May 12, 2008 - Starwood is planning a new hotel chain built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification standards.

Hotels built under the new Element brand will include a range of environmental features, including energy-efficient appliances, low-flow water fixtures, and green materials such as low-VOC paints and recycled-content carpeting. Filtered tap water will replace bottled water in guest rooms and "Do Not Disturb" signs will appear on magnets instead of paper tags. Guests driving hybrid cars will receive priority parking spots.

The first Element hotel is scheduled to open its doors this summer in Lexington, Mass., with more locations to follow in Las Vegas, Houston, and Baltimore.