Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:08:28 -0700 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:08:28 -0700 en-us http://www.greenlodgingnews.com Green Lodging News ~ Lodging's Leading Environmental News Source editor@greenlodgingnews.com 10 1 http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/images/logo_gln_rss.gif http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/ 144 74 BIG CYPRESS, FLA.—Developers including Florida Everglades Resort, LLC and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are in discussion with potential investors who would help raise $23 million for a unique eco-resort within the Florida Everglades. The Florida Everglades Resort will be built on a 15-acre site (formerly a citrus grove) and within the 72,000-acre Seminole Reservation near Big Cypress. The site is located adjacent to Billie Swamp Safari, a 2,200-acre nature and wildlife park that already attracts more than 135,000 visitors per year. Jupiter, Fla.-based Florida Everglades Resort, LLC is the result of a multi-year collaboration between EcoExperience Development, Inc. (EDI) and several hospitality and sustainability experts. EDI will serve as the general partner. Calibre Management Inc. (CMI) will be the operations partner. Targeted travelers will include mid to upscale adventurous, leisure and outdoor travelers with a special emphasis on nature-based tourism. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4370 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:08:28 -0700 WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to the tragic earthquakes in Haiti, Doubletree Hotels announced a $50,000 donation on behalf of its Teaching Kids to CARE community outreach program to Friends of the World Food Program (Friends of WFP). The donation will help support the United Nations World Food Program’s (WFP) School Meals initiative in Haiti in an effort to further assist the recovery efforts currently underway. “Millions of earthquake survivors in Haiti are struggling every day to survive, and WFP has been working day and night to reach them with food and other humanitarian assistance,” said Friends of WFP president and CEO, Karen Sendelback. “Doubletree Hotels’ generosity is critical to these emergency feeding operations, which continue to be a lifeline to so many Haitians. We appreciate Doubletree Hotels and participants in its Teaching Kids to CARE program.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4371 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:18:31 -0700 YOUNTVILLE, CALIF.—Bardessono has just received the highest level of official recognition possible for its sustainable and environmentally friendly design. The hotel has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, an achievement reached by only two other hotels in the world, on the first anniversary of its opening. Phil Sherburne built Bardessono with the intention of creating a hotel that provides guests with a luxurious experience while simultaneously protecting the environment. “I believe it is critical for the development community to be a leader in the effort to preserve a healthy planet,” Sherburne says. “We can’t just continue to talk about environmental problems, we have to begin to act. I hope we have provided an example from which others can benefit.” The hotel’s design, construction and operation followed guidelines of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4356 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:19:53 -0700 LAS VEGAS—Organizers of the WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI), the world’s largest conference dedicated to urban water efficiency, recently announced that the show will remain in Las Vegas at least through 2012. Officials with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which presents WSI in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection agency’s WaterSense Program and other public- and private-sector organizations, gave the conference the green light to continue for at least three more years. “WaterSmart Innovations provides a platform for professionals from a broad spectrum of disciplines to come together to share their knowledge,” said WSI program chairman Doug Bennett. “There is no greater informational resource for communities facing water supply challenges.” The third WSI is slated for October 6 to 8, 2010, at the South Point Hotel and Conference Center in Las Vegas. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4357 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:36:08 -0700 WASHINGTON, D.C.—In 2009, EPA’s Energy Star Leaders prevented the equivalent of more than 220,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and saved more than $48 million across their commercial building portfolios. These savings have quadrupled since 2008 and represent the single greatest year of savings since EPA recognized the first Energy Star Leaders in 2004. Over the past five years, Energy Star Leaders are saving money and helping the environment by preventing greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the electricity use of nearly 39,000 homes annually. This year’s list of Energy Star leaders includes Accor North America, Columbus Hospitality, and the Saunders Hotel Group. Energy Star Leaders must meet one of two energy efficiency improvement milestones. The first milestone requires a 10 percent energy reduction across the entire building portfolio. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4351 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:42:08 -0700 BALTIMORE—Baltimore’s Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott—blocks from the Inner Harbor—recently received a Special Accomplishment Award from the United States Green Building Council, Maryland Chapter at the group’s fifth annual awards ceremony. The award is the latest in a series of accolades for the hotel. In November, Maryland Governor O’Malley presented the Fairfield Inn & Suites with a sustainable tourism award as part of his announcement of the state’s Green Travel Program, noting, “Baltimore’s first LEED certified hotel has made green practices an integral part of its operation. It has implemented a variety of procedures that promote sustainability, especially for energy efficiency, waste and pollution minimization and environmental purchasing.” The hotel also recently received a WaveMaker Award from the Baltimore Chapter of the Urban Land Institute and was named a 2009 Innovator of the Year. The USGBC Maryland award recognizes building projects that focus on sustainability. