Nusta Spa was the first day spa in the United States to apply for and be accepted into the LEED("Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design")  for Commercial Interiors Pilot Program, has been awarded Gold Certification. LEED created by the U.S. Green Building Council ("USGBC"), is a third-party rating system created to define and measure the standard for green building. Nusta Spa is the first and only Washington D.C. project and the first spa ever to achieve the Gold level of certification under any of the USGBC's LEED rating system.

Nusta Spa was evaluated for sustainability based upon criteria outlined under five focused areas: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Nusta Spa received 34 credits for achievement in these areas, out of a possible 36.

• The spa has its own water treatment system, allowing for the continual circulation and cleaning of water for our tubs. This saves thousands of gallons of water each month. The heat from this water, which circulates throughout the day, provides the majority of the heat in the treatment rooms in the winter months.
• All new appliances purchased are energy and water-efficient models
• They recycle all allowable glass, paper and plastic.
• Cloth hand towels are used in place of paper towels.
• Paper cups have been replaced with glass or plastic cups, and bottled water has been replaced by filtered water.
• Wherever possible, they use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 1/3 the energy of incandescent bulbs. These compact fluorescent bulbs are then recycled.
• The grounds are illuminated with a combination of solar and motion detector lights to eliminate the waste of all-night outdoor lighting, though path lights are still used for added safety.
• All toilets have been replaced with low-flow toilets, and all faucets and showers have flow restrictors, allowing for a comfortable and water-efficient shower.
• The stationary and spa menu are printed on recycled paper, using soy-based ink.
• Shopping bags are made of recycled paper.
• In an effort to eliminate the waste of small plastic amenity bottles, they have placed dispensers in each bathroom which are filled with all natural soap, shower gel, lotion and shampoo.
• The gardens are watered with a drip system to further reduce water consumption.
• We use only earth-friendly and non-toxic fertilizers in our gardens.

Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, NY

Mohonk Mountain House is, the perfect place for rest, renewal, and relaxation of body, mind, and spirit. In Mohonk’s continuing commitment to be “the same, only better,” the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House -- a new 30,000-square-foot wing houses an indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the art fitness center, and a spa. Its three-level design features wood, local stone and cedar shingles to complement the Mountain House’s existing architectural character. The Saratoga Associates, the architects of our Skating Pavilion, have designed the new wing with energy efficiency in mind, allowing Mohonk to provide wonderful new services for guests while treading lightly on our spectacular natural environment.

The building is environmentally friendly in its use of a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as recycled and recyclable materials. Geothermal systems use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool with remarkable efficiency; this type of system is very quiet and produces no on-site emissions. A “green” sod roof has been used on one section of the building, creating natural insulation and blending into the surroundings.

Gold Lake Mountain Resort & Spa
Ward, CO

Gold Lake is eco-friendly spa resort encouraging recycling,  composting, and eco-friendly products. The spa uses unbleached, organic cotton bedding, recycled paper products and nontoxic paint.