Sustainability is a buzzword in many industries, including hospitality. While carbon neutrality is often the ultimate goal, one Denver hotel is taking it a step further by becoming the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel.

Populus, opening its doors today on the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and 14th Street across from Civic Center Park, might be the Mile High City’s most cutting-edge hospitality project not only because of its innovative sustainability-focused approach but also for its striking architecture, helmed by the award-winning Studio Gang. 

“Denver has always been renowned for its beautiful landscape and nature activities, and in recent years, has emerged as both culinary and cultural hotspot and a leader in sustainability – all of which are brought to life at Populus,” George Prine, the property’s general manager, told Travel + Leisure.

The hotel’s impressive white-washed facade, inspired by Colorado’s native Aspen tree (or Populus tremuloides), is punctuated by windows and openings in over 65 different shapes, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the nearby State Capitol as well as the Rocky Mountains. On the inside, many windows extend into curved hammock-like benches, adding another memorable design element to the interiors, characterized by serene minimalism of earthy hues, natural textures, and recycled materials. (Many headboards were made from fallen pine trees.)

Every detail in the hotel delivers an immersive sensory experience. For example, guests will hear natural sounds and bird songs in the elevators recorded in Rocky Mountain National Park, while pressed native wildflowers adorn the walls in the 265 guest rooms and suites.

The hotel’s food and beverage program comprises the ground floor. (Or, as the hotel calls it, the “forest floor.”) Pasque restaurant, where patrons enjoy fresh seasonal fare in a brightly lit dining room awash in a warm palette of browns and woods. A rooftop restaurant, Stellar Jay, serves shareable plates of wild game, fresh produce, and seafood cooked over live fire and paired with handcrafted cocktails and breathtaking city views from its grassy outdoor terrace.

“Not only does Populus add vibrancy to the Denver skyline, but its inspired restaurants and mindful experiences bring people together in a way that’s authentic to Colorado and gives back to the environment we love and appreciate so much,” Prine explained. 

As part of its many sustainability initiatives, the property has planted over 70,000 trees in Gunnison County and plans to plant an additional tree for every night’s stay. The hotel also uses 100 percent renewable electricity and is committed to zero-waste dining, which includes composting all of its food waste and delivering it to local farms. 

You can book your stay at Populus on populusdenver.com, where nightly rates start from $299 for guest rooms and $499 for suites.