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4355 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:56:20 -0700 DENVER—Denver will soon play host to some of the finest up-and-coming students in the international meetings and incentive travel industry. The Future Leaders Forum will take place in association with the Green Meeting Industry Council Conference (GMIC) Green Meetings 101 on February 9, 2010, at the Sustainable Meetings Conference in Denver. The program, designed and delivered jointly by the IMEX Group—producers of the leading international meetings exhibition—and GMIC, offers gifted young students the opportunity to gain a unique insight into how to develop a successful career in the meetings and incentives travel industry. The focus of this Future Leaders Forum will be on green meetings and sustainability. GMIC’s vision is to transform the global meetings industry through sustainability utilizing education and research. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4352 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:50:20 -0700 AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force, a group of hospitality technology leaders and experts, are searching for the latest and near-future technologies for the newest version of GUESTROOM 20X. The 2010 version of GUESTROOM 20X, a special exhibit showcasing the most innovative technologies for the guestroom, debuts at the 2010 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) June 22 to 24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. “Since 2006, GUESTROOM 20X has garnered a reputation as providing a thought-provoking glimpse into the possibilities of future guestroom technologies,” said Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of HFTP. “With a switch to a biannual schedule for the exhibit, the GUESTROOM 20X Task Force has more time to search and can raise the bar on finding the best technologies that can enhance the future guestroom.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4347 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:55:15 -0700 NATIONAL REPORT—Experian recently listed its “Top 20 websites in the ‘Travel’ online industry for the month of December 2009, based on visits.” Among those sites—which include such well-known stops as Priceline.com and MapQuest—only three attempt to highlight green hotels. The three include Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia. Travelocity has a Green Hotel Directory that can be accessed through a “Green Travel” link on its home page. Site visitors not only have access to green hotels but also voluntourism opportunities and the option to offset their travel through The Conservation Fund’s Go Zero Program. Orbitz also has its own eco-travel microsite. It highlights eco-friendly destinations and lists green hotels by state. Expedia, which has an area on its site for green travel, is in the process of updating its site’s green hotels section. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4334 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:53:06 -0700 SACRAMENTO—Continuing California’s efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced that the California Building Standards Commission (BSC) unanimously adopted the first-in-the-nation mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Taking effect on January 1, 2011, these comprehensive regulations will achieve major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use to create a greener California. “With this first-in-the nation mandatory green building standards code, California continues to pave the way in energy efficiency and environmental protection,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “Today’s action lays the foundation for the move to greener buildings constructed with environmentally advanced building practices that decrease waste, reduce energy use and conserve resources.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4327 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:35:50 -0700 SAN FRANCISCO—Each year about 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent, making the holiday the second largest day of the year for greeting cards. This year, Joie de Vivre is encouraging lovers to show their affection for each other (and Mother Earth) in a more environmentally conscious way. With free e-cards and a new eco-friendly package, Joie de Vivre is offering romantic indulgences that have less impact on the environment. The new “Sowing the Seeds of Love” eco-romance package lets guests who book a hotel stay at one of Joie de Vivre’s 35 hotels between Jan. 21 and Dec. 15, 2010 (for travel between Feb. 11 and Dec. 31, 2010) enjoy “ecodisiacs” (environmentally-friendly aphrodisiacs), from organic chocolates to “green” bath amenities, as well as a bottle of Bonterra Vineyards biodynamic wine and a tree planted in California in honor of their love. The package can be booked through the end of the year directly through the hotel or online. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4328 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:53:57 -0700 WASHINGTON, D.C.—Drafters of the International Code Council’s International Green Construction Code (IGCC) are nearing completion of the first-ever integrated green code for traditional and high-performance commercial buildings, set for a public release in March. “This will be the first time code officials, owners and designers will have an integrated regulatory framework to put into practice that meets the goal of greening the construction and design of new and existing buildings,” according to Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland. “Only a code that is useable, enforceable and adoptable will have the capability of impacting our built environment in dramatic ways.” The IGCC is designed specifically to integrate and coordinate with the other International Codes already being enforced by governmental code officials at all levels. All 50 states and more than 20,000 U.S. jurisdictions use the International Codes developed by the Code Council for safety and sustainability. