INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The global supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have revealed the weaknesses created by our society and economic model’s dependence on global trade. This has led to a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to review and adapt their business models to build a more workable and sustainable future. With an increasing number of customers demanding sustainability in hospitality and hotels, innovation of the logistics of supply and value chains demonstrates a committed approach across all processes. Some experts argue that local and human supply chains are the most sustainable and resilient ones. Businesses should encourage their stakeholders—associates,...

SINGAPORE—Accor is partnering with SOURCE Global, PBC to bring the world’s first truly sustainable bottled drinking water brand to prominent hotels in Singapore. With people, societies, and communities at the heart of its strategy, and a history of embracing innovation and environmentally friendly business practices, Accor will replace single-use plastic bottled water at key hotels in Singapore with premium drinking water packaged in reusable glass bottles and made by SOURCE Hydropanels—a ground-breaking solar-powered technology that harvests the pure, endlessly renewable water vapor in the air and transforms it into premium drinking water. Each Hydropanel can offset more than 50,000 plastic bottles...

COMMERCE, CALIF.—Nora Lighting introduces miniature 1” M1+ downlights without any housing needed. Each luminaire includes a pre-wired junction box, making installation simple. IC Air-tight downlights are a perfect solution for commercial and residential applications. M1+ is an upgrade to Nora Lighting’s first generation M1 1” downlights. The downlights are available from 12V to 120V input with Triac or ELV dimming and from 100 lumens to 600 delivered lumens in two color temperatures (2700K or 3000K) @ 90+ CRI. A square trim accessory can easily be installed in matte black, bronze, or matte powder white finishes. M1+ luminaires are cETLus listed for...

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.—Hope’s Windows, Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom-designed, solid hot-rolled steel and solid bronze window and door systems, announced that it will be attending the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas from January 31 to February 3 at booth SU1041. Hope’s Windows, Inc. will be showcasing their Old World Suite Series of steel windows and doors which are designed to mesh the best of both past and present, taking inspiration stylistically from the old world and combining it with the efficient performance of the present. The thin and sophisticated arrow-shaped steel frames of the Old World Suite Series...

Energy consumption in the hotel industry is high, even when compared to other commercial sectors such as hospitals and schools. The truth is hotels and motels make for inherently energy-intense buildings, primarily due to the nature of the business and guest behavior. As such, hotel management is always seeking ways to maximize efficiency and save energy (and thus money) while, at the same time, providing optimal comfort for occupants. Many hotels are investigating environmentally friendly technologies that have the potential to reduce energy usage. Time after time, the primary technology that comes out on top is geothermal heat pumps....

NEW YORK—Songtsam, an award-winning luxury boutique hotel collection and Destination Marketing Company, located in the Tibet and Yunnan Provinces of China announced the construction of Songtsam’s first zero-carbon hotel, the Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso located in Tibet. Expected to open in July 2023, the 120-room retreat will be Songtsam’s 16th and largest property. Founded in 2000 by Baima Duoji, Songtsam has always had a strong commitment to the preservation of the essence of Tibetan culture, as well as environmental conservation and sustainability by supporting the economic development of the local communities. In making the announcement, Duoji noted, “Songtsam Linka...

BURLINGAME, CALIF.—In its ongoing objective of bringing advanced performance technologies to enhance better sleep and a healthy home and hospitality environment, Standard Fiber, one of the world’s largest suppliers to the home textile market, and Noble Biomaterials, a global leader in antimicrobial solutions for soft surface applications, have formed an exclusive partnership to bring IONIC+ mineral antimicrobial to the home textile and hospitality markets. IONIC+ is the broadest spectrum of antimicrobial technology that protects against the growth of microbes on soft surface materials. The active ingredient in IONIC+ is silver, which is permanently bound within polymer fibers and will not wash out. When applied properly, positively...

PARIS—Given the effects of climate change and the current energy crisis, finding concrete, pragmatic, inventive solutions is a priority for people and the planet. As awareness of what is at stake grows, customers expect companies to have increasingly high environmental standards and, in hospitality, are looking for sustainability-committed hotels—an expectation that aligns with and shapes Accor’s global strategy. Early in 2021, Accor was the first international hotel group to make a long-term commitment to decarbonize all its operations and achieve net zero by 2050—including a 46 percent emission reduction by 2030, validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative. Given that 63 percent...

MIAMI—Cayo Levantado Resort, a brand-new resort under the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio, announced they are now open for reservations, which will start welcoming guests on June 1, 2023. Located on the island of Cayo Levantado, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, this completely rebranded, and extensively renovated property will invite guests to discover the uncharted syncopations of the Dominican Republic through its “A Rhythm All Its Own” concept. Cayo Levantado Resort is dedicated to offering an expertly curated, distinctly Dominican, and decidedly authentic experience. Since the very start, there’s been an alliance with Forbes Travel Guide, the...

RIVIERA PACIFICA, PANAMA—The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, a top luxury family-friendly resort in Riviera Pacifica’s beach community, has launched new sustainable initiatives to help eco-conscious travelers make the most of their trip while creating less of an impact on the environment. Home to nature trails, an animal conservation center, and a Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course, the outdoors are at the forefront of guest experience at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. Conscious of its operational impacts to its surroundings, The Buenaventura has launched the following sustainable initiatives: Carbon neutral flight partnerships. Partnering with Green Cloud, The Buenaventura now allows...