Hoteliers Offer Another Reason to Support the BiltmorePhoto/text by Renee Burrell
(l to r) Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa Vice President and Manager Martin Smith, Belleview Biltmore Golf Club Director of Membership Amy Spencer, and Golf Club General Manager Chuck Eade Out of towners see the Belleview Biltmore Resort as a quaint get away. Locals see it as a beloved landmark and community friendly venue, akin to a country club, but without the dues and rules. Now conservation minded travelers and area residents will have another reason to support the hotel. Aside from offering prestigious lodging and dining, spa services, sports and nightlife, the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa will be joining countless others in the hospitality industry riding "The Green Wave". Owners Legg Mason Investments (LMI) of Los Angeles announced November 19 at a press conference and reception their plan to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders headquartered in Washington D.C. Upon certification, the resort can be designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a "green lodging". The LEED Green Building Rating System is the accepted national standard that promotes building design and construction practices that reduce negative environmental impacts. LEED can be granted for attaining different levels--Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The level of certification depends upon the number of credits a building or renovation project garners in five green design categories including, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. According to Joseph Penner, LMI Director, the intent is for the resort to utilize water efficient landscape designs, energy efficient equipment and construction methods, reusable materials, ventilation improvements and various other enhancements. "The achievement of LEED certification is an important step in the life of this magnificent historic property. The new design includes underground parking and sculptured gardens which will help restore the property to its grandeur, while creating a modern energy efficient destination resort."
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