Resorts World Las Vegas Joins Roster of LEED-Certified Strip Resorts

February 21, 2022

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 brandsLas Vegas Hilton, Conrad Las Vegas and Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resortshave 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 systemcoupled with demand control ventilation technologyprovides 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.


Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”  These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. There’s no ceiling to what you can do when you’re doing events in Las Vegas.  Allegiant Stadium As the trade show and convention business returns to the pre-pandemic levels, what shifts are you noticing and how do you think they will impact the industry going forward? Our trade show organizers are very focused on driving customer experience. Most of our organizers are reporting stronger exhibitor numbers and increased numbers of new exhibitors, with trade shows proving to be almost or above 2019 levels. Now our organizers are really doubling down on driving attendance and focusing on the data to provide that individualized, customized experience to help attendees meet their goals and get the best value. Some companies continue to be cautiously optimistic with their organizational spend when it comes to sending attendees, but I think it will continue to improve. As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. Last summer, Resorts World and The Boring Company opened the first resort stop at the Resorts World Las Vegas , with plans to expand throughout the resort corridor, including downtown Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium and Harry Reid International Airport. The LVCVA also purchased the Las Vegas Monorail in 2020, the 3.9-mile-long elevated transportation system that connects eight resorts directly to the convention center campus. This is the only rail system in the world that integrates fares directly into show badges and registration. For trade show organizers, these transportation options mean saving time, money and effort when it comes to moving groups from the hotels to LVCC and around the city. Also, the more we can focus on building the infrastructure around the convention center, the more it supports the customer experience and ultimately supports our trade show organizers. Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.