Ambrose has earned a Silver LEED-EB (existing building) award, based on measurements set forth by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™, USGBC’s system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.

“The Ambrose Collection is to be commended for achieving LEED for Existing Buildings certification. The hotel is one that both the community and its customers can be proud of,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO, founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Ambrose will be a showcase for high-performance, energy-efficient methods and an inspiration for others."

"Sustainability is the core of The Ambrose Collection’s philosophy and corporate culture,” adds Wallace. “As the first hotel to be awarded the LEED-EB certification, The Ambrose - our flagship property - has effectively raised the bar in the hospitality industry. This achievement will set the tone for all our future growth and development.”

The Ambrose Collection, having opened its first property in 2003 and embracing a green agenda soon thereafter, is a member of the Green Hotels Association and the U.S. Green Building Council, and has previously earned such accolades as the 2006 Sustainable Quality Award Grand Prize (Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce), the Google Green Drummer award and Sustainable Works Green Business Program certification.

In addition, The Ambrose offers its guests free, biodiesel-fueled London Taxi service around Santa Monica and hybrid and gas/electric chauffeured limousine service. It also provides all of its employees with complimentary bus passes, bike storage facilities and onsite showers to encourage no-emission transportation.