FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc., a leader in sustainable textiles for hospitality, announced the results of a 360 Degree Green Audit of the company conducted by MindClick SGM. Valley Forge, already known for its award winning FRESH fabric collections—including LIVING FRESH Bedding with Tencel+Plus Lyocell—looked to MindClick SGM for the next step in their sustainability evolution.

PARK CITY, UTAH—The Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City’s only 100 percent wind powered and 100 percent carbon-neutral “eco-tique” hotel, has taken an additional step towards sustainability by adding solar power to its host of green initiatives. The system was appropriately launched on the first day of winter, the darkest day of the year, and is now generating green power for the lodging property’s spa and courtyard. Andy Beerman, Treasure Mountain Inn’s co-owner and general manager, said the solar system cost about $35,000. The inn’s owners were unable to obtain tax credits for the installation because the inn is considered a condo hotel.

ENGLEWOOD, COLO.—Building on its successful Destination Earth environmental sustainability program, Destination Hotels & Resorts has created a new platform for all group and meetings business which is built on green practices to reduce waste, conserve water, better manage energy output and more. “A ‘green’ meeting will now be standard throughout all group, meeting and conference center properties in the Destination collection,” said Mark Hickey, senior vice president of operations for the company. “Basic principles of waste reduction, water conservation, as well as sustainable food and beverage practices are among the customary meeting offerings. However, there are different shades of green available too if a planner wants to employ even more aggressive sustainability practices. We believe this will allow our corporate clients, meeting planners, wedding planners and others to make informed choices about the environmentally aware options available throughout the collection.”

UVITA, COSTA RICA—When a property is part of a nature preserve and adjacent to a national park, there is the expectation that special care will be taken to minimize one’s environmental impact. The operators of La Cusinga Lodge in Uvita, Costa Rica, which is located in a preserve that borders the Ballena Marine National Park, do recognize their responsibility and are setting a standard for other eco lodges around the world to follow. Up and running since 1996, it is only within the last year that La Cusinga has been connected to the grid. Even with that “advancement,” the lodge still relies primarily on solar panels and hydroelectric power to generate the power it needs. Water from a nearby stream is diverted into an area where it is collected to rotate a wheel that generates electricity that is stored in batteries. A dozen solar panels generate additional electricity that is stored and 10 other solar panels heat the hot water used by guests and staff.

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Market will be emphasizing sustainability more than ever as World Market Center Las Vegas announced a major effort to forward green initiatives beginning with the 2010 Winter Las Vegas Market, February 1 to 5, 2010. The introduction of “One Good World,” a sweeping new program that already encompasses the many eco-friendly practices at World Market Center’s trade complex, will further equip retailers with the insights, information and strategies needed to respond to the rising consumer demand for sustainable furnishings—and reduce one’s own carbon footprint in the process. The effort includes a new sustainable products locator program, showcased manufacturers throughout the market, an expanded educational offering including prominent celebrity designers speaking on sustainability, consumer research, and a digital newsletter. Soon World Market Center will announce a sustainability leadership congress slated for early 2010.

SEATTLE—Bell Harbor International Conference Center has completed a one-year research study to calculate its carbon footprint, in an effort to become a more eco-friendly meeting and event destination. As a result, Bell Harbor is better prepared to work with groups to identify ways to reduce an event’s carbon footprint and ultimately lessen its impact on the environment. “As Seattle’s premier conference center, we are happy to be leading the charge in making greener meetings available to our guests,” said Greg Werry, general manager of Bell Harbor International Conference Center. “Our waterfront location on beautiful Puget Sound is a constant reminder that we need to do our part for the region and the world.” “Bell Harbor International Conference Center has been a significant partner in helping the Port of Seattle to reduce the carbon footprint at Pier 66,” said Dennis Scott, Port of Seattle facilities maintenance manager.

DALLAS—Meeting Professionals International Foundation, in cooperation with AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions, recently announced the beginning of the Events for Communities of Sustainability (ECOS) Project, an in-depth, project-driven platform for enhancing sustainable meetings. The ECOS project, which premiered in Canada in the fall, is a framework to support sustainability in the meetings and business events industry. This one-of-a-kind project will focus on four significant areas including: food, water, shelter and education. The program also supports MPI’s commitment to the U.N. Global Compact and all eight Canadian chapters have voiced their commitment to participate in the program. “We are extremely excited at the launch of the ECOS Project, which provides an integrated approach to applying, measuring and recognizing our MPI chapters’ social responsibility efforts,” said Joe Nishi, MPI Foundation Canadian Council chairman.

GARDEN GROVE, CALIF.—Sterling Sleep Systems’ modular mattress system will be part of the winning Sustainable Suite that will be on display at Hospitality Design Expo 2010. The mattress system was included in the winning Sustainable Suite Design Competition entry by WATG, a destination design firm. WATG led the creative design and specification process, in conjunction with IDEO, an innovation and design firm which brought expertise on human-centered sustainability.

TEMPERANCE, MICH.—MTS Seating, a leading manufacturer of hospitality stackable seating, was recognized by Consumers Energy of Michigan for its commitment to renewable energy through the Green Generation program. As one of the top 10 largest participants in the program, MTS utilizes more than a half a million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. This equals nearly 20 percent of the company’s total annual consumption.

HONG KONG—The InterContinental Hong Kong has launched CarbonCare Events. According to the hotel’s managing director, Jean-Jacques Reibel, the InterContinental Hong Kong is the first hotel in Hong Kong and currently all of Asia to offer CarbonCare Event solutions to its meeting and event customers, in partnership with Carbon Care Asia.