In addition to the many brands and independents that are working hard to connect electric vehicle drivers with EV charging stations, so too is a Georgia-based entrepreneur with his Stay-N-Charge website. I recently spoke with Tony Booth, founder and CEO of the site that is a directory for lodgings with EV charging stations. (Click here for the article.) Whether your property has EV charging stations or not, I encourage you to check out the site. Stay-N-Charge, founded in 2021, currently has more than 1,300 properties listed. Today the site is experiencing about 7,000 to 8,000 unique visits a month. “A...

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA.—Capitalizing on the growing percentage of road travelers who drive electric vehicles (EVs), the online Stay-N-Charge directory of lodging establishments with EV chargers in North America is gaining serious traction. A recent search on the site produced 1,353 properties with EV charging stations. The directory serves as a marketing tool for owners as well as a helpful resource for travelers looking for a place to stay and charge. Tony Booth, founder, and CEO of Stay-N-Charge, says that in the U.S. about 2 percent of car owners now drive EVs. In California it is about 15 percent. “Nationwide,...

FRAMINGHAM, MASS.—Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced the completion of the installation of new energy efficiency and maintenance advancements at OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa as part of a 15-year Energy as a Service (EaaS) agreement. The partnership allowed the oceanfront resort to update and replace its energy-related equipment without up-front capital. The $15.5 million energy efficiency renovation was designed and constructed by Ameresco in several phases over the last two years. Key upgrades included replacing 350 guestroom fan coil units with new smart thermostats, a new central chiller plant with...

Water consumption is a significant but often overlooked source of global carbon emissions. Large amounts of energy are required to treat and transport clean, safe water—an essential but limited, scarce resource. In the United States alone, water treatment and delivery accounts for 13 percent of the country’s total electricity consumption, releasing up to 290 million metric tons of carbon every year—approximately 5 percent of total U.S. emissions and equal to the carbon output of more than 60 coal-fired power plants. In California alone, water-related consumption of electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel results in carbon emissions equal to 7 million passenger...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—With its Florida Green Lodging Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has one of the largest state-level hotel green designation programs in the United States. As of January 10, the Program had 319 designated Florida Green Lodging properties. The program is certainly one of the oldest as well, having launched in 2004. In its assessment of lodging establishments, the points-based Florida Green Lodging Program looks at the following five categories: 1. Communication and education (customers, employees, public). 2. Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. 3. Water conservation. 4. Energy efficiency. 5. Indoor air quality. Properties can earn one of four designations: One Palm, Two Palm,...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Vail Resorts, Inc. announced the release of its 2022/23 Environmental & Social Responsibility Report. In 2017, Vail Resorts announced Commitment to Zero, a bold goal to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030, including zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat. The company shared it is ahead of schedule to reach its emissions goals, and on track for the broader goal of reaching a zero net operating footprint by 2030. With a commitment to make its mountain resorts more sustainable and inclusive, the company has made progress across all four pillars of...

One of the hottest topics in foodservice is the electrification of the kitchen and there are numerous organized and even legislative efforts to push businesses to go all-electric and eliminate natural gas. The aim is to decarbonize food and beverage operations. To help guide hoteliers, restaurateurs and others toward all-electric kitchens, the William J. Worthen Foundation included a very helpful volume (volume 5) in its “The Building Decarbonization Practice Guide.” The volume title: All-Electric Kitchens: Residential and Commercial, 2nd edition. I highly recommend reading through this section. It builds a very strong case for eliminating natural gas. “Kitchens present superb opportunities...

Bradley Company Sustainable & Touchless Handwashing Solutions Bradley’s versatile lavatory systems deliver a beautiful, sustainable and touch-free handwashing solution. Made of highly durable and maintainable Terreon® Solid Surface or Evero® Natural Quartz, these nonporous and seamless lavatories are hygienic, easy to clean and GREENGUARD-certified. Pair any lavatory system with Bradley’s popular all-in-one WashBar® models with touch-free soap, faucet and dryer—look for the unique angular bar shape for authentic Bradley quality and craftsmanship. Or select from an array of matching Verge™ soap dispenser and faucet sets. All of these touchless solutions provide advanced sensing operation and enhance the look and functionality of today’s...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors, announced an agreement with Tesla to offer Tesla Universal Wall Connectors to participating Radisson, Cambria, Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, and other Choice-branded hotels across the U.S. Through this agreement, Choice-branded properties can add four or more charging stations for guests, helping to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging and eliminate one of the biggest pain points for EV drivers traveling for business or leisure. To find a hotel with a charging station, travelers can use the EV charging filter on ChoiceHotels.com and...

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.—Carlisle Companies Inc., a leading supplier of innovative energy-efficient and labor-saving building products and solutions, announced that its newest polyiso manufacturing facility in Sikeston, Missouri received the first-ever LEED Platinum v4 certification in North America for a manufacturing facility. The LEED Platinum v4 certification is the highest standard for building energy efficiency designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. Carlisle’s LEED Platinum v4 certified facility delivers a 38 percent improvement in building performance through energy simulation modeling while generating over 10 percent of energy used (by cost) through renewable solar power. The facility also promotes employee well-being, productivity, and...