As part of the renovation of the historic Paradise Valley facilities, El Chorro incorporated a number of green-building features, including a solar-energy water heating system and solar electric panels that reduce the restaurant’s energy use by more than 50 percent. It also features eco-friendly insulation made of recycled blue jeans. More than 75 percent of the materials used in the redesign were salvaged from the original restaurant, including 80+ of the original plants.
Because of this dedication to sustainability, El Chorro became the first restaurant in Arizona to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Gold Certification. This designation is the only universally recognized green-building pedigree, with the Gold Certification being the second-highest level attainable.
Under the ownership of Classic Hotels & Resorts, El Chorro joins 1% for the Planet, an ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. 1% for the Planet is a globally recognized alliance of businesses that understand the necessity of protecting the natural environment. Classic Hotels & Resorts was the network’s first-ever hotel management company to join.