Are you one of those people that takes a hot shower at a big hotel and wonders exactly how large their hot water heater must be? Wonder what happens to all those tiny soaps and shampoos when you leave? Crank down the air conditioning and then shudder at the size of their electric bill? Ok, so I’m probably among the few, as a holder of an environmental studies degree and an avid recycler, but it makes me proud to know that Maui now can claim title to Hawaii’s first LEED EBOM certified hotel or resort, and only one of four in the world! (That’s a lot of acronyms, so to clarify the award is from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) rating system.)
Last month, while being blessed under the very last moments of sunny skies before Tropical Storm Ana arrived, Mayor Arakawa presented the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa with the official proclamation, the culmination of a two-year project by the Hyatt team and my new client, Green Building Hawaii.
John Bendon presents his speech at the Hyatt Regency Maui
According to John Bendon, Founding Principal of Green Building Hawaii, “LEED is points based rating system that looks at whole building performance. Category areas cover energy, water, material purchasing, site development, transportation, and indoor environmental quality. The more points you earn in the different category areas, the higher your overall rating of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.” (The Hyatt earned a respectable Silver!)
L-R John Bendon Founding Principal at GBH, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Gary Bulson, Senior Engineer at Hyatt Regency Maui, Allen Farwell, General Manager Hyatt Regency Maui, and Rick Werber, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Sustainability at Host Hotels & Resorts
Following the speeches and requisite photo ops, the Hyatt’s Senior Engineer, Gary Bulsom, and Marketing Manager, Jessica Kapoor, gave a brief tour of the property and one of the newly renovated guest rooms, as they highlighted some of the projects and achievements that helped earn their LEED status. Here are some photos and notes from the tour: (click on each photo for the corresponding eco-friendly project represented) – But I’ll be honest, I forgot to ask about what actually does happen with all those tiny soaps and shampoos!!! Maybe I need to stay there to find out….
Maui Made 
Comments on: "Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Goes Green" (1)
I work in the travel industry here in Maui and am an avid recycler, composter. i read with great interest at what the Hyatt is doing to help with the environment. Kudos go out to them for there efforts. Congratulations are due for their silver rating. Mahalo for the photos and information.