Developers are revolutionizing hotel design to create "net-zero" establishments that generate more energy than they consume, contributing to a more climate-friendly travel industry. The Marcel in New Haven is on track to become the first net-zero hotel in the U.S., boasting rooftop solar panels, solar parking canopies, and lithium-ion batteries for energy storage. The 165-room property, with its Passive Building certification and LEED Platinum rating, aims to offset its entire annual energy consumption. Net-zero hotels, unlike off-the-grid resorts, can be more accessible in terms of pricing and location, connecting to the grid and potentially benefiting local communities with renewable power. This shift responds to the urgent need for the hospitality industry to reduce its one-percent contribution to global emissions and align with the growing emphasis on combating climate change. While construction costs are higher, the energy savings are expected to offset these expenses within a few years. Travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable accommodations, and hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Accor have set company-wide net-zero goals, indicating a broader industry trend toward climate-conscious practices.
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