Viana Hotel and Spa celebrates first anniversary

At its recent first-anniversary celebration, the Viana Hotel and Spa celebrated receiving the Energy Star label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Energy Star label recognizes top-performing buildings based on an energy performance rating system. The Westbury property, which was built with efficiency in mind, became the first Long Island hotel to receive the Energy Star label. The Viana's energy-efficient features include a 10 kw rooftop solar panel system, LED lighting, a closed-loop HVAC system, high-performance insulation and windows, and high-tech energy management systems. The Energy Star was awarded after an evaluation of the Viana's energy usage determined that the property is operating extremely efficiently. "Receiving the Energy Star label is an affirmation that all the technologies we put in place are working," said Alan Mindel, owner of the hotel. "We're not just saying we did these things, but the results are there - we are operating more efficiently and at a smaller carbon footprint." Nassau County executive Edward Mangano was among several politicians who attended the event, along with hotel clients and vendors. "We are very thankful for the support of the community, and we are grateful that so many people came out to help us celebrate," Mindel said. Shown (from left) are: Viana managing partner Alan Mindel; Nassau County executive Edward Mangano; Viana managing partner Joseph Mindel; Viana managing partner Marlene Mindel; and Viana general manager Michael Papierno