LAS VEGAS, NV - Ah Vegas. That adult playground where Elvis sang, Thompson tripped, and, believe it or not, the world's largest green building just opened for business. The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino scored a Silver LEED Certificate (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently. The $1.9 billion dollar, 3,000 room luxury retreat is four times bigger than the second largest green building in the world. Unlike the Olympics where silver equates to second best, the LEED scale ranks the sustainability of buildings using platinum, gold, and silver. One may wonder if this is a form of politically correct, feel-good marketing by USGBC or just clever greenwashing.
But considering the amount of natural resources a mega-hotel can sap from the planet, even the entry level LEED certification is a step in the right direction. The resort also offers valet parking for bicycles. What is interesting about the Palazzo taking the time and money to actually get a LEED certification, is how quiet they are about this accomplishment. Nowhere in their press releases does the Palazzo even mention the honor, their web site is void of the information, and as far as one can tell, only one minor news release has been circulated. If Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons and David E. Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency at the U.S. Department of Energy hadn't stopped by the award ceremony and dim sum, the whole thing might have gone unnoticed. But why?
Every other industry is scrambling to stamp the green seal of approval on their products and production methods, yet one is left to speculate as to why a green message wouldn't resonate with casino patrons. In the vice mecca of the United States, could it be that social consciousness doesn't sell? Does a warm fuzzy feeling about slowing climate change offset the remorse of a bad break at the poker table? Would the vacationing senior accept a slot that paid out in wind farm subsidies? Are carbon caps and craps compatible?
As usual, to find the answer, follow the money. In 2005, the Nevada Legislature created the nation's only statewide tax abatement program for owners of LEED-certified buildings. The legislation allows businesses to cut property taxes 35 percent to 50 percent. This tax break program has been wildly successful and spurred a green building explosion (and quite a few implosions) in Las Vegas, especially among the mega-structures.
Hoping to dwarf the Palazzo's feat, MGM Mirage is pumping $7 billion into their CityCenter project and has a definite plan to bring home the Silver. With 18 million square feet of building space, CityCenter will be the largest LEED-certified structure in the United States when it opens in November, 2009. By that date it is expected a majority of the casinos on the Strip will have found a way to get LEED certification.
The Palazzo poses an interesting question about green building for environmentalists. On the one hand we can celebrate the achievement of LEED certification and point to the great success of tax abatement incentive programs. Short of federal or state mandates, linking financial rewards with sustainable development seems to be the fastest and most effective way to motivate change in the building industry. On the other hand, it is hard to square a massive luxury resort with multiple swimming pools, the world's largest Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and a Lamborghini dealership, with sustainable living.
Source: Celsias.com