Kā‘anapali, Hawai‘i – December 10, 2018 – The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas was awarded the GOLD New Construction Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This rating system was specifically designed by the US Green Building Council to guide the development of more sustainable buildings. It also distinguishes those which have less of an impact on their natural surroundings and provide a healthier environment to its inhabitants. The resort leadership gladly pursued this certification as it directly aligns with one of their three core values — to operate responsibly through ongoing sustainability efforts. To adhere to the LEED guidelines and this core value much thoughtful planning went into the development of the resort, which opened in April 2017. It was a team effort consisting of numerous experts in design, construction and sustainability. Ultimately the result is a one-of-a-kind resort destination, and leading example of sustainable travel to guests and others in the hospitality industry.

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas received high marks for the following LEED categories:

• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficient Landscaping
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation and Design Process

One of the LEED Gold features visitors will notice is the expansive koi ponds, which are deeper than those found at neighboring resorts. This is because they were purposefully designed for water diversion, a key element of the property’s storm management program. As a tropical location, the island is subject to heavy rains seasonally. These ponds serve as retention basins with the ability to hold and filter excess storm water runoff from the surrounding area. This helps to protect the fronting coastline from potentially harmful pollutants, so it can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Also recognized is the resort’s use of cutting-edge, energy efficient equipment and technologies; most notably the use of geothermal heat rejection to replace the need for chillers and cooling towers, which emit harmful greenhouse gases and are among the top consumers of water and electricity at resorts. This process provides cool air conditioning throughout the 393-villa resort and saves thousands of gallons of water every day.

Guests will enjoy the native and water-efficient landscaping found within this lush 16-acre property. Over 75% of the plants are native or endemic to the island of Maui (specifically the district of Lāhainā), supporting the naturally occurring ecosystem, requiring less irrigation, and reducing potable water usage by 65%. The public is encouraged to visit and learn more as The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas continues to develop educational programs for 2019 around these features and the other LEED recognized efforts.

Pursuing LEED Gold certification was a collaborative effort among Vistana Signature Experiences, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, general contractor, Hawaiian Dredging, and the architect/engineering team (led by WCIT architects). Arup was contracted to guide the process for stakeholders to help analyze the best cost-effective path to certification and to assemble the required documentation.

Our successful outcome was possible only with the full commitment of all stakeholders for the duration of the project.

About The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
Situated on Maui’s North Kā‘anapali Beach, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is designed to provide a relaxing haven complete with culturally inspired programs and authentic Hawaiian experiences. Every feature of the resort — from the Pu‘uhonua o Nanea Cultural Center to the locally sourced art — celebrates native culture and traditions. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas offers world-class amenities including an expansive lagoon-style pool, full-service restaurant, beach bar and a WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. All villas offer many of the key amenities of home, combined with signature Westin® touches, such as the Westin Heavenly® Bed and Westin Heavenly® Bath. Villas also feature fully equipped kitchens and washers and dryers. Visit westinnanea.com.

About Vistana Signature Experiences
Vistana™ Signature Experiences, Inc., an operating business of ILG (Nasdaq: ILG), is the exclusive provider of vacation ownership for the Sheraton® and Westin® brands under license from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC, and is an authorized partner of the SPG® program. More than 220,000 families own at the company’s 22 villa resorts in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, which operate under the Sheraton and Westin brands. Vistana offers a flexible vacation lifestyle, giving Owners and Members the ability to vacation within a collection of villa-style resorts in the best locations within the most sought-after destinations. Customers also enjoy privileged access to trade their ownership for stays at 6,700 extraordinary hotel and resorts in 130 countries through Starwood Preferred Guest allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades, and flights, with no blackout dates. Headquartered in Orlando, FL, Vistana continues to build on its more-than-35-year history of excellence in vacation ownership and leisure travel. For more information, please visit vistana.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Leyla Church
Complex Director of Public Relations
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
Office: 808-662-2614
Leyla.church@westinkaanapali.com