If trees could give us a hug, they would. That's because to us, green is more than just a color in our palette, it's how we approach every decision we make. And it's why we continue to be a leader in the hotel industry when it comes to being environmentally responsible.

Industry Leading Green Strategy

When you stay at any La Quinta, you'll find that we have implemented guest-sensitive green strategies and practices to help make your stay with us an even greener one. And our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2000 we were named Energy Star Buildings Hospitality Partner of the Year by the EPAfor our energy- efficiency initiatives. We were also asked to lead a hotel industry breakout session sponsored by The Edison Electric Institute —the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies that specifically addressed green initiatives and best practices. We take our environmental leadership position in the hotel industry very seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to make our environment and its future as bright as it can be.

Linen Reuse Program

At La Quinta, we want to help conserve energy and water but not at the expense of our guests. So to that end, we have developed our Linen Reuse Program. This program allows our guests to choose when it is time for bed sheets to be replaced. This environmentally friendly practice not only saves on energy and water consumption, but also uses less detergent.

Balancing Energy Conservation and Guest Comfort

When it comes to conserving energy, at La Quinta we are always looking for ways to save that not only serve to help the environment but also enhance your stay with us. Energy-efficient lighting has been in all our guestrooms since 1998. Most recently we performed a second property wide group re-lamp with energy efficient compact florescent lighting. We also only use “green” Energy Star — rated products at our hotels. Currently being installed in all our properties, our Energy Management Systems are designed to control the cooling/heating temperature in La Quinta's unoccupied and unsold guestrooms. Also, our Energy Management Systemswill soon allow our hotels to participate in utility demand response programs. By always having the latest and most innovative services available from EMS, La Quinta continues to lead the hotel industry with its initiatives.

District Cooling

Opening as soon as 2009, our Chicago downtown location will employ “district cooling.” This innovative system significantly reduces our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for legacy equipment such as boilers and a central plant located at the property. This also helps to create a more energy-efficient and well- maintained distribution network. Our Chicago downtown location will also participate in the city's Green Roof Program. Green roofs help keep cities healthy and help conserve energy because they work to lower surrounding urban heat temperatures. Green roofs also help reduce storm water runoff, improve water quality and create conditions for longer-lasting roof systems.

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