CHICAGO
A multi-hotel complex and convention center planned for development near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport aims to set the standard for eco-friendly architecture and design in the hospitality industry, and boost the city's efforts to be a global leader in the "green" movement.
A Chicago Convention Center development promises to be the world's first zero carbon platinum LEED convention complex, aiming for zero carbon emissions and a 100 percent allergen-free structure. Plans call for the greenest building standards, including state-of-the-art technology that supports "guest rooms of the future," equipped with high-tech amenities that encourage sustainable behavior. Business guests will even be able to receive carbon credits for their stay—a first for the industry.
"This development not only positions Chicago as a leader in the sustainability movement, it encourages the hospitality industry worldwide to set the bar higher when it comes to green design," said Anshoo Sethi, lead developer of the project for A Chicago Convention Center.
Other eco-conscious elements of the center include: an onsite hydrogen phosphoric fuel cell plant, extensive use of solar technology, geothermal heating/cooling system, rainwater collection and recycling, ice-based thermal energy storage, green roof, and hybrid shuttle vans to name a few.
