WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched its new online data visualization resource that highlights real-time green building data for each state in the United States and Washington, D.C. The enhanced state market briefs—highlighting LEED projects, LEED-credentialed professionals and USGBC membership in each state—provide green building advocates and the general public a look into LEED’s impact within any U.S. state.“Our state-level market briefs demonstrate USGBC’s commitment to data and information transparency at an important level of granularity,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, chief operating officer, USGBC. “You can’t find this data anywhere else in the market. The choice to build...

MADISON, WIS.—In spring 1994, John and Cathie Imes took the first step towards developing a pioneering bed-and-breakfast concept—an urban environmental inn. They purchased the Plough Inn, a former stagecoach tavern in the early days of Wisconsin’s statehood that had been a private residence for many years, before it was developed into an inn. The couple immediately set out to improve operations while showcasing an environmentally friendly approach. Twenty years later, their mission of providing the art of hospitality while serving as a model for sustainable business remains intact.“We are fortunate to have a business where working together as a...

CHICAGO—A comprehensive program of seminars and keynote sessions provides the educational and inspirational platform at this year’s NeoCon trade show in Chicago. For the 46th edition of the largest commercial interiors trade show in the United States—to be held from June 9 to 11 at the Merchandise Mart—organizers have curated a compelling, content-rich array of topics that represent the breadth and currency of issues and ideas relevant to the industry today. Whether it’s continuing education, fresh thinking and approaches, or new trends, NeoCon has a diverse program offering to meet the needs and goals of its audience. With greater...

LAS VEGAS—Strengthening its position in the meetings and convention industry, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino announced plans to expand its Convention Center. Based on demand for additional space, the resort will add new exhibit space, underground parking and increase overall square footage. Mandalay Bay is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International.Plans include the addition of more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space to the existing 1.7 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center as well as underground parking and more carpeted ballroom space. The new spaces will allow Mandalay Bay to grow current shows, pursue new and larger...

YAO NOI, THAILAND—In support of Six Senses core values of sustainability and respect for the environment, Six Senses Yao Noi has launched an organic chicken farm. In January the resort purchased 200 young laying hens and as of April 2014 the farm now provides guests with fresh eggs daily. By June, it is estimated that the chickens will supply the resort with all their eggs.Jim Driskell, senior chef de cuisine at The Dining Room, the resort’s organic European cuisine restaurant, in conjunction with Khun Pim, the resort’s full time sustainability and recycling expert, developed the organic chicken farm from...

SINGAPORE—Agoda.com, one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group, announced the results of their Global Earth Day Hotels Survey, which shows that while most travelers like environmentally friendly hotels, they don’t want to pay much more to stay in them.The survey, conducted online in March, 2014, asked 57,000 Agoda.com customers how they felt about environmental efforts by hotels. While 58 percent of all travelers said they preferred hotels that claimed to be environmentally friendly, only 39 percent said they would pay an extra $10 or more per night to stay in one.Travelers from the...

IRVINE, CALIF.—About one million partly-used bars of soap are disposed of daily by U.S. hotels. With April 22 serving as Earth Day, this month marks the time of year to think about the ways individuals and companies can be less wasteful and more environmentally friendly.    Pacifica Hotels, the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels on the Pacific Coast, keeps this notion top of mind throughout the year. In a partnership with Clean the World, Pacifica Hotels donates partially or unused bars of soap and bath products to be repurposed and donated to impoverished areas. The initiative, which has...

KANSAS CITY, MO.—Marriott International announced that the Courtyard Kansas City at Briarcliff in Missouri is the company’s first hotel to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) green building program status through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) prototype precertification program.The only LEED certified Marriott property in Missouri, the Courtyard Kansas City at Briarcliff was constructed on top of a mine, land previously undevelopable, and 10 percent of building materials used contain recycled content. Like all Marriott LEED Certified hotels, this hotel features a number of elements that focus on energy conservation, water efficiency and recycling. Some of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of its efforts to support sustainability practices in the foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association announced it has joined Share the Gulf, a coalition of chefs, restaurateurs, restaurant associations, seafood suppliers, fishermen, consumers and environmentalists working to protect their access to fish in the Gulf States.“The fresh, local seafood of the Gulf States is essential to the growth of the region’s economy and its varied foodservice businesses,” said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Assn. “We are committed to helping ensure this seafood is not only fished sustainably...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIF.—Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, operated by Delaware North Companies (DNC) Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., announces the completion of a $10 million dollar multi-phased refurbishment of the hotel’s guestrooms and lobby in addition to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) updates to accessible paths of travel. Reflective of DNC’s award-winning environmental stewardship platform GreenPath, the hotel’s guestrooms were remodeled using eco-friendly materials. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls guestrooms were designed with a soothing, neutral palette featuring Yosemite-themed artwork by local photographers.Highlighting eco-friendly upgrades, all rooms were freshly painted using California-based Kelly Moore paints with low...