Green Building

The InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping project is surrounded by previously developed land. The project is in the middle of Chiang Mai's old town on Sridonchai Rd., which is a historic district within 400-meter walking distance and is surrounded by more than 8 diverse basic services.

The project is in an area where public transportation is available. The main entrance of the building has 4 qualifying transit routes within 400-meter walking distance. The free shuttle bus from the Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) makes it simple to get to the bus stops, which can reduce the need for private vehicles.

Preferred parking spaces are provided for carpools (5% of the total parking spaces), green vehicles (5% of the total parking spaces), and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) (2% of the total parking spaces) to support the use of environmental- friendly vehicles.

During the construction period, the project created and implemented an erosion and sedimentation control plan to minimize soil, water, dust, and other pollution caused by construction activities.

To help reduce the urban heat island effect, light-colored pavements are selected for the hardscape area. More than 45% of the site area is dedicated to outdoor space, of which more than 34% is vegetated. On the ground level, the project offers all users qualifying open spaces, such as diverse green spaces, social areas, and recreational areas. These areas support social leisure for both hotel staff and hotel visitors.

The project designed restored habitat areas by using native and adaptable plants to preserve and protect them from all development and construction activity.

To lessen nighttime light pollution in the area, the project uses exterior glare and backlight reduction lamps. Also, façade and landscape lighting are set to automatically turn off between midnight and 6 AM to reduce light pollution in the sky and surroundings.

The water used by landscape irrigation is designed to be 100% recycled.

The project considers reducing potable water for indoor water use throughout the alternative potable water system (recycled water) together with the selection of the water-saving type fixtures, which can reduce more than 45% of potable water use compared to LEED baseline.

More than 20% of make-up water is recycled water.

The project installed the water meter in the project’s water subsystem to monitor the water use during the building operation, the project installed the water meter in the project’s water subsystem.

To achieve a 27% energy reduction from the LEED baseline, the project was designed using the following strategies:

• All lighting, lighting controls, and receptacles were designed to meet ASHRAE 90.1-2010, 9.4 Mandatory Provision, with a 40% LPD reduction from Table 9.6.1 LPD Using Space by Space Method.

• A high-COP chiller and hot water heat pump were used.

• Most of the existing vision glass had been replaced with high-performance laminated glass.

• Insulation was installed on all roofs.

• Solar panels on the roof provided onsite renewable energy for 3% of the total annual energy cost.

The commissioning agent is set to verify the design, construction, and eventual operation of a project that meets the owner’s project requirements in terms of energy.

The project had in place a contract to implement both 'fundamental commissioning' and 'ongoing commissioning'. The commissioning team completed the commissioning process for mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, gas, plumbing, and hot water. The Cx team oversaw and inspected all related construction activities and provided a system verification plan 10 months after substantial completion.

No CFC is used in cooling refrigerants.

The project installed solar panels on the convention hall and parking roof. The system is connected directly to the hotel's electrical system without battery storage, which can generate renewable energy for more than 3% of the total building's annual energy cost.

More than 75% of the project’s construction waste is diverted through reuse and recycling strategies.

For the operation period, recyclable and hazardous waste storage areas have been provided separately at the BOH area to support the reduction of the waste disposed of in landfills.

More than 15%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project contains recycled content.

Smoking and the use of E-cigarettes are strictly prohibited in the project except for the designed smoking area.

3-m long in the primary direction of travel entryway systems are installed at all the building entrances to capture dirt and particulates entering the building.

The ventilation system incorporated the DOAS system with the MERV 14 and MERV 8 filters to bring pre-cooled fresh air to all occupied spaces. MERV 8 will be installed at all FCUs that deliver recirculated air.

The janitor areas are designed to be negative pressure together with self-closing doors and deck-to-deck partitions to prevent interior cross-contamination.

The project is designed to have more than 75% of regularly occupied space having sufficient quality views which allow building occupants to connect with the outdoor natural environment.

To establish better-quality indoor air in the building after construction and during occupancy, sufficient air volume has been used to flush out the air during construction and before occupancy.

The project has been designed to embrace the concept of heritage as it is in the heart of Mae Ping, Chiangmai, which therefore influences the design for the celebration of Lanna culture. The ‘Pan Ya style’ roof creates a spiritual linkage between the new building and the old identity. The inspiring concept of carrying over the design of the old Lanna culture as a form of celebration of place. The graphics, texture, and material which were inspired by the Lanna elements create the sense that links modern date geometry structure to the Lanna culture.

For Site Management, the project has a building-wide policy to employ best management practices and reduce harmful chemical use, runoff, waste, and pollution on the building and grounds.

For Pest Management, the project has a contract pest control service to manage both interior and exterior and has an IPM plan in place, detailing inspections, monitoring, and reporting system, nonchemical pest preventive measures, as well as the requirement to use least-risk pesticides.

For Green Cleaning, the project has a cleaning policy covering green cleaning procedures, materials, and service, and ensures safe handling and storage of chemicals.

For Ongoing Purchasing and Waste, the project has an environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) policy in place.

The project developed the extensive signage program that is present at the project and on the project website to provide public education focusing on green building strategies and solutions.

Regional Priority credits are the bonus points that have been identified by the USGBC regional councils and chapters as having additional regional importance for the project’s region and that provides an incentive for the achievement of credits that address geographically specific environmental, social equity, and public health priorities.

The InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping project achieved Regional Priority for 4 credits below;

• Regional Priority: Outdoor Water Use Reduction

• Regional Priority: Indoor Water Use Reduction

• Regional Priority: Optimize Energy Performance

• Regional Priority: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies