Starwood is launching a "green hotel brand" called Element, with the first property opening in July in Lexington, Mass., and 20 more hotels scheduled to open in the next year.

The hotels are built with technology that saves water and cuts electric use, including heat-reflecting roofing materials, energy-efficient appliances and 16-foot windows to allow natural light into common areas. Laundry bags will be reusable, hybrid cars will get preferred parking, and garbage cans in the rooms will make it easy for guests to recycle.