Las Vegas - It's Greener than you think

CityCenter - Las Vegas

During a recent holiday in Las Vegas I was surprised to discover that the new City Center development, located on the strip, which includes hotels, casinos, condos, shopping and restaurants has been awarded a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) Certification .
How, in the land of excess, could this uber large development, covering some 67 acres possibly be Green? First of all, the hotel that was torn down to build this massive development was 80% recycled. It produces its own power using a natural gas powered plant.  All of its limos use natural gas. Slot machines have air conditioning units which keep colder air at ground level.  They used  green building techniques and organized massive recycling programs.  Intensive water conservation projects were prioritized.  Radiant floor cooling uses less energy. All wood was Forest Stewardship Council certified. Excess food is composted or taken to farms to feed animals along with numerous other innovative ideas.   If they are building LEED in Las Vegas then this standard of building has gone mainstream.  Last fall we heard from Calgary architect Jeremy Sturgess about building LEED certified buildings and how the City of Calgary is now requiring all of its civic buildings to have LEED certification. If the developers of Cranbrook and our City Council are serious about being "Green" then isn't it about time to start building LEED certified buildings here?

CityCenter - Las Vegas GOLD LEED Certified