WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the winners of the 2024 Energy Star Partner of the Year Awards. These 211 organizations, which represent the top Energy Star program partners, are making significant contributions in support of the clean energy transition. They come from 38 states and localities, representing multiple economic sectors. The winners were recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates unprecedented opportunity to build a clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like Energy Star are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate this...

LAS VEGAS—Climate change is now at the forefront of people’s minds, while travel is continually cited as a major (and significantly, a discretionary) contributor to total carbon emissions. As such, every hotel brand needs a clear plan and must also be increasingly transparent about what’s been done to date to win hearts and minds. But every plan relies upon leadership, and with customer sentiment slowly shifting more and more towards ESG values (especially amongst the younger generations), this presents a clear case for carving out a sustainability role for every hotel. Of all the places to learn about how to...

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO—Solmar Hotels & Resorts is implementing various sustainable actions every day of the year in favor of the care of the natural environment, environmental protection, and the preservation of the oceans. During Earth Hour, a global event promoted by the World Fund for Nature (WWF) that consists of a voluntary blackout, they made a symbolic gesture to emphasize the importance of reducing the problem of climate change. They partially turned off the lights of the buildings in Grand Solmar Land’s End and Solmar Resort for one hour. During this time, flares and candles were lit in the shape of...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton, a leading hospitality company, and the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton’s philanthropic arm, announced the latest progress towards their shared goal of creating a better world for travel with the release of the 2023 Hilton Global Foundation Impact Report and the 2023 Hilton Travel with Purpose Report. Hilton’s Travel with Purpose Report outlines the hospitality leader’s progress towards its Travel with Purpose environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy to drive responsible travel globally. Travel with Purpose outlines Hilton’s 2030 energy, water, and waste reduction targets as well as community engagement and governance goals. Through carbon reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative and...

RACINE, WIS.—Hotel Verdant, the newest hotel built in downtown Racine, Wisconsin in decades, has officially earned a LEED Gold Certification for its outstanding sustainable design and operations, including the use of geothermal, solar and wind technologies. The Gold level of the certification solidifies Hotel Verdant as the most sustainable hotel in the state of Wisconsin. The 80-room boutique property, which is managed by the renowned hospitality group Charlestowne Hotels, is a revitalized adaptive reuse project that prioritizes mindful amenities and a positive environmental impact. Formerly the iconic Zahn’s Department Store, the property boasts two on-site food and beverage outlets, Marguerite,...

NORTON SHORES, MICH.—EarthTronics, dedicated to developing innovative energy-saving lighting products that provide a positive economic and environmental impact, introduces its new energy-saving 4-foot, 10.5-watt EarthBulb Type B Direct Wire Linear LED T8 with a flexible design that eliminates the need for an electronic ballast or driver for operation on 120-277V to deliver 1700 lumens. The new EarthBulb LED T8 offers an easy to install solution for direct wiring fixtures that might require single- or double-end direct wire solutions. With a high-color rendering of 82, the lamp provides a 300° beam angle to produce a wide distribution pattern for directing more...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart has introduced its new CL conveyor type commercial dishwasher series with features designed to save time and money and simplify operation. The series has been awarded the 2024 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award from the National Restaurant Show (NRA) due to its cutting-edge technology. “We are honored to be recognized by NRA for this innovation in commercial dishwashing equipment and are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation in high-volume washing technology,” said Jaehan Kim, Product Manager for Hobart Warewash. “With simplified and improved cleaning and maintenance features, the CL offers unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability. Whether our customers are...

NATIONAL REPORT—As the automobile industry experiences a seismic transition toward electrification, the landscape of EV charging infrastructure in the United States is rapidly altering. This article analyzes the dynamic world of EV charging infrastructure and its implications for the future of transportation, from expected rise in electric vehicle (EV) numbers to important factors affecting the evolution of charging networks and possibilities on the horizon. Overview of EV Charging Infrastructure Growth The United States is rapidly narrowing the EV charging infrastructure deficit, with approximately 600 fast-charging stations constructed in the first quarter of 2024 alone, according to the US Department of Energy....

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—The release of Radisson Hotel Group’s 2023 Responsible Business report marks the 35th anniversary since the Group issued its first pioneering environmental policy—the first ever in the industry. The 2023 report outlines key initiatives and milestones the Group achieved throughout the last year in the areas of Think People, Planet, and Community, and the progress in its transformation to become Net Zero by 2050. As a global Responsible Business Leader, the Group continues to transform its hotels and processes to be more sustainable and meet the growing demand of consumers for green travel, including the roll out of the Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB). Following the approval...

GLENVIEW, ILL.—ITW Food Equipment Group announced it will attend the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show (May 18 to 21) at McCormick Place in Chicago. Restaurant and food service professionals who visit booth 4031 can see the latest in kitchen equipment from the group’s premier brands, including Hobart, Baxter, Traulsen, Vulcan and IBEX. Each piece of equipment displays the brands’ innovative approach to improving efficiency in commercial kitchens. The booth will feature four key focus areas introduced at last year’s show—Kitchen Productivity, Commercial Dishwashing, Leading Innovation and Service and Parts—along with live cooking demonstrations from the Vulcan, Baxter, and IBEX Culinary...