Inside Music City’s Sustainable, Luxury Stay
During a recent visit to 1 Hotel Nashville, the meeting services team at LEO experienced how sustainability can elevate luxury hospitality. From the moment they arrived, the team saw how thoughtful design blends comfort with environmental responsibility. As a sustainable hotel Nashville travelers and planners admire, 1 Hotel Nashville sets a new standard for eco-conscious, high-end stays.
Setting a New Standard
Located in the heart of downtown, 1 Hotel Nashville incorporates eco-conscious design at every level. From the exterior facade to the smallest guest room details, sustainability remains a clear priority. Notably, the hotel features a striking ivy facade made up of 56,000 live plants. A sensor-based irrigation system waters the plants while reducing water usage by 78 percent. As a result, the greenery purifies the air, reduces heat, and minimizes street noise.
Inside the hotel, natural elements continue to define the experience. Designers used reclaimed wood, local stone, and organic materials throughout the space. Moreover, the interiors reflect the Cumberland River Valley with subtle references to riverbanks, flood lines, and classic Tennessee architecture. Guest rooms further support sustainability with filtered water faucets, recycled glass bottles, and organic mattresses made from locally sourced, non-toxic materials.
Why It Matters
At LEO Events, sustainability plays a key role in venue selection. Therefore, the visit to 1 Hotel Nashville offered valuable insight into how intentional design can enhance the overall event experience.
According to Lori Hulet, senior meeting planner at LEO, the visit demonstrated how seamlessly venues can integrate sustainability into high-end environments. As a result, the team gathered practical ideas for future programs. These ideas included identifying food waste reduction partners, supporting local vendors, and recommending donation options for unused items.
Additionally, these initiatives build upon LEO’s existing sustainability efforts. In every city where LEO produces events, teams actively partner with composting services, local sustainability organizations, and socially responsible vendors. This approach helps minimize environmental impact while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
Sustainability Woven Into Every Detail
Sustainability sits at the core of 1 Hotel’s culture and daily operations. All staff members receive training on composting, waste sorting, and food donation. This allows the entire team to consistently support the brand’s environmental values.
Unserved food goes to local donation partners, while food scraps are composted. Meanwhile, leftover herbs find new life at the hotel bar, where bartenders use them to create zero-waste cocktails. In addition, the hotel’s venues and restaurants offer seasonal menus made with local ingredients. These choices support regional farmers and reduce environmental impact.
“One Less Thing” donation blocks encourage guests to leave unwanted clothing for People Loving Nashville, a local nonprofit. Five-minute sand timers in bathrooms promote mindful water use, while repurposed glassware replaces plastic bottles. Furthermore, a comprehensive recycling system tracks waste by weight, providing measurable insights into the hotel’s footprint.
Rooted in Community
Beyond sustainability, 1 Hotel Nashville reflects the spirit of the city itself. Salvaged barn doors from a building affected by the 2010 flood honor Nashville’s resilience. Throughout the property, natural textures and materials celebrate the Tennessee landscape.
In addition, the hotel actively supports local businesses. Its gift shop features brands like Able, which empowers domestic violence survivors, along with other vendors committed to community impact and sustainability.
An Ideal Venue for Events
The hotel shares a conference floor with Embassy Suites, which makes it ideal for mixed-tier events. Moreover, the event spaces feel modern, flexible, and professionally managed. As a result, planners can deliver seamless experiences for both clients and attendees at every level.
Moving Forward
As the events industry evolves, 1 Hotel Nashville stands out as a model for meaningful sustainability. While many properties focus on a few green initiatives, 1 Hotel Nashville embraces a full-scope approach. By aligning nature, luxury, and wellness, the hotel proves that eco-conscious practices can enhance both the environment and the guest experience.
Meanwhile, LEO’s meeting services and sustainability teams continue exploring similar venues nationwide. By applying lessons from this visit, they create events that reflect intentional care for both guests and the planet. If your brand is ready to design an unforgettable experience with purpose, start a conversation with our team today.
