In the Spring of 2010, Columbia will introduce its first full–service hotel designed for LEED certification at the intersection of Highway 378 and I–26. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, originally established in 1998 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

LEED–certified buildings have reduced operating costs, support healthier and more productive occupants, and lessen the impact on natural resources.

The 122 room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites will incorporate the six key areas of human and environmental health promoted by LEED certification: Sustainable Site, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design.

The hotel designers have incorporated features that include a state of the art ventilation system to improve air quality, energy recovery technology to temper outside air, rain water harvesting, tankless hot water heaters, use of low emitting volatile organic compound (VOC) paint, adhesives, carpet, high efficiency fixtures, and traction elevators designed for high energy efficiency.

For more information, contact Raven Yonemura at ravenkeener@- yahoo.com or 803-760- 9020.