Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody is getting a new terminal. Construction won’t begin for two years. But YRA’s board decided months ago, after urging from several citizens, to build it to the green standard of LEED certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Cody’s largest building, which houses five museums and a library, is seeking another green standard.

Buffalo Bill Historical Center Facilities Director Paul Brock explained, “The BBHC, the museum has joined into the Yellowstone Business Partnerships’ uncommon sense program” Brock, is part of a team to bring the 300,000 square foot building into the world of sustainable business practices.

Another team member, Dr. Charles Preston said, “We greet people from all over the world, and conservation is on their mind, and it makes good business sense to do it.”

Now, Cody’s newest luxury hotel is built green.

The Vice President for Operations and Development for MOA Hospitality Bob Brandt says the doors are made of recycled material, the lights are energy saving, the hotel shuttle vehicle is a hybrid, and even the mattresses are made if bamboo. After his initial involvement, Brandt says he decided to go all the way. He said, “At that point I decided to do more research and study so that we could get LEED certification.”

The Cody Hotel General Manager Janet Gideon said, “I think more and more hotels are beginning to realize that it’s the thing to do. Everybody’s going to have to reduce his or her footprint. And the more employees that learn to do it, everybody’s going to do it at home.”

The molding and picture frames inside the new hotel are made from recycled wood, including floors from Yellowstone's Old, and the old benches from Red Rocks Park in Denver.