Denver’s new Populus hotel is set to open this summer with a goal of being a “carbon-positive” establishment that prioritizes environmental sustainability. Populus aims to achieve this status without relying on carbon credits or LEED certifications. The hotel will offer 265 rooms and suites, rooftop, restaurants, coffee bar, and event spaces, designed to blend contemporary style with natural elements while offering views of the skyline and mountains.
Urban Villages, the developer behind Populus, is taking steps to offset the initial emissions from building the hotel, such as using reduced-carbon concrete. While it’s impossible to avoid emitting carbon during construction, the company has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to plant 72,000 trees in Colorado’s Gunnison County to sequester more carbon than was released in the building process. The choice of Engelmann spruce trees was deliberate to ensure resilience in the face of challenges like Japanese Beetles that have impacted trees in the area.
Populus has decided to forego pursuing LEED certifications in favor of focusing on impactful sustainability efforts. The hotel will be powered by renewable energy, with features like energy-efficient windows and insulation to reduce energy consumption. Populus also plans to promote walking and public transit use by not including a parking garage. Additionally, the hotel intends to source food produced through regenerative agriculture, contributing to soil quality and reducing carbon emissions.
While Populus is not yet carbon positive, the planting of trees is expected to cover the building stage’s emissions in five to seven years. The hotel’s long-term environmental strategies will help it achieve and maintain carbon-positive status going forward. Populus’s commitment to using eco-friendly materials, investing in environmentally friendly land management solutions, and sourcing food from regenerative agriculture demonstrates its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
Denver is seen as a fitting location for a carbon-positive hotel due to the city’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. Populus’s innovative environmental initiatives could potentially serve as a blueprint for other hotels and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices. Urban Villages remains optimistic about the return on investment for Populus, emphasizing that green buildings can be both beneficial for the planet and financially viable when approached holistically and thoughtfully. Ultimately, the goal is to build a hotel that not only benefits the environment but also provides a positive experience for guests and the community.
