New hotel is eco-conscious

By Michaela Saunders, WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Staff members at Element Omaha literally have to lock the door to keep curious onlookers at bay.

Officially opening for guests on Thursday, Element is Midtown Crossing's newest addition, its only hotel and the first of its kind in the Midwest. It also is the nation's first hotel brand to require each of its properties to seek certification as environmentally sound.

The Omaha hotel is aiming for Silver level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, said manager Eric Rock.
Some eco-consicious efforts will be noticeable to guests, such as in-room recycling and the need to leave the room key in a wall-mounted slot in order to power overhead lighting. Take the key out when you leave, and the lights automatically turn off after one minute... Read more at Omaha.com.