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4324 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:13:36 -0700 DENVER—The Green Meeting Industry Council’s (GMIC) annual North American conference not only has a new name, the Sustainable Meetings Conference (formerly the Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference), but also a new 2010 conference theme: Scaling It Up! GMIC selected Denver for its natural beauty and, most importantly, for its strong group of committed leaders who strive to make sustainable practices the standard within the meeting and event industry. With facilities such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Renewable Energy Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge restoration, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver and the great state of Colorado are clearly committed to green as the new way of being. In addition, Denver is the city responsible for greening the 2008 Democratic National Convention and continues to be dedicated to environmental, social and economic responsibility. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4219 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:26:59 -0700 LINTHICUM, MD.—TownePlace Suites by Marriott at Baltimore BWI Airport will receive LEED Existing Building Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making the hotel the first property at BWI Airport to have that distinction. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and operated to provide enhanced energy savings, water efficiency, emissions reduction and overall environmental quality. LEED certification is available for existing buildings that have been retrofitted to comply with USGBC standards and those newly constructed. The TownePlace Suites property, built in 2007, is undergoing comprehensive changes to qualify for LEED status, including composting all breakfast waste to achieve zero waste, and replacing plumbing hardware with low-flow devices. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4323 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:21:28 -0700 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. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4322 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:53:43 -0700 BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International and the World Environment Center (WEC) announced the launch of an innovative partnership to further strengthen the environmental commitment of Marriott’s Costa Rican suppliers by reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste and raw material usage, and lowering operating costs. The partnership between WEC and Marriott was officially launched at the Costa Rica Marriott. This initiative is part of a program called “Cleaner Production Private Sector Partnerships” supported by the United States Department of State. Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment and addressing climate change through its Spirit To Preserve program. The greening of Marriott’s $10 billion supply chain is a key part of this effort. A group of Marriott’s small and medium-sized local suppliers in Costa Rica will be trained by WEC to improve their manufacturing operations. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4313 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:57:46 -0700 PHILADELPHIA—Locals and visitors alike in the City of Brotherly Love will enjoy a unique indoor winter exhibit that celebrates the great outdoors, thanks to the Exploring Trees Inside and Out traveling exhibit opening at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum on Saturday, January 23. At a time when Philadelphia and its 63 parks are experiencing the traditional winter chill, spring will be in full swing at the museum as children and families warm up to the sounds of woodland creatures beneath colorful green tree canopies. “The imaginative, interactive educational venue created for the community at Please Touch Museum made Philadelphia a natural candidate for our nationwide tour of Exploring Trees Inside and Out,” said Mary Beth Parks, vice president of brand marketing for Doubletree Hotels. “Doubletree Hotels and the Arbor Day Foundation are proud to present visitors with an exhibit that fosters both learning and joy.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4314 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:06:32 -0700 WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is now accepting seminar proposals for the ninety-fifth annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS), North America’s premier event for the hospitality industry. Industry experts are encouraged to submit timely and relevant topics for consideration, to be presented during the IH/M&RS, November 13 to 16, 2010, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The deadline to submit proposals is March 1, 2010. Proposals focused on trend-driven information, within the areas of lodging ownership and management, consumer travel trends, sustainability and related issues, will be given preference. Additional topics of interest include hospitality design, technology, human resources, hotel operations, food and beverage and sales and marketing. Proposals should include a biography for each speaker. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4306 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:36:26 -0700 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.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4305 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:28:09 -0700 SHELTON, CONN.—Jekyll Island, Ga., has its first new hotel in 35 years with the grand opening of the new Hampton Inn and Suites, announced New Castle Hotels & Resorts, which will manage the property on behalf of co-owners Jekyll Ocean Oaks, LLC, an affiliate of the ownership group of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. In its building design and operation, the new hotel is focused on sustainability to compliment the island’s environment and is among the greenest hotels in New Castle’s portfolio, having used many recycled materials during construction, underscoring the property owner’s commitment to green business and building practices. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4304 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:35:54 -0700 LONDON—Whitbread, the United Kingdom’s leading hotel and restaurant group, confirmed details of its plans for a second green hotel and its first low-carbon restaurant. The Burgess Hill Premier Inn, in West Sussex, represents the latest evolution in environmentally-friendly budget hotels. It follows Whitbread’s pioneering green hotel pilot in Tamworth, Staffordshire—the United Kingdom’s first green budget hotel which opened its doors to guests in December 2008. The 60-bedroom Premier Inn at Burgess Hill, due to open in autumn 2010, will adopt the best-performing green technologies trialed in Tamworth to deliver 70 percent carbon and 60 percent water savings. Adjacent to the hotel, Whitbread will develop its first low-carbon restaurant—a 220-cover Beefeater open grill restaurant. The investment forms part of Whitbread’s corporate sustainability program called “Good Together,” which was launched in December 2009. