The eco-innovation lab for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Element Hotels, has launched an innovative pilot project in collaboration with Sistine Solar in Dallas, Texas.
Plans include establishing a customised solar charging station at the Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
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Designed as a nature-themed canopy, in collaboration with Brooklyn-based architect Ajmal Aqtash, the station will enable guests and locals to charge their electronic devices.
LED lights on the facility will provide night-time illumination.
The canopy features SolarSkin, a Sistine technology that combines solar photovoltaics, optics and mosaic art. SolarSkin makes it possible to create high-efficiency solar panels in any design, pattern or colour.
The solar canopy installed at Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport is in-line with Element’s policy to promote ‘green’ designs. All properties under the brand aspire to gain US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Starwood Specialty Select Brands senior vice-president Brian McGuinness said: "Built for today’s eco-conscious traveler, the Element brand has completely changed the face of extended stay with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and commitment to innovation.
"Our collaboration with Sistine Solar allows us to deliver an efficient, custom, charging solution that is not only great for the environment, but great for the overall guest experience."
Sistine Solar co-founder Ido Salama said: "In working with a forward-thinking and powerful brand like Element, we see a tremendous opportunity to radically change people’s perceptions of renewable energy.
"Instead of hiding panels where no one will see them, as is often the case, we design our panels to be admired from up-close and from afar.
Image: The hotel offers a charging station inspired by nature. Photo: courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts / Business Wire.
