Crystals at CityCenter Achieves LEED Gold Certification

 

Crystals, the retail and entertainment district at CityCenter, has achieved LEED Gold Core & Shell certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the world's largest retail district to receive this level of recognition. Opening in December, CityCenter was created with a vision to introduce a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip and has emerged as a leader in sustainable urban development.

Crystals' achievement marks the fourth LEED Gold certification for CityCenter; previous recipients included ARIA Resort's hotel tower, ARIA's convention center and theater, and Vdara Hotel & Spa. CityCenter is poised to achieve a combination of LEED Gold and Silver ratings throughout its remaining hotels, residences, dining and public spaces.

Under the LEED for Core & Shell rating system, USGBC evaluated the entire district with the exception of the tenants' interior spaces. This enables tenants to capitalize on green strategies implemented throughout Crystals, including energy and water efficiencies, enhanced indoor air quality, sustainable building materials and an abundance of natural light.

Crystals' sustainable highlights include:

*    Radiant floor cooling will use less energy for air conditioning by chilling the air specifically in occupied areas rather than cooling the entire space

*    The majority of all wood products used in Crystals are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, meaning the wood is produced from forests with sustainable management practices in place

*    Annually, Crystals will save an estimated 1.8 million gallons of water within the building through efficient water fixtures. This equates to a savings of nearly 38 percent over existing building codes

*    Skylights will allow for abundant natural light to illuminate the space

*    Guests arriving with alternative fuel vehicles will have access to preferred parking

CityCenter's LEED certification effort was lead by MGM MIRAGE's Energy and Environmental Services division along with a recognized group of sustainability consultants including CTG Energetics, Green Building Services, Viridian Energy & Environmental, Fore Solutions and Simon & Associates.

Visit www.citycenter.com.