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4299 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:22:52 -0700 DALLAS/HORSHAM, PA.—Accor North America (ANA), a division of Accor Hospitality, has announced that it will pilot the Green Key Eco-Rating Program (Green Key) within its portfolio in the United States in 2010. Green Key is one of the first programs of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” practices; the Accor North America pilot will involve 20 properties. “Accor is widely recognized within the global hospitality industry as being a leader in sustainability initiatives,” said Tony Pollard, managing director of Green Key Global. “We are confident that Green Key will become an important part of Accor North America’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment.” The cornerstone of the Green Key program is its focus on sound sustainable practices specifically for the lodging industry. The audit was developed by two leading environmental engineering firms with support from the Canadian Government. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4300 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:29:51 -0700 NATIONAL REPORT—With advancements in controls technology and equipment design, washer-extractors (washers) are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and flexible. This is good news for hoteliers looking to save money in a recovering economy. In the race to gain new business, vendors are manufacturing higher G-force machines that spin off more water faster, allowing linens to dry in less time. In some cases, advancements have allowed rinse cycles and dryers to be eliminated entirely. While innovation has allowed vendors to squeeze just about as much water as they can out of the washing process, other advances, especially in software programming, are reducing demand for chemicals. Thanks to these efficiencies and others, payback time on today’s washers can be very reasonable, experts say—as short as one year to 18 months depending on model size. What size and type of machine to buy depends on a number of factors: number of rooms, types of items that will be washed, etc. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4284 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:16:18 -0700 RICHMOND, VA.—Virginia has introduced a new green-themed vacation giveaway celebrating the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th anniversary. The Virginia “Go Green on the Blue Ridge Parkway Sweepstakes” offers a chance to win a family road trip. Participants can win a seven-day, six-night vacation for four, complete with airfare, a hybrid rental car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and overnight stays at Virginia Green hotels, resorts and cabins. The sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents 21 and older and runs through November 1, 2010. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which covers 469 miles of scenic byway from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina. The Virginia Green program recognizes hotels, restaurants and attractions for taking steps to preserve the environment including water and energy conservation, waste reduction, optional linen service and more. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4285 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:05:45 -0700 PITTSBURGH—Pittsburgh’s eagerly anticipated premier luxury hotel, Fairmont Pittsburgh, is set to open March 29, 2010. The new hotel will feature 185 guestrooms, 12,000 square feet of event space, and a 6,000-square-foot health club, as well as a full-service restaurant, Habitat, and its feature bar, “Andys.” The new Fairmont makes its home at Three PNC Plaza, the largest high rise construction project in the city of Pittsburgh in the last 20 years, and one of the largest mixed-use buildings to be certified by the United States Green Building Council in accordance with its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. By its opening, Fairmont Pittsburgh expects to reach the Gold level of LEED certification which complements Fairmont’s philosophy of operational sustainability and responsible tourism. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4279 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:09:52 -0700 NORWALK, CONN.—HEI Hotels & Resorts (HEI), the United States’ fastest growing private owner/operator of hotel real estate, announced that it received the Corporate Energy Management award from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) at the 32nd World Energy Engineering Congress 2009. One of the nation’s premier energy management and renewable energy events, the AEE Corporate Energy Management award is presented to companies and individuals who make important strides in energy conservation, sustainability efforts and/or products. HEI joins Toyota, General Motors, the U.S. Postal Service and McDonald’s as past winners of the award. “Since launching our energy management programs in 2005, HEI has added more than $6.5 million in energy-related capital improvements to its portfolio of full-service, upper scale and luxury hotels and resorts throughout the U.S.,” said Gary Mendell, HEI’s chairman and chief executive officer. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4283 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:38:38 -0700 TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—The New Year is a time for new resolutions, and 19 hotels recently made their resolutions to protect Florida’s environment by becoming designated members of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging program. With the new designations, the program has surpassed 600 members, and now boasts a total of 614 designated properties statewide. “Earning designation in the Florida Green Lodging program is an achievement these 614 facilities can be proud of,” said DEP director of sustainable initiatives Deas Bohn. “The environmental commitment demonstrated by Green Lodging facilities serves as an example and challenge to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.” To become a designated member of the voluntary program, lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4280 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:21:41 -0700 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK—Yellowstone’s newest gift store has a single purpose: to inspire visitors to help protect national parks. Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operator of lodges, gift shops, restaurants and activities in Yellowstone National Park, has converted its gift shop in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel into an interpretive facility dedicated to informing park visitors about climate change and offering environmentally friendly products. The store was dedicated January 7, 2010. Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, spoke at the dedication and gave a keynote address following the event. The event was also attended by some of the store’s key green vendors and nonprofit partners including Kind Coffee, Ecowood Display and the Yellowstone Association. Dung and Dunger, which sells bison dung paper notecards and artwork in the store, provided a bison dung paper-based “dedication ribbon.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4276 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:44:34 -0700 WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of its first Element hotel in New Jersey and the seventh Element hotel globally, Element Ewing-Hopewell in Ewing, N.J. The hotel is owned through a joint venture between American Properties Realty, Inc. and Hersha Hospitality Management, L.P., which is also the manager of the hotel. Element made history when it launched as the only major hotel brand to mandate that its properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for high-performance buildings. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4275 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:35:53 -0700 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. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4263 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:13:42 -0700 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. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4264 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:24:12 -0700 NORTHBROOK, ILL.—Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in safety testing and certification services, recently announced the publication of ANSI/UL 8750, Safety Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products. The first edition standard creates a global platform of safety requirements for LED lighting equipment as well as the entire supply chain of components used in lighting products employing LED technology. “UL 8750 provides manufacturers a single, much-needed safety standard for testing their LED products and related components sold in the United States,” said Alberto Uggetti, general manager, UL Lighting Business. “The new standard also gives consumers confidence that LED products bearing the UL Mark have been tested for safety.” With the push for energy efficiency and clean technologies worldwide, LEDs are being used in an increasing number of lighting products. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4256 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:09:46 -0700 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. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4260 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:44:23 -0700 ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has added four new “green” parking spaces for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. The spaces are located next to the elevators in the parking garage of the Sammons wing. The parking spaces send a clear message to guests that the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa places a high value on sustainable practices and energy conservation. Bike racks and special parking for motorcycles have also been installed to further encourage guests and employees to be energy conscious. The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa makes a concerted effort to be environmentally conscious, with multiple green initiatives. In addition to the new parking spaces, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is the only major resort in North Carolina with a complete recycling program in place. In 2008, the Grove Park Inn won First Place in the National Employee Transportation Coordinator Champion Awards for its employee bus pass program and other efforts to reduce employee automobile usage. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4257 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:20:31 -0700 LAS VEGAS—Among the 200 minority-owned firms that helped build CityCenter were a Detroit-based general contractor who expanded his business to Las Vegas after auto industry contracts dried up, a local electrical supply firm that nearly doubled in size, and a drug screening company that was specifically born out of the project. From building architecture and design, LEED consulting, engineering, to information technology and waste removal, minority-owned firms were involved in virtually every major discipline employed in the development. In all, MGM MIRAGE and Perini Building Co. spent more than $700 million in construction and design contracts with minority-owned firms throughout the five-year CityCenter project. “As part of our company’s Diversity Initiative, we undertook an aggressive approach to ensure that minority-owned firms had maximum opportunity to participate in the project,” said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4251 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:59:41 -0700 LAS VEGAS—JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa has created a new wedding package for Summerlin weddings that is considerate to the planet and that offers unique entertainment, menu and décor options for brides and grooms. The all-new Eco-Chic Wedding Package featured at JW Marriott’s Las Vegas wedding venues includes nuptials celebrated on the resort ground’s attractively designed gardens and waterscapes. Natural garden chairs made of maple complement the earthy tone of the ceremony. The celebration continues inside or out with unique décor items including floor length linens made from recycled glass or luxury burlap to adorn the tables, and chairs made from bamboo. A variety of enhancements are available including soy candles, bamboo or rattan chargers, and organic or living floral designs. Menus and place cards are designed using recycled card stock and soy ink. