Technically, the Aria and Vdara have 2 Gold Certifications for the hotel and conference center respectively. The casino itself was excluded from the LEED submission. (I wonder if the protesters know this). Even if the casino area was included, smoking could be allowed in designated areas with measures taken to avoid second-hand smoke in other areas according to EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control .

USGBC and GBCI allow project teams to define their buildings and sites in any way they choose, as long as the definition of site boundaries and building extents are used consistently throughout all credits. This is a crucial distinction, and a very important one. I myself am currently working on 4 LEED-CS registered projects on one campus. There is some game playing here, as one definition of a site boundary or building extents may be more advantageous for LEED certification than another. In the case of the ARIA, the casino floor is excluded from the LEED submission, a move that is completely legitimate, and yet somewhat misleading to visitors and employees. The building is advertised as a green building, and the company website proudly describes the LEED Gold certification, without any mention of the exclusion. Employees are taking issue with the green billing, and rightly so given that they will be exposed to second-hand smoke.

With over-the-top casino finishes, excess lighting, and of course, smoking on the casino floor, it is no wonder that the area was excluded. Imagine however a casino that does include the gambling floor: It could feature pleasant daylit spaces, healthier indoor air quality, green food and beverage services, innovative and energy efficient equipment for both building services as well as gambling,  and no second-hand smoke for visitors or  employees.

If any Greenbuild attendees or protesters want to chime in or provide more info, please share.