This past summer, Newport's visitors had one more dining and lodging option to added to the mix: Forty 1 North. 

Many locals were already familiar with Forty 1 North (which opened as a full-service marina and resort on July 4), since for the previous three years the grill and marina were open for the summer season only. During those few years, while it seemed that the property was in a prolonged transitional stage, the owners of the hotel were making some important decisions regarding some "green" property renovations.

Forty 1 North is not actually a renovation. The previous building was demolished and the current hotel was built from the ground up. From the beginning stages ownership had one goal: to be LEED-certified.

LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). According to the council's website, LEED "provides building owners and operators, both commercial and residential, a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions." By implementing LEED practices, it means using less energy, saving money for businesses and taxpayers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

At this point, Forty 1 North is LEED-registered, meaning that the property is one step closer to being LEED-certified, which could take years. Once it achieves that goal, it will join the ranks with a few other notable Newport hotels that have done the same.

While being certified is an accomplishment in itself, Forty 1 North is aiming for higher levels such as Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

“Many of our guests have been happy to learn about our initiatives,” said, Daniel DeMoura, hotel manager of Forty 1 North. “And the Newport community has been very welcoming. Other hotels have congratulated us for our initiative and some have mentioned they might follow our example in the future.”

The Forty 1 North website outlines several environmentally conscious amenities and design characteristics, which include:

• Spray-on foam insulation throughout the hotel to creates a highly energy-efficient building envelope.
• Efficient use of natural lighting.
• Energy efficient LED and CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent.
• The concrete used for walkways and plazas is mixed with recycled glass and shells, which reduces the amount of actual concrete needed in the mixture.
• Wood used in the hotel is Forest Stewardship Council certified, which guarantees that it comes from a sustainable source.
• LED televisions.
• Green Earth towels, made from super-fine cotton and have a quick dry time, are used in all guest bathrooms. 
• Low flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets reduce water usage up to 40 percent.
• Down-free pillows and duvets reduce allergens in the air.
• French doors and large operable windows and sliding doors in all allow breezes to replace a percentage of airconditioning needs.

Want to check out Forty 1 North’s sustainable initiatives for yourself? The venue is hosting Newport Green Drinks Thursday night, starting at 5:30 p.m., in the Library and Library Bar.