Environmental News

Forever Resorts Announces Construction on New Sustainable Marina Building to Submit Completed Project for Consideration as First Floating LEED Certified Structure

Searchlight, Nev. (May 29, 2009) - Scottsdale-based Forever Resorts formally announced the development of its new marina building at Nevada's Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina on Lake Mohave, just south of Las Vegas. Upon completion, the new building - which is being built according to LEED standards - will be submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for consideration to become the first floating structure ever to earn LEED certification.

"Forever Resorts has long been committed to preservation and environmental practices, and we couldn't be more excited to make history by developing a building that embraces the eco-friendly principles we support," said John Schoppmann, executive vice president of Forever Resorts.

We are pleased to be partners with Forever Resorts as they take the lead in this arena," said William Dickinson, superintendent of the Lake Mead Recreation Area. "There isn't a better place than in a unit of the National Park Service to showcase cutting-edge green technology when it comes to on-the-water facilities."

The construction of the green marina building was announced and celebrated during the lighting and christening of the newly completed, environmentally responsible state-of-the-art dock and marina at Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, which is a member of the USGBC. Forever Resorts also unveiled details about the marina building, recognizing and thanking the teams who will help make this sustainable project happen. Project teams include NV Energy, the National Park Service, Michael Carlson of Carlson Studio Architecture (architect), Gene Hammond of M Space Holdings (contractor), Premier Materials (decking), KAMA Energy Efficient Building Systems (building components), BASF Group (high-performance wall insulation) Serious Materials (eco-friendly building materials, including windows and wall board).

The marina building will replace a 30-year-old structure and moorage for more than 220 vessels. In partnership with the National Park Service, Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina will strive to attain the highest LEED certification possible once the project is completed in summer 2009.

"This project will set the bar for all green marinas," said Collette Carter, general manager of Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina and a member of the Forever Resorts Floating Green Building Team. "The teams working on our project are incorporating the newest and most innovative products available. In fact, some of these materials and products will be used for the first time ever in the construction of this building."

The floating eco-friendly structure will feature sustainable modular construction and state-of-the-art energy-efficient and environmentally responsible materials, fixtures and operations practices. The project's key earth-minded elements and commitments include the Forever Resorts Forever Earth Environmental Management System and a mix of new and existing programs:

Green Cleaning Program throughout the resort and Green Purchasing Program (currently in place)

Energy and Environmental Education Programs for boaters and community members (currently in place)

Extensive energy-saving materials and systems, including high-performance insulated glass

High-efficient HVAC equipment and delivery systems

Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to capture sunlight and produce electricity

Extensive use of recycled and regionally extracted and/or manufactured materials, such as concrete, steel, drywall, metal studs, carpet, etc

Finish materials, paints, adhesives, caulks and sealants that contain low or no Volatile Organic Compounds to ensure healthy indoor air quality

Recycled and recyclable building and landscape materials, recycled construction waste and prevention of night sky pollution

Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina is home to Forever Resorts houseboats, which are custom-designed and manufactured by Fun Country Marine Industries, a Forever Resort property. Each houseboat is built with careful attention to luxury and details using materials and practices to maximize environmental sustainability for the wellbeing of the parks and lakes that bring meaning to the overall houseboat experience. All Forever Resorts marinas embrace and utilize Forever Earth's earth-friendly practices and are dedicated to the environment.

Forever Resorts consist of an exceptional collection of destinations that provide hospitality services throughout the world. Forever Resorts focuses on properties with access to nature and one-of-a-kind surroundings for vacations.