LEED® Silver awarded to Hostelling International Boston
July 14, Boston, MA – Upon receiving its recent LEED® Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Hostelling International Boston (HI-Boston) became the City of Boston’s first accommodation provider to achieve LEED® Certification. Since its opening in June 2012, this repurposed historic building at the cross section of Chinatown, Downtown Crossing, and the Theater District has since welcomed more than 200,000 travelers from more than 85 countries.
"HI-Boston is raising the bar for the hospitality industry in Boston," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "The city is attracting more and more young people, and I'm thrilled that HI-USA is providing green accommodations for our visitors."
Constructed in the historic Dill Building (1886-1888), the project is an example of historic reuse. Reclaimed materials were used throughout the space, including stairwell floor joists turned into tables. Furniture in the kitchen and dining space include chairs made from recycled Coca Cola bottles and recycled aluminum tables.
Facility and operational efforts include LED lights and automatic timers, low-flow faucets and toilets, and ENERGY star appliances. Elevators are 50 percent more energy efficient than standard elevators and the housekeeping department uses an Ozone system eliminating the use of hot water when laundering linens and towels.
“This is a very exciting achievement for HI-Boston and HI-USA,” says CEO Russ Hedge. “When we envisioned building a new hostel, we were committed to opening an environmentally-friendly property. We exceeded expectations with the silver certification level and are very happy to bring this beautiful green hostel to the city of Boston.”
HI-Boston has received a number of awards for architecture and green design, including the Award for Innovation in Green Design—Building Category from the Massachusetts Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as Boston’s Greenovate Award.
For more information about HI-Boston, visit www.hiusa.org/Boston.
About HI-Boston
HI-Boston is owned and managed by Hostelling International USA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The hostel hosts over 100,000 guests annually, 75 percent from other countries. HI-Boston organizes activities and events for its guests and the community on a daily basis. The diversity of HI-Boston’s visitors combined with activities, events, and educational programming organized by the hostel for its guests and the community helps facilitate interaction among cultures.
About HI-USA
Hostelling International-USA (HI-USA) is the nation’s leading hostel brand. HI-USA hosts over 1 million overnights annually in a diverse portfolio of 55 hostels throughout the United States, in urban locations and well-loved scenic destinations, including faithfully-preserved landmarks, historic lighthouses, and eco-friendly accommodations. HI-USA was founded on an enduring belief in the power of travel—travel that fosters a deeper understanding of people, places, and the world around. As a nonprofit organization, HI-USA promotes a dynamic community of global citizens who have the wisdom and humanity to actively make the world a better place, and all monies made are reinvested back into this cause.
Contact:
John Yonce
Northeast Operations Director
Hostelling International USA
(617) 556-5316
Email Contact
www.hiusa.org