LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced the publication of its 2021 Social Impact and Sustainability Report and significantly refreshed website. The report and website tell the story of the company’s continuing and steadfast commitment to its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles of embracing humanity and protecting the planet. The report and website (mgmresorts.com/ESG) also highlight the company's strategies, programs and performance focused on creating a more sustainable future and making a positive impact on the lives of employees, guests and communities. “Last year was a time of economic change and disruption, but with it came heightened reflection, ultimately resulting in...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—One of the greatest threats to humanity at the moment is the depletion of the world and its resources. As a result of various factors like pollution, global warming, and the greenhouse effect, the world is dying a slow death. If you want to stop or postpone this rate of destruction, then you need to switch over to using renewable sources of energy. There are many forms of renewable sources of energy. They are found in nature in abundance. They cannot be depleted. As long as the earth stays, these sources of energy will stay. Solar energy is one such form...

Green Lodging News will turn 16 this July. It was approximately three years after the launch of Green Lodging News that Clean the World was launched. Many of you have worked with Clean the World over the years by donating money or new or partially used soap bars and amenity bottles. If, because of the pandemic, you stopped donating, please start again. The need is just as great or greater, especially with the attack of Ukraine by Russia. (Volunteers in Arlington, Va., and Seattle are in the process of assembling 200,000 hygiene kits for victims of the war there....

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Insight Energy Solutions to the Energy Savings Agreements category of its Green Product & Service Directory. Insight Energy Solutions is a thought leader in building energy reduction and sustainability (ESG focused) programs and development. Hotels and resorts are highly seasonal and variable in load and consumption for energy. This makes them ideal candidates for energy conservation measures. Insight Energy Solutions’ approach to hospitality is maximizing energy savings without negatively impacting guest experience and comfort. The company can provide 100 percent of the investment in the technology and equipment (no capital outlay—no risk) to provide...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has adopted two new rules for light bulbs, also known as general service lamps, that will conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills. The first rule establishes a revised definition of general service lamps while the second implements the minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt for light bulbs that meet the revised definition. These rules are part of 100 energy efficiency actions the Biden Administration is completing this year. Once these light bulb rules are in place, DOE expects consumers to save nearly $3 billion per year on their utility bills....

FRAMINGHAM, MASS.—Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced that it was recognized with two Platinum Hermes Creative Awards, recognizing excellence in concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media for its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Hermes Creative Awards highlights outstanding work while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals. Ameresco secured an award for its ESG Ambassadors program in the team achievement category and another for Ameresco’s ESG report under the corporate social responsibility publication category. These recognitions follow the publication of the company’s 2021 ESG report, centered on a theme of “Doing...

I have reported on Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort numerous times on Green Lodging News. I recently learned that the carbon-neutral property in Eagle Beach, Aruba, plans to go carbon negative this year. The announcement was made on Earth Day. How does the property plan to reach its goal? Here is a list of their latest initiatives: Green loans for employees. To continue the reduction of fossil fuel-dependency, Bucuti & Tara provides employees with loans for electric bicycles, electric automobiles, and solar panels for home use. Charging stations. Guests and staff have complimentary use of the resort’s electric charging stations for...

Amid one of its most transformative periods in history, the U.S. lodging industry has an opportunity to enact real change through a renewed commitment to sustainability. As the world looks to reduce its carbon emissions, hotels play an important role as they are the most energy- and water-intensive of any commercial building type globally. Not only will a commitment to sustainability help to slow climate change, but failure to do so has the potential to result in lower asset value, increased operational costs and decreased consumer demand. Following the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on lodging demand, which was worse than that of...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Insight Energy Solutions as a Founding Sponsor at the Bronze level. Insight Energy Solutions is committed to engineering proven, turn-key, brand agnostic energy solutions and sustainability projects with its clients. Opportunities are particularly large with hospitality due to its comparatively high energy intensity, varied building loads and seasonal nature. “Being green does not mean sacrificing the core business of hospitality which is guest experience and comfort,” the company says. “Energy efficiency can and should co-exist within this business model and, in most cases, enhances it.” Insight Energy Solutions services cover a range of applications but...

NEW HAVEN, CONN.—Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will soon make history as what is believed will be the first net-zero hotel in the United States. The revolutionary hotel will utilize renewable solar power sources on site to generate the electricity needed for its common areas, restaurant, laundry, meeting rooms and 165 guestrooms and suites. Set to debut this spring, the all-electric hotel is currently accepting reservations for May 19, 2022, and beyond. Hotel Marcel New Haven will operate independent of fossil fuels, resulting in zero carbon emissions. It is also expected to be the first Passive House-certified hotel...