Green Leaf Inn to Exhibit at Greenbuild Expo 2012

Green Leaf Inn, the first net-zero energy hotel being built in North America, will be at USGBC's Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building.

Lake Geneva, Wis. (I-Newswire) October 11, 2012 - Green Leaf Inn (GLI) will be sharing its story at the upcoming Greenbuild Expo on Nov. 14-16, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. The Inn will be a luxury green retreat and demonstration model; a living laboratory and catalog of new technology, products and providers.

The project includes both a renovation of the existing cottage with three suites, dining areas, commercial kitchen and laundry, as well as construction of a new building with 16 additional suites, conference room, massage suites and Welcome Center.

Set to open fall 2013, the first phase of construction involved the installation of various systems, including an on-site aerobic waste water treatment, an 18,000 gallon rainwater storage tank, a 153 foot Endurance 50kw wind turbine, a cogeneration system generating hot water and electricity (CHP), geothermal heating and cooling, and three different solar thermal hot water systems with a 1,250 gallon solar thermal storage tank insulated to R80. Solar electric (photovoltaic) systems were also installed including a dual axis tracker, roof and ground mount applications, as well as an energy management system and LED lighting. All of the energy systems will be online for consumers and businesses to view and learn from.

Renovations to the cottage have included a new metal roof, energy efficient windows and a patio door. In the true spirit of reuse, reduce and recycle, the onsite pottery studio was saved from demolition and moved across the site to a new concrete foundation, complete with radiant floor heating. The studio was further upgraded with sustainable roofing, siding and energy efficient windows and doors.

Phase two is in progress with the interior renovation of the cottage; tearing down walls, adding insulation, rebuilding the front stairway, expanding ceilings, putting in radiant floor heating and creating a new air-lock entranceway into the cottage from the back.

Phase three will be the construction of the new building complete with additional guest suites, welcome center, conference facilities and massage suites. This building will house 16 different suites, with the opportunity to showcase 16 different counters, floors, paint, fixtures, etc. This offers guests the ability to experience a variety in quality green products and applications.

On-site visitors may receive complete product and system information through strategically placed QR codes, or go online for details on product, green applications and company information. The choice to explore or simply enjoy is up to the guest.

“We want to put the latest in green technology and design into the Green Leaf Inn and are coming to Greenbuild to meet the best of the best,” said Catherine McQueen, co-owner. “We are going to look over the 800 plus exhibitors offering their sustainable building products and systems, talk with them and see who is interested in sharing their story with ours.”

Co-owner, Fritz Kreiss added, “After all, it’s all about the story and extending that message to green-minded businesses and consumers. And Green Leaf Inn offers a unique opportunity to actively experience these green products and services. Face it, there’s no better way to touch your audience than that.”

To learn more, visit the Green Leaf Inn at Greenbuild Expo at booth 2624S in the South Hall, and meet co-owners Kreiss and McQueen in person. www.thegreenleafinn.com