on regional leader benchmark for energy performance
on regional leader benchmark for greenhouse gas emissions
on regional leader benchmark for waste diverted from landfils
on regional leader benchmark for water consumption
Alila Shanghai, a spectacular new luxury retreat in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Jing’an District, is following EarthCheck’s Building Planning and Design Standard to ensure that sustainable design principles are woven into every aspect of the hotel’s development.
From its beginnings in Indonesia in 2001, Alila Hotels and Resorts has become synonymous with innovative design, unique locations, and awe-inspiring experiences. Since becoming part of the Hyatt family in 2018, the brand has continued to expand its footprint, bringing its philosophy of ‘Surprise’ – as its Sanskrit name suggests – to discerning travellers in the United States, India, Oman, Malaysia, the Maldives, and China, where it operates a boutique hotel and spa outside the centuries-old water town of Wuzhen.
Now Alila is set to debut its first ‘urban resort’ in China, with the opening of Alila Shanghai later this year. Strategically located in the vibrant Jing’an District – one of the city’s most coveted business and residential addresses – the hotel promises guests an elevated retreat experience that blends the buzz of Shanghai with the serene luxury the brand is known for.
Located adjacent to Nanjing West Road, one of Shanghai’s busiest high-end shopping thoroughfares, the 186-room property’s facilities are set to include a landscaped garden inspired by the elegance of classical Shanghai, as well as several restaurants and bars. These will include a rooftop bar overlooking Zhang Yuan (aka Zhang’s Garden), an iconic architectural landmark that’s recently been redeveloped as a commercial complex.
Zhang Garden’s roots trace back to the late 19th century, when a British missionary leased 20 acres to create a manor residence. This early period set the foundation for what would later become a significant cultural landmark in Shanghai. During its heyday from 1882 to 1919, Zhang Garden blossomed into a vibrant hub of social and cultural activity. The garden featured a diverse range of multifunctional venues, including flower gardens, tea houses, restaurants, theatres, and more.
Cy Siow, Managing Director of BSD Consultancy and EarthCheck Design Accredited Professional, says the architectural design of Alila Shanghai thoughtfully integrates traditional Shanghainese elements, particularly through the use of ‘Shikumen’ architecture.
“The Shikumen style, characterised by its stone-framed doors, combines Western and Chinese influences,” Siow says. “It’s deeply rooted in Shanghai’s cultural history, dating all the way back to the 1860s. EarthCheck Certification acknowledges the blending of Shikumen elements into the design of Alila Shanghai, creating a connection between the past and present. This harmony between new and old celebrates Shanghai’s rich architectural heritage while bringing it into a modern context.”
Like all Alila hotels around the world, Alila Shanghai has now joined the EarthCheck Certified program. EarthCheck, which has been supporting the travel and tourism industry to measure and improve its sustainability efforts since 1987, will require the hotel to report on a variety of environmental, socio-cultural and economic indicators, with regular independent audits to ensure these indicators not only meet international benchmarks, but also consistently align with and enhance the hotel’s sustainability commitments.
To ensure that sustainability is embedded in every stage of the hotel’s development, Alila Shanghai has been designed and built in line with EarthCheck’s award-winning Building Planning and Design Standard (BPDS).
EarthCheck Design certification is at the forefront of integrating sustainable principles into architecture and development, equipping architects, planners and developers with the tools they need to create eco-friendly, energy-efficient and community-focused buildings.
The BPDS, which is a brand standard for Alila projects worldwide, offers a comprehensive framework that helps developers minimise energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while maximising their positive impact on the community.
According to Stewart Moore, Founder and CEO of EarthCheck, the program not only helps to reduce harm, but actively encourages projects to innovate and exceed best practices. “Sustainability in design isn’t just about doing less harm,” he explains. “It’s about actively looking for ways to do more good.”
Since its inception in 2011, the BPDS has supported a wide range of environmentally, socially and economically sustainable developments across the tourism, commercial, retail, residential and small mixed-use sectors.
Andy Vo, Program Manager of EarthCheck Design, notes the Standard’s science-based approach allows developers to predict potential project impacts, identify opportunities for enhanced sustainability performance and ensure that natural and heritage assets are both protected and enhanced.
By facilitating early assessment, the BPDS helps to mitigate sustainability risks and ensures that projects meet – and often exceed – industry expectations.
That appears to be the case for Alila Shanghai. The luxury urban resort has not only achieved EarthCheck Design certification, but is projected to exceed regional leader benchmarks in key areas such as energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction and greenhouse gas emissions.
