WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the launch of an expanded online data visualization resource that will allow any user to access aggregated LEED green building project information in the more than 150 countries with LEED projects under way.Following on the successful U.S. state market briefs launched by USGBC in April, the international market briefs detail LEED projects by owner sector, rating system and space type for all countries with building projects participating in the LEED green building rating system, along with in-market LEED credentialed professionals and USGBC members.“LEED is driving innovation and sustainable development across the...

DOVER, DEL.—Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and its Dover Conference Working Group (DCWG) will host the Mid-Atlantic Green Hospitality Conference, a first-of-its-kind opportunity to unite food service and lodging facilities, tourism agencies, “eco” product suppliers and consultants around the common cause of maintaining and promoting environmentally friendly lodging and food service practices.The DCWG is an employee collaboration chaired by George Fiorile, General Manager of Hotel Operations at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. The company’s DCWG is comprised of Jerry Lawrence, Director of Purchasing, Doree Kuhn, Director of Hotel Operations, Gordon Basht, Director of Sales and John Doerfler, Hotel Sales...

ATLANTA—ASHRAE and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) have agreed in principle to join forces, combining resources to improve indoor air quality in the built environment.Pending a three to six month period of due diligence, IAQA will become a part of the ASHRAE organization while maintaining its own brand and Board of Directors. IAQA will operate independently within ASHRAE’s organizational structure. Plans call for IAQA headquarters to relocate from Rockville, Md., to Atlanta, home of ASHRAE’s international headquarters. The agreement was reached between the leadership of both associations and confirmed at ASHRAE’s 2014 Annual Conference.“This merger is beneficial to...

RALEIGH, N.C.—A state environmental program recently recognized North Carolina’s 100th tourism business for its use of sustainable practices that save energy and protect the environment. The NC GreenTravel Initiative now boasts 100 sustainable tourism-oriented businesses with the recent addition of the Greenville Uptown Umbrella Market, a farmer’s market that features locally-grown food and uses a refurbished trolley to shuttle people for free to the market from outlying areas in eastern North Carolina. “On top of being a gorgeous place to live and visit, North Carolina is ideal for those who want to travel green,” said John Skvarla, Secretary of...

NEW YORK—The Nyman Group of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Las Vegas, and Robert Rippe & Associates of Minnetonka, Minn., have been selected as the winners of the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show’s 2014 Foodservice Pioneering Concept. The foodservice consulting groups’ “BOWLS—Food That’s Good For You!” concept will be built to a scaled working model on the exhibit floor during the IHMRS, November 9 to 11, and will host demonstrations throughout the Show.“IHMRS attendees are not only looking for innovative products and equipment, but also for edgy concepts and engaging ideas to wow customers,” said Phil Robinson, IHMRS Show Director....

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Restaurant Association has issued a new report focused on sustainability best practices for the foodservice industry. Created by the NRA’s Conserve sustainability program, the report, “Spotlight on Sustainability: Expert Tips from NRA Show 2014,” features tips, trends and real-world advice from industry experts who appeared at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. “As restaurateurs grapple with implementing sustainable best practices at their operations, we want to ensure they have the best possible information that will help them save money and resources,” said Scott DeFife, NRA’s Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs. “Practicing...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Health-conscious travelers now make up more than 40 percent of the U.S. travel marketplace and that number is trending upward. Already a $439 billion market, the wellness travel industry is expected to grow another 50 percent through 2017, according to the Global Wellness Tourism Congress (GWTC). Meanwhile, hotels and resorts are spending billions of dollars on new facilities and upgrading existing properties to meet the demand of travelers looking for the best possible healthy destination experience.To help legitimize the business of healthy travel destinations, a new, first of its kind nonprofit has been formed called the Institute for...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the 2014 Energy Star Battle of the Buildings: Team Challenge. More than 5,500 buildings nationwide are going head-to-head to reduce their energy use. In support of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for businesses to cut in half the amount of energy they waste over the next 20 years, the competition specifically targets wasted energy in commercial buildings, and will motivate businesses to improve energy efficiency, reduce harmful carbon pollution, and save money.“The competitive spirit is alive and well among the building teams working to improve their energy efficiency in...

BOSTON—Upon receiving its recent LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Hostelling International Boston (HI-Boston) became the City of Boston’s first accommodation provider to achieve LEED certification. Since its opening in June 2012, this repurposed historic building at the cross section of Chinatown, Downtown Crossing, and the Theater District has since welcomed more than 200,000 travelers from more than 85 countries.“HI-Boston is raising the bar for the hospitality industry in Boston,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “The city is attracting more and more young people, and I’m thrilled that HI-USA is providing green accommodations for our...

NATIONAL REPORT—Businesses and consumers alike are feeling the heat from rising utility costs, but commercial buildings in particular, such as hospitals, shopping centers and offices, have been taking a significant hit considering they account for about one-fifth of domestic energy consumption. While the utilities price index, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has increased in line with the improving economy, commercial building energy consumption has also been on a steady upward trend. Even before the recession, energy consumption of commercial buildings grew a whopping 69 percent from 1980 to 2009. Based on projections from the Energy Information Administration,...