Salamander Hospitality recognizes the complex relationship between our environment, the economy and society, and also views sustainability and environmental sensitivity as being a responsibility and not a trend.

Consistent with this philosophy, we have registered our new resort, Salamander Resort & Spa, with The U.S. Green Building Council who establishes and oversees LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for new and existing buildings. Applicants are evaluated in the six categories of site control, water use, energy, materials, indoor air quality and innovation of design.

Salamander Resort & Spa will be one of the first new luxury destination resorts and spas in the United States to achieve LEED certification, when we open our doors, meeting requirements in all six of the evaluation areas.

A partial list of these design elements includes:

• Protection of 250 of the resort's 340 acres as "a conservation easement" and wetlands space
• Landscaping using native plants to minimize irrigation
• Where possible, using building materials that are made of recycled products
• Using low emitting paints, carpet and window treatments
• Unobtrusive external lighting preserving nocturnal views and minimizing light pollution

Once open, guests will appreciate the sustainable tourism criteria that will be in place that goes beyond the usual guest recycling programs, printing on recycled paper with soy based ink, and use of non chemical housekeeping cleaners. Some of these additional measures will include:

• Fully sustainable operations that include waste, water and energy management programs in both guest and heart-of-the-house areas
• Purchasing whenever possible local and fair-trade services and goods
• Resort's support of the protection of local historical and culturally important areas
• Farm-to-table sourcing of food and purchase of sustainable, organic products for more than 80% of items, including the large on-site chef's garden
• "Staying Green" program for individual guests to minimize their impact on the environment
• "Meeting Green" program to reduce carbon footprint of group attendees

Salamander Hospitality is taking a leadership role within the hospitality industry by continually looking for innovative ways to enhance our luxury guest experience while maintaining sensitivity to our environment.