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4250 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:46:35 -0700 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. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4240 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:01:37 -0700 AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) announced that the 2011 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) will be June 20 to 23 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. HITEC, produced by HFTP, is the world’s largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts and a trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. “Austin is the headquarters of HFTP and it is our honor to share this vibrant city with the hospitality technology industry,” said Frank Wolfe, CAE, CEO of HFTP. “We heard a lot of great feedback about Austin when it hosted HITEC 2008 and I believe attendees will enjoy how close hotels, restaurants and entertainment options are to the convention center.” The upcoming HITEC 2010 is scheduled for June 21 to 24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4241 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:07:46 -0700 PLYMOUTH, MINN.—With the path to economic recovery still uncertain, all types of facilities—from healthcare and schools to hospitality and commercial office buildings—are feeling the budget squeeze for maintenance staffing and cleaning-equipment purchases. Floor cleaning is one area where productivity gains can help facilities deal with staff reductions and economic pressures. It is an inescapable fact that labor accounts for 90 percent of the cost to clean a facility. Even in times of reduced cleaning staff, there is never a choice to do less cleaning. There are, however, several strategies that can reduce the labor required for floor cleaning while maintaining or actually improving cleanliness standards. Now, more than ever, daily floor cleaning is critical as a cost-saving measure. Keeping hard floors and carpeted areas clean on a “maintenance” basis delays the need for more extreme restorative cleaning methods and, in turn, extends the life of floor surfaces. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4238 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:21:24 -0700 KOLKATA, INDIA—ITC’s new luxury hotel in Bengaluru, the ITC Hotel Royal Gardenia, was conferred the highest rating for green buildings in the world—the LEED India Platinum Rating. This recognition makes it the world’s largest platinum rated hotel and is another manifestation of ITC’s leadership in sustainability practices. ITC is the only company in the world to be carbon positive, water positive and solid waste recycling positive. The LEED Platinum rating for the ITC Hotel is one more green milestone for ITC. It is close on the heels of the ITC Green Centre in Gurgaon—one of the world’s largest green buildings. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4233 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:22:51 -0700 RALEIGH, N.C.—In October, the Raleigh Convention Center joined an elite group of convention centers—those that have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In Raleigh’s case, it earned LEED Silver, joining the Phoenix Convention Center, Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center Expansion, and the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore., as LEED Silver recipients. The Raleigh facility earned the LEED designation a little more than a year after the center opened in September 2008. The Raleigh Convention Center is owned and managed by the City of Raleigh. According to Laurie Okun, director of sales and marketing for the center, it made financial sense to pursue LEED certification. “The costs were neutral,” Okun says. “It was going to cost just as much one way or another.” http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4227 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:56:20 -0700 BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. opened the LEED certified 147-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott in College Park, Ga., on December 18. The SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway is owned by Grover Street Partners and managed by Marriott International. Adjacent to the Georgia International Convention Center and one mile from the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway offers guests convenient access to ATL SkyTrain, the Atlanta Zoo, Turner Field, the CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Six Flags over Georgia. The ATL SkyTrain is an automated people mover (APM) line which recently opened at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The ride will take two minutes to travel from the terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson to the GICC/Gateway Station next to the hotel. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4224 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:22:16 -0700 LAS VEGAS—Under a canopy of fireworks illuminating the night sky, ARIA Resort & Casino opened its doors last week and welcomed its first guests. Located at the heart of CityCenter, ARIA is the centerpiece of the urban resort destination. Its debut signifies the official grand opening of this city-within-a-city, following two weeks of celebrations for the reveals of Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Crystals retail and entertainment district. Featuring a combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and amenities, the ARIA has dramatically altered the skyline of the world’s most famous boulevard. “ARIA and CityCenter reflect a combination of innovation, energy and visionary design that we believe will reshape how the world views the destination resort experience and attract visitors from around the globe as a landmark of taste and style,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4220 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:47:49 -0700 BETHESDA, MD.—Now that’s a lot of cooking oil. According to Brad Nelson, corporate chef and vice president of culinary for Marriott International, the company’s hotels in North America generate about 5.5 million pounds of used cooking oil each year. Add in the properties outside North America and that number just about doubles. With so much spent cooking oil to deal with, what’s a company the size of Marriott to do? This past summer the company started a test program at just a few properties in the Washington, D.C. area that resulted in the cooking oil being converted to biodiesel. The company picking up the oil: Greenlight Biofuels, a subsidiary of Charlottesville, Va.