Sandpearl Resort LEED Certified Silver

One of the goals of the Sandpearl Resort is to be a leader in how new developments can be built in more energy-efficient and environmentally-sensitive ways.  The foresight and vision of “building better” has resulted in many benefits in areas such as energy-efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, natural resource conservation, transportation, and the environment. Because of this, Sandpearl resort as been recognized as a Silver LEED certified hotel.

LEED is a nationally recognized rating system produced by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”. A LEED certification means that a building has been independently certified to include a number of energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious elements into its design and construction that are over and above the required standards.  Sandpearl resort is the first Silver Certified LEED resort in Florida  and one of only ten in the United States to be LEED certified.

The following designs and practices are a sample of some of the energy and resource-conserving measures that have been incorporated into Sandpearl.

Chilled Water Air-conditioning System
A very energy efficient heating and cooling system is supplanting the typical through-the-wall units we are all so used to seeing in hotel rooms. This state-of-the-art chiller system being used at Sandpearl utilizes water as the heat transfer agent instead of Freon, and provides significant long-term energy savings. In addition, outdoor air is supplied to the interior spaces preconditioned, resulting in improved air quality and added comfort for each hotel guest.

Heat Recovery Exhaust System
Sandpearl recaptures the energy from the already conditioned air before it is returned to the outside environment. Throughout the hotel, fresh air is constantly being provided while inside air is exhausted to the outside. The energy from the inside air-whether it is cooled or heated – is captured by a special energy recovery system. This recovered energy is then transferred to the incoming air before it enters the inside environment, ultimately reducing our overall energy consumption.

In Room Energy Management System
The in-room energy management system monitors room temperatures remotely from a central location so that occupied rooms can be individually controlled by the guest, but unoccupied rooms can be adjusted to reduce energy waste. Additionally, system cut-offs have been installed on the sliding glass doors to automatically prevent an unintentional wasting of energy when guests are enjoying a fresh Florida breeze from their terrace.

Special Glazing for Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
All glass used in the windows and sliding glass doors at Sandpearl is double-pane laminated and tinted. This results in several benefits, such as sound transmission reduction, pressure and impact resistance, a high level of UV protection, and improved insulating value. The high-quality windows and sliding glass doors provide a connection with the outdoors while saving energy and keeping occupants safe during potential storms.

Low Emission Construction Materials
Sandpearl is keen on providing a comfortable indoor environment for its guests, residents, and employees. This is accomplished by using construction materials that are proven low-emitting, which results in a lesser impact on patrons of the resort. Wood finishes, floor coatings, carpet adhesives, duct sealants, and interior paints are just some of the products that were specifically targeted and selected for their lower chemical component emissions. In addition, Sandpearl is a smoke-free environment which eliminates exposure to an obvious and potentially harmful source of contaminates.

Geothermal Pool Heating System
The geothermal pool heating system takes advantage of the geographical region in which Sandpearl is set utilizing the natural interaction of the sun and earth. Piping is drilled deep into the ground drawing on the soil’s constant temperature. The absorbed heat of the earth is pumped to the surface to keep the resort’s pool and spas warm in the cooler months. This saves a significant amount of energy on an annual basis while providing the ideal pool-side experience. Additionally, the system can work in reverse in the summertime, adding a bit of cool to the summer waters for just the right swimming temperature.

Ozone Pool Sanitizing System
Ozone is a natural product derived from oxygen that is used as an alternative water purifier to other more harsh chemicals like chlorine. Ozone is a powerful sanitizer that reverts back to its natural state after eliminating contaminants and leaves no residual chemicals in the water. Our guests are not subjected to the chlorine smell and burning eyes commonly associated with the resort pool experience. With ozone in our crystal clear pool, significantly less amounts of chemicals are used and a new standard of enjoyment is established.

Water Conservation Systems
Sandpearl is designed to implement several water conservation systems. These include using water saving faucets, toilets, and shower heads, as well as using state-of-the art laundry equipment, and an advanced technology irrigation system. Water savings are expected to be over 20% for the fixtures alone. The laundry system is expected to produce additional water savings to the tune of hundreds of thousands of gallons a year.

Waste Conservation
All waste generated during the construction process is accounted for. Over 50% of that waste has been diverted from the landfill to be recycled. Many ton of wood, metals, concrete, gypsum, and plastics were reintroduced into the manufacturing stream minimizing the need for virgin materials and diminishing the amount of recyclable materials that are simply tossed away.

Innovative Transportation Ideas
How do preferred parking spaces for hybrid electric cars sound? How about the promotion of public transportation use on Clearwater Beach where two services, the PSTA and the Jolley Trolley, are available? Why not ride your bicycle to work? There are plenty of spaces and changing facilities onsite. Care about reducing our footprint? All parking has been placed “under the building”. This design choice reduces the heat gain seen from the typical asphalt parking lots, and keeps the environment a bit cooler. No urban heat Islands here!

Continuing Education
Sandpearl will have many enrichment programs that will add to the guest experience, and one of those programs will focus on LEED. Our guests have the opportunity to learn about the LEED-related systems through both the informational placquard in the lobby or participation in a back-of-house LEED tour.

 Florida Green Lodging 
The Florida Green Lodging Program was established in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the intent of recognizing and rewarding environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. The Florida Green Lodging Program is unique in that it covers an all-inclusive list of environmental initiatives that are specific to protecting and preserving Florida’s environment.