Embassy Suites St. Louis – Downtown has been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI,) making it the only LEED Certified hotel in the St. Louis area. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.  

“This coveted certification is recognition of our commitment to create a sustainable project that redeveloped an important building in an area that connects our region’s convention center with the Gateway Arch and we are pleased to be able to provide visitors and convention-goers with a green option for their lodging,” said Amos Harris, president of Spinnaker St. Louis and developer of the Mercantile Exchange district (MX).

The 212 all-suite hotel is located in the historic 601 Washington Laurel Building, which is part of the emerging MX entertainment district and adjacent to the America’s Center Convention Center. 601 Washington has achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.  Consuming less energy and water, LEED certified buildings reduce greenhouse gas emission and contribute to a healthier environment for the community. 

“Building operations are nearly 40 percent of the solution to the global climate change challenge,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council.  “While climate change is a global problem, innovative companies like Spinnaker are addressing it though local solutions.” 

Silver LEED certification of the Embassy Suites as part of the 601 Washington project was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. 

Those features include: 
• 20 percent reduction in water usage with low-flow toilets and faucets
• Low-VOC interior finishes
• Use of high recycled content building materials
• Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect with highly reflective white roof
• Separate waste handling system dedicated to recyclables
• High Efficiency Water Source Heat-Pump HVAC System
• Centrally Controlled Energy Management System with Occupancy Detection
• Guest suites equipped with master switch at entry door for all lighting except bathroom
• Double-pane aluminum windows with Low-E coating
• Immediately adjacent to Public Transportation, both bus and light-rail
• Exhaust system with pressurized corridors and operable windows in guest suites
• Linen re-use program in guest suites

“It is with great pride that we are able to partner with Spinnaker by operating an ultra modern and sustainable hotel within a magnificent historic building,” said Rosco Larson, general manager, Embassy Suites St. Louis – Downtown.