-based Greenlight Energy Resources. The program at the test properties has since been expanded to include a total of thirteen Marriott, Renaissance, JW Marriott, and Courtyard hotels in the D.C. area and Marriott’s corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Md. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4210 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:26:20 -0700 VISTA, CALIF.—Looking ahead to what 2010 might bring, a new survey conducted the first two weeks of December 2009 asked facility managers and other building professionals about water conservation, water costs, and other related issues in their facilities in the coming year. The survey was conducted by AlturaSolutions Communications for Waterless Co, manufacturers of waterless urinal systems. E-mail invitations to take the survey were sent to about 500 facility managers and building professionals. A total of 154 people answered some of the questions; 84 people completed the entire survey. Virtually all, 89 percent, indicate that, compared to past years, concerns about water conservation will increase in 2010. Participants were also asked if they thought the cost of water would go up in the next few years and by how much. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4211 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:36:24 -0700 WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with the G.I. Bill, has agreed to reimburse veterans, eligible dependents and reservists for the cost of any of the LEED Professional Exams administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). “We are honored to be a part of the VA’s aggressive effort to help veterans gain the skills and credentials required for full participation in the new, green economy,” said Peter Templeton, president, GBCI. “For those veterans who are pursuing a career in green building or a related field, this support for attaining LEED credentials can go a long way in helping them achieve their professional goals, and GBCI is proud to play a part in their future success.” Individuals planning to take a LEED Professional Exam must apply directly to the VA for reimbursement. Under this agreement, the VA will cover up to $2,000 per exam. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4209 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:12:09 -0700 MCLEAN, VA.—Home2 Suites by Hilton, the mid-tier, extended-stay hotel chain targeting value-wise business and leisure travelers, announced the groundbreaking of its first hotel, the 119-room Home2 Suites by Hilton Fayetteville, N.C. The hotel is being developed by Alabama-based LBA Properties, a group of companies providing comprehensive hotel development and management services, on behalf of Apple Real Estate Investment Trust Companies (Apple REIT Companies). The hotel is expected to open in the 2010 fourth quarter. “Home2 Suites is a true complement to the current Hilton Worldwide portfolio,” said Paul Brown, president of global brands and commercial services for Hilton Worldwide. “All of our focused service brands are category leaders and we are confident that this success will repeat itself with Home2.” “This is a great concept with strong consumer appeal,” added Justin Knight, president of Apple REIT Companies. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4208 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:55:33 -0700 LONDON, U.K.—Jurys Inns recently polled its guests to find out just how green they really are when staying at a hotel. Seven out of 10 guests claim they don’t forget to pack their eco-conscience when staying at a hotel and make an effort to follow the same green practices they would at home when they’re away. One in five people said they check out a hotel’s green credentials before checking in, claiming that in addition to location, service and value for money, it is a high priority when deciding which hotel to book. This supports other recent research from Samsung claiming that more than half (54 percent) of consumers think that hotels should use sustainable energy sources. In an effort to save electricity, an overwhelming nine out of 10 guests said they wouldn’t dream of leaving the television on when they leave the hotel room. However, eight out of 10 said they are more likely to run a bath while staying at a hotel because they want to enjoy “moments of indulgence” when on holiday. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4202 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:45:58 -0700 LANSING—The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth (DELEG) Bureau of Energy Systems is launching Green Venues Michigan, a statewide green certification program for entertainment venues, convention centers, and similar facilities. It is designed to encourage and assist facilities to adopt cost saving, green practices which conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. The Green Venues Michigan program was modeled after DELEG’s successful Green Lodging Michigan program. Four venues have received the Green Venues Michigan Certification as part of a pilot launch. They are include: Michigan International Speedway, Detroit Institute of Arts, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, and Grand Valley State University’s L.V. Eberhard Center. Participation in the Green Venues Michigan program is voluntary and there are no fees or charges of any kind. There are three steps to achieving certification. http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4201 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:10:35 -0700 ATLANTA—A new program to inform building owners and operators, tenants and prospective buyers on the energy use of buildings, similar to a nutrition label on food or miles per gallon ratings on cars, was launched to encourage the building industry to find ways to cut energy use and costs. The Building Energy Quotient program, which will be known as Building EQ, will include both As Designed (asset) and In Operation (as operated) ratings for all building types, except residential. It also will provide a detailed certificate with data on actual energy use, energy demand profiles, indoor air quality and other information that will enable building owners to evaluate and reduce their building’s energy use. The program is administered by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/content.aspx?id=4199 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:37:21 -0700