We've been monitoring and reporting on "green" developments in Las Vegas, particularly with regard to hotel-casino initiatives, for some years now, and many readers may be surprised by how proactive many properties have become when it comes to recycling, conservation, and sustainability. If these are issues that interest you, be sure to check out our Vegas Green Guide to eco-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and follow @greenvegas on Twitter for updates and news.
As to your question, it was back in the spring of 2009 that the Rampart became the first casino in Las Vegas to offer a free electric vehicle charging station in the valet area, to coincide with Earth Day celebrations that year. Two years later, Mandalay Bay became the first Strip property to offer this service, with the installation of two stations in the parking lot at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, between Mandalay Bay and Luxor, offering free charging for retail and resort customers driving electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt. The stations are located in two specially designated parking spaces and are equipped with touch screens that guide users through the process.
"Consumer demand for this type of equipment is just in its earliest stages, but like anything new, its growth must be fostered by those who believe in it most," commented MGM Resorts' senior vice president of energy & environmental services at the time of the announcement. "Now is the most important time for companies like MGM Resorts to show our support, so others—consumers, car manufacturers and rental car agencies—feel comfortable enough to enter this important emerging market."
Palazzo, which together with Venetian and the Sands Expo Center, constitutes the largest contiguous LEED-certified building in the world, also has stations on the lower level of the parking structure, and Aria, part of the LEED-certified CityCenter complex, has charging stations in the parking garage, located close to the casino entrance.
Those are the only four resort-casino properties we know of that offer this service (drop us a line if you know we're missing any), but there are other options around the valley, too, including: Element eco-friendly hotel in Summerlin; the NV Energy offices at 6226 W. Sahara Ave. and 2215 E. Lone Mountain Rd.; the Clark County offices at 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy; ARCO Electric at 5890 La Costa Canyon Ct.; and the Desert Nissan dealership at 5800 W Sahara Ave. (available only during business hours). For an interactive map of where to find these stations, and real-time information about whether or not they are currently available or in use, visit chargepoint.net./find-stations.