These regional leader benchmarks are derived from extensive research into global case studies, industry surveys and environmental audits, and set a high bar for what can be reasonably expected, given the regional or national context in which a project operates.
“By adhering to the BPDS framework and surpassing these regional leader benchmarks,” Stewart Moore says, “Alila Shanghai isn’t just meeting industry standards. It’s setting a new precedent for sustainable luxury in Shanghai. It’s on track to have a profound and positive impact on the environment, health and community well-being of one of the city’s most dynamic districts, and serve as a model for similar developments seeking to integrate sustainability into their design.”
The materials used in Alila Shanghai’s construction have been carefully selected to resonate with the historical context of Zhang Garden. Locally sourced stone and timber echo the natural materials that once characterised the garden’s structures, while modern sustainability practices ensure that these materials are used in an eco-friendly manner. This thoughtful material response not only honours the past, but also aligns with the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
The Courtyard Bar at Alila Shanghai is a space where materiality and design come together to create an atmosphere of refined luxury. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, in the bar’s design reflects the organic beauty of Zhang Garden, while the open layout and elegant furnishings offer a contemporary twist. This space serves as a bridge between the garden’s historical essence and the modern comforts that Alila is known for.
Alila Shanghai is projected to achieve a 23 per cent improvement over the regional leader benchmark for energy performance, and a 17 per cent improvement on the regional leader benchmark for greenhouse gas emissions.
This is the result of a strategy that integrates multiple passive design elements to reduce the building’s overall energy consumption.
Central to this strategy is the use of High Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) materials and strategic landscaping to mitigate the urban heat island effect. By incorporating these elements, the project not only enhances the building’s energy efficiency, but also contributes to a cooler and more comfortable environment for guests.
“Our approach at Alila Shanghai has been to harmonise cutting-edge sustainability practices with the refined luxury our brand is known for,” says Jtawen Yap, General Manager of Alila Shanghai. “By integrating these passive design elements, we’ve created a space that is both energy-efficient and inviting.”
The building’s orientation and internal layout have been carefully optimised to minimise solar heat gains, which, combined with the use of Low-E glass and façade shading, significantly reduces the amount of heat entering the interior spaces. This approach allows for larger windows and glazed areas, maximising natural light without compromising on energy efficiency. Additionally, the fenestration design has been refined to promote natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling.
To further enhance energy efficiency, the hotel employs advanced systems such as Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Remote Utility Control (RUC). These systems adjust heating and cooling based on real-time conditions, ensuring that energy is used only when necessary. The air conditioning units will be regularly maintained for optimal efficiency, while inverters regulate high-power motors, and energy-saving appliances are used throughout the property.
“By using these technologies, we’re able to maintain a comfortable environment for our guests while minimising our environmental footprint,” Jtawen adds.
Alila Shanghai also projects to exceed regional leader benchmarks for solid waste reduction by 10 per cent.
Through the hotel’s comprehensive waste management practices, waste will be carefully sorted and managed to minimise the amount sent to landfills. The hotel will convert kitchen waste into organic fertiliser, which will then be used to nourish the plants throughout the property.
To further promote recycling, Alila Shanghai will strategically place recycling bins in high-traffic areas to encourage both guests and staff to participate in waste separation. The hotel’s ongoing waste reduction plan will be actively communicated to all employees and guests, raising awareness and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
“We believe that sustainability is a collective effort,” Jtawen explains. “By engaging our staff and guests in our waste reduction initiatives, we’re able to make a meaningful impact together.”
Alila Shanghai projects to achieve a 24 percent improvement in water conservation compared to the regional leader benchmark. This impressive target is being met through the integration of innovative water-sensitive design elements that ensure every drop is used wisely.
Central to the hotel’s water conservation strategy is the capture and reuse of rainwater. Rainwater is collected from the rooftops, treated and then repurposed for irrigation and road washing, significantly reducing the demand for potable water.
“Our approach to water conservation reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable and self-sufficient environment,” Jtawen says. “By recycling rainwater, we’re able to support the hotel’s green spaces while minimising our reliance on local water resources.”
The design of the hotel also incorporates permeable green roofs, which play a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff. These green roofs not only enhance the building’s insulation but also help to capture and slow the flow of rainwater, allowing it to be absorbed and reused effectively.
Other sustainable design elements embedded throughout Alila Shanghai showcase the hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. These include:
“Our goal is to create a space that not only serves our guests,” Jtawen says, “but also enriches the local community.”
Guests can now look forward to experiencing this innovative urban retreat for themselves, with bookings available for stays starting from November 2024.
For information about integrating sustainability into your next project, or to learn more about the EarthCheck Building Planning and Design Standard, enquire with EarthCheck Design today.
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