Jan 14, 2014

Delaware Welcome Center and Travel Plaza and HMSHost Achieve Leed Certification For Green Building on I-95

Fletcher named the winner of the Outstanding Paraprofessional award at the WMACCA 2013 Corporate Counsel Awards

NEWARK, DE — Global restaurateur HMSHost announced today that the Delaware Welcome Center, which it constructed and operates, has been awarded LEED® Silver certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Delaware Welcome Center project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

The sustainable strategies incorporated at Delaware Welcome Center strongly support HMSHost’s goals set forth with the company’s startsomewhere® sustainability initiative, which aims to make the world a better place by reducing environmental impact. The Delaware Welcome Center and Travel Plaza achieved LEED Silver certification based on savings related to energy use, lighting and water, as well as for the materials used in construction of the facility and the ongoing operating commitment by HMSHost.

“Making a positive environmental impact is an important mission for HMSHost and achieving LEED Silver certification at the Delaware Welcome Center and Travel Plaza reinforces this commitment,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Jones. “It is very gratifying to be a part of the team that has brought this environmentally-conscious project to the travelers coming to Delaware, and this LEED Silver certification is a superb example of how every step that is taken with our travel plaza buildings really does add up to something greater.”

The Delaware Welcome Center is an eco-friendly travel plaza by design; incorporating numerous energy and water conservation features and utilizing recycled and regional building materials. Natural light fills the dining area and local materials such as Delaware bluestone can be found throughout. LEED certification of the Delaware Welcome Center was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. Some of these features include:

• Drought resistant plant life indigenous to Delaware incorporated into landscaping.
• Waterless urinals and water efficient fixtures.
• Over 200 geothermal wells that drive a closed loop geothermal heating and cooling system.
• Recycled content and regionally available building materials used.
• An anti-idling system that allows trucks to park and turn off their engines, reducing air and noise pollution.
• Tesla electric vehicle charging stations.

The Delaware Welcome Center and Travel Plaza serves over 5 million visitors annually, and this LEED Silver Certification reinforces HMSHost’s commitment to serving travelers, the community and making a difference with long term sustainable projects.