The Las Vegas hospitality community became a little greener recently with the announcement from Resorts World Las Vegas, the Strip’s newest resort, that all three of its hotel brands—Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts—have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, encompassing 3.9 million square feet of real estate.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification is considered the benchmark in the green building industry, providing building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building strategies. 

Since its initial stages, the development of Resorts World Las Vegas was rooted in the concept of green building, with the property’s design team focused on reducing environmental impact and achieving long-term sustainability through eco-friendly design.  

The resort complex will also continue to integrate environmentally responsible practices into day-to-day operations and future planning for the resort, according to Brandon Morrison, director of sustainability for Resorts World Las Vegas.

“A key pillar in our strategic plan for sustainability at Resorts World Las Vegas is integrating practices that have positive effects on the environment throughout all operations,” Morrison said. “LEED Gold certification is a testament to our long-term commitment to help improve the environment while still offering premium accommodations and experiences for our guests.”

To obtain LEED certification at the Gold level, green building design and sustainability were incorporated throughout all phases of the design and development process, including: 

• Existing elements of Echelon Project (a proposed $4.8 billion mixed-use hotel-casino project by Boyd Gaming that was later sold to Genting Group, Resorts World developers) were incorporated into the resort’s design and construction. 
• More than 300 trees were salvaged from the original site and incorporated into the current RWLV design. (Some trees currently on site are up to 60 years old.)
• Energy savings upwards of 38% in comparison to industry baseline. Among energy efficiency measures, 4-megawatt combined heat and power system (cogeneration) contributes to the property’s overall energy efficiency.
• Reduced potable water use by 40% in comparison to industry baseline.
• Water efficiency measures employed both inside and outside the resort, including water-efficient appliances and fixtures, smart irrigation system and drought-tolerant landscape.
• More than 75% of all construction waste was diverted from landfills, with nearly 32,000 tons of recycled material during the buildout.
• Eco-friendly materials including low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and flooring were used throughout the entire development.
• Regional materials were utilized, where feasible, within construction development ($256 million in regional spend; 23% of total materials cost).

Resort World’s sustainability programming includes: 

• Alternative Transportation: There are 16 electric vehicle parking spaces across the resort property; six public bus stops within a quarter-mile walking distance; preferred parking spaces for both carpools/vanpools; and low-emitting/fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Single-Use Plastics: Bulk amenity dispensers in guest rooms and water bottle filling stations across the property help limit the consumption of single-use plastic bottles.
• Waste Management: A comprehensive diversion program sorts and separates the resort’s recyclables and food waste.
• Indoor Air Quality: A patented air ionization system—coupled with demand control ventilation technology—provides unparalleled indoor air quality throughout the resort.
• Environmental Management System: The resort’s environmental management system (EMS) has been third-party, ISO certified (ISO 9001 Quality Management; ISO 14001 Environmental Management; ISO 50001 Energy Management).
• Event Impact Statement: A meeting calculator can provide tailored environmental reports for events and meetings on property.
• Health and Wellness: The property has achieved GBAC STAR accreditation and is Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED with Forbes Travel Guide.
• Social Impact: More than 25 charitable organization partners in the local community, supported via volunteer activities and philanthropic giving.

Resorts World joins the ranks of six other LEED-Gold buildings within Nevada’s hospitality and lodging sector, including MGM Resorts’ CityCenter and its ARIA Resort & Casino, ARIA’s convention center and theater, and Vdara Hotel & Spa; and The Venetian Convention and Expo Center. The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas received LEED Silver certification in the spring of 2008. 

Las Vegas is also part of a global network of more than 100 LEED-certified cities and communities. In August of 2020, the city achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for residents.

In partnership with Hilton, Resorts World Las Vegas integrates three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus, including Las Vegas Hilton, the resort’s full-service brand; Conrad Las Vegas, Hilton’s lifestyle luxury brand; and LXR, Hilton’s network of independent luxury properties, which operates as Crockfords Las Vegas, Genting’s ultra-luxury brand.  

Built on the former site of the iconic Stardust Resort and Casino, the $4.3 billion Resorts World Las Vegas complex features 3,506 guest rooms and suites, a next-generation casino, premium food and beverage offerings, a 5,000-capacity theater, nightlife venues, high-end retail outlets and 250,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.

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