Artyzen Grand Lapa becomes first hotel to earn LEED O+M Gold Certification

Artyzen Grand Lapa has become the first hotel in Macau to attain the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification under the Operations and Maintenance (O+M) scheme.

LEED, introduced 30 years ago by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is one of the world’s most recognized frameworks for assessing green buildings.

It evaluates a structure’s performance in design, construction, and ongoing operations, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and carbon emissions.

Speaking at the recognition ceremony, Andy To, managing director of the USGBC & Green Business Certification Inc. North Asia, said that more than 180 countries have LEED-certified projects, with China recording 10,000 such projects as of last month.

In Macau, over 60 buildings are certified.

To said the LEED O+M certification differs from design and construction schemes in that it requires continuous, organization-wide commitment.

“This scheme is not a one-off task,” he noted. “It requires ongoing operational improvements and leadership.”

Meanwhile, according to the general manager of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, Rutger Verschuren, the transformation began with a shift in mindset among the staff.
“It’s not just about technology or compliance, it starts with intention,” he said.

As one of Macau’s earliest hotels, the 40-year-old Artyzen Grand Lapa has upgraded to newer technologies, replacing aging infrastructure with modern systems such as high-efficiency chillers, cooling towers, and air filtration equipment.

Verschuren highlighted an example of using sonic wave-based filters to reduce air friction and electricity usage.

In addition to technological upgrades, the hotel recently switched from diesel to natural gas, making it the second property in Macau to connect to the city’s central gas system.

“We [also] just changed from diesel oil to natural gas. And that’s a big thing. We are the second one in Macau to be connected to the central gas pipes,” said the executive.

The move, according to Verschuren, reduces carbon emissions by an estimated 24 tons over three months.

Meanwhile, the hotelier revealed that the hotel is exploring the feasibility of solar panels, with potential installation areas identified on the rooftop and a former tennis court.

“What used to be considered inefficient may now be viable due to improved solar technology,” Verschuren said.

“I’m very happy to say that, with the right mindset and support from our owners and management company, we were able to achieve this. It’s a lot of work. It takes a lot of study and sometimes a lot of trial and error. But at the end of the day, it pays off very well for the environment, and also as an investment for the building,” he added.

Despite the age of the property, management views this as an advantage, as it allows for phased replacement of outdated systems.

“Being old helps. Every time we replace something, we go for the newest,” Verschuren concluded.