North Point Hospitality, an Atlanta-based hotel development and management company, announced that its AC Hotel Savannah Historic District has been awarded the LEED® Platinum certification for new construction, the highest recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for leadership in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. 

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum distinction demonstrates North Point Hospitality’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental stewardship. The project received high scores across multiple LEED categories, including energy efficiency, sustainable site development, materials selection, forest-certified wood products, indoor environmental quality, and water efficiency.   

“With the AC Hotel Savannah Historic District, we set out to not only build a best-of-class property, but also to raise the bar for responsible development in the hospitality industry. This recognition affirms our dedication to creating environmentally conscious hotels that positively impact their communities,” said Whip Triplett, COO of North Point Hospitality. 

Key sustainable design and performance highlights include: 

• Site selection: Urban site, pedestrian-friendly and well-connected to public transportation via land or river.  

• Energy efficiency: Reduced energy use through an array of solar panels, a rechargeable hybrid elevator system, advanced HVAC systems, renewable energy integration, and smart building technology. 

• Sustainable materials: Prioritization of recycled materials like steel and concrete, forest-certified wood, energy-efficient windows and glass, and other low-emission materials. 

• Water stewardship: Implementation of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures. 

• Healthy indoor environment: Enhanced air filtration, natural daylighting, and non-toxic finishes. 

North Point Hospitality collaborated with Savannah-based GMShay Architects, led by Pat Shay, to bring the project’s sustainable vision to life. 

“The recognition underscores North Point Hospitality's leadership in shaping the future of hotel sustainable development," said Pat Shay, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP. “The AC Hotel Savannah Historic District not only reduces environmental impact but also provides long-term economic and community benefits to the city of Savannah.”  

According to the USGBC, roughly 110 hotels worldwide have achieved LEED Platinum certification across all rating categories, and an even smaller number have reached this distinction in the new construction category. This recognition places the AC Hotel Savannah Historic District among an elite group of properties worldwide that are setting new benchmarks for sustainable hospitality development. 

For more information about North Point Hospitality and AC Hotel Savannah Historic District, visit www.northpointhospitality.com.