As sustainable travel gains momentum, eco-friendly hotels around the world are increasingly adopting practices such as compostable packaging, water-efficient laundry systems, and indoor-outdoor architecture to attract eco-conscious travelers. However, Denver's new Populus hotel takes this a step further, aspiring to emulate a tree in its approach to sustainability.
Set to open this summer in downtown Denver, Populus is the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States. This means it not only reduces its carbon footprint but also offsets it significantly. The hotel achieves this by using low-carbon concrete mixes and high-recycled content in its construction. Furthermore, Populus offsets its long-term carbon emissions by planting trees throughout Gunnison County, Colorado. To date, over 70,000 Engelmann Spruce trees, native to the region and previously threatened by beetles, have been planted. These trees will absorb more carbon than the hotel will produce over its lifetime. Guests can visit this new forest by entering the coordinates 38°03'59.4 N 106°55'24.6 W into a GPS device.
The hotel's facade is particularly striking, drawing inspiration from Colorado's Aspen trees. Designed by Studio Gang, known for their work on Chicago's Aqua Tower and San Francisco's MIRA tower, the hotel features a white exterior with window patterns that resemble the distinctive porous appearance of Aspen bark. These unique windows serve a dual purpose they mimic the natural patterns of Aspen trees and provide shading, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Inside, the nature-inspired theme continues throughout the hotel's 265 rooms and communal spaces, which feature neutral tones such as sand and terra cotta. The interiors are adorned with natural materials like reclaimed wood from Wyoming and mushroom-based leather tapestries.
The hotel's two restaurants are dedicated to reducing waste and sourcing ingredients from local regenerative farmers to create seasonal dishes. The rooftop bar, Stellar Jay, offers live-fire cooking and wild game, along with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Populus represents a new frontier in sustainable hospitality, blending innovative design with environmental responsibility to offer a unique and eco-friendly travel experience.