Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town has been honored with the award for China’s Most Anticipated Green Hotel...

Starwood’s green hotel brand, Element, makes its first debut in Asia-Pacific

Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town Launches Its First Earth Day Event

Suzhou, China, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — On the occasion of Earth Day on April 22, Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town, the first Element hotel in the Asia-Pacific region under Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., was awarded the title of “China’s Most Anticipated Green Hotel” at the 2015 Asia Hotel Forum Annual Conference & the 10th China Hotel Starlight Awards Ceremony. On Earth Day itself, Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town will also launch its inaugural Earth Day event to promote green awareness, calling on all associates to care for the Earth, cherish its resources, transform lifestyles, improve resource efficiency, and protect our home through their own actions — pledging to use public transportation at least one day per week.

The China Hotel Starlight Awards were established in 2005. This recognition program celebrates the outstanding achievements in the hotel industry for the year and honors brand enterprises that have made remarkable contributions to the industry and driven competitive development within China’s hospitality sector. This is the first time the “China’s Most Anticipated Green Hotel” award has been introduced, and Element is the first—and only—hotel brand to receive this honor.

Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town will officially open in May 2015, marking the arrival of the green Element brand in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its brand launch in 2008, Element has been committed to ensuring that all its hotels meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards, making it the first international hotel brand to focus exclusively on this. As a “green” hotel brand, Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town incorporates numerous eco-friendly technologies and facilities throughout its design, which are expected to achieve up to a 65% maximum energy saving rate during future operations. The main building features a figure-eight design, allowing 90% of the main areas to be naturally lit, maximizing indoor daylight. The rooftop green space exceeds 1,500 square meters, resulting in a 51.5% green coverage ratio. Environmentally friendly materials are used extensively, such as carpets made from recycled materials in guest rooms, and all printed materials also utilize recycled content. To improve indoor air quality, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) eco-friendly paints and antimicrobial carpet padding are employed. The hotel will also be completely non-smoking. Guest rooms are equipped with energy-efficient Electrolux kitchen appliances, low-flow faucets, compact LED light bulbs, and energy-saving electronics. Bottled water is replaced with a filtered direct drinking water system, and public areas feature eco-friendly recycling bins with more detailed waste sorting into metal, plastic, glass, paper, and cardboard categories to promote a green lifestyle. Additionally, the fitness center includes kinetic energy-charging exercise equipment and a saltwater pool, further showcasing sustainable environmental principles.

Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town not only showcases sustainable environmental concepts in its design but also reflects a green living space in its location. The hotel is situated within the Suzhou High-Tech District's Science and Technology Town, where “technology, landscape, and culture” blend seamlessly. With a prime location, it offers easy access to Jiangsu Dayangshan National Forest Park, Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park, Suzhou Amusement Land, Zhenhu Embroidery Street, and Baimajian Ecological Park for a healthy and leisurely lifestyle.

Element Guest Rooms

Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town is expected to open in late May 2015. At that time, the hotel will feature 188 rooms and suites with an airy, open layout and intuitively designed eco-friendly features, bringing guests a fresh, unique, and comfortable accommodation experience. Convenient and advanced high-tech facilities will cater to various work and leisure needs, while healthy dining and fitness amenities perfectly complement a busy lifestyle.

Discover more about Element by Westin Suzhou Science and Technology Town at www.elementhotels.com/suzhoustt