The annual HD Expo + Conference will be held this coming week from May 6 to 8 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand, 86 of which have indicated their products will have a sustainability focus (Air Purification Systems, Building Materials, Energy Efficiency, Green Products, Recycled Materials, Water Conservation). The educational sessions will include: Trends in Wellness: Where We Are Today, May 6, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. New Life: Case Studies in Renovation + Adaptive Reuse, May 6, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rethinking the Norm: Socially Sustainable Hotels, May 6, 4 p.m....

DULUTH, MINN.—As part of its ongoing commitment to preserve the environment and foster appreciation for the outdoors, Duluth-based Loll Designs presented its latest donation to Chester Bowl Improvement Club, marking a milestone $100,000 in donations over the past five years to the beloved local park through Loll’s 1% for the Planet partnership. “We believe it is important to give back to our community and our planet,” said Eric Swanson, CEO of Loll Designs. “This year we are proud to once again support Chester Bowl Improvement Club’s programs for the Duluth community to appreciate and engage with nature in a healthy...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building program. LEED v5 builds on the 25-year legacy and global impact of LEED, updating and strengthening the most widely recognized, influential sustainability standard for the building industry while providing user-friendly tools for building owners and teams to pursue certification through enhanced technology updates. “Since its public launch 25 years ago, LEED has profoundly impacted millions of people in cities and communities around the world,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC. “LEED v5 raises the bar, further defining and...

DALTON, GA.—J+J Flooring has added a product category to their repertoire with the Positive Impact collection—the company’s first bio-based resilient offering. Manufactured largely from plant-based oils such as canola or castor and naturally occurring mineral components such as chalk (an ideal filler), Positive Impact is likely to leave a lasting influence on design not seen since the launch of Kinetex. Similar to the release of Kinetex (also PVC-free and another sustainable option, made with 45 percent post-consumer recycled content) back in 2013, new sets of testing and production standards needed to be developed for this heterogeneous commercial-rated polyurethane collection. When it...

NATIONAL REPORT—As a hotel owner or resort operator, you have opportunities to make a welcoming environment for your guests while contributing to a healthier planet. One effective way to achieve both is by repurposing materials within your establishment. This approach can save costs and enhance guest comfort. Plus, it can improve your property’s aesthetics and bolster your reputation as an eco-conscious business. Here are practical ideas for repurposing materials for comfort and sustainability. Get started and make the most of the benefits behind these sustainable shifts. Upcycled Furniture for Unique Aesthetics Transform guestrooms and communal areas by incorporating upcycled furniture. For instance, reimagine old suitcases into storage chests. Also, try repurposing any reclaimed wood...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—LX Hausys America Inc., an innovative manufacturer of building and decorative materials, announced that its ForestFusion Collection has been recognized with a 2024 GOOD DESIGN Award in the Floor and Wall Covering category. This esteemed award, presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, celebrates outstanding design and innovation across various industries. This year marked the 75th anniversary of the GOOD DESIGN Awards, which received thousands of submissions from leading designers and manufacturers across 56 countries. The ForestFusion Collection is a testament to LX Hausys’ commitment to blending...

NILES, ILL.—The Mitchell Group, a major converter of coated fabrics to upholstery markets around the world, is excited to share the opening of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to its Sta-Kleen Silicone line. This cutting-edge facility represents a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to clean energy. For nearly a decade, The Mitchell Group has partnered with the world’s leading silicone producer to deliver Sta-Kleen Silicone, which has set the benchmark for performance in silicone upholstery. With the launch of this new facility, the partnership is poised to enhance production capabilities while reinforcing The Mitchell...

As more consumers and designers increasingly prioritize wellness, biophilic design has become a driving force in furniture manufacturing, especially within hospitality spaces. Beyond simply adding greenery, biophilic design extends to the materials and textures and is reflected in the craftsmanship that collectively shapes a space holistically. Incorporating biophilic elements into furniture manufacturing involves utilizing responsibly sourced materials like reclaimed wood, embracing organic forms, and applying textured finishes. It’s imperative for brands to design biophilic furniture that connects to nature while minimizing environmental impact. A commitment to durable, recyclable materials ensures that sustainability is built into every piece—without compromising the client’s...

CHENNAI, INDIA—The Ceebros Hotels have always been committed to world-class hospitality while ensuring environmentally responsible operations. As part of this vision, they have undertaken the refurbishment of Pullman, Anna Salai with a strong focus on sustainability, integrating both active and passive energy-efficient measures. Their approach included smart air handling units, water-cooled chillers, an IoT-based indoor air quality monitoring system integrated with IBMS, optimal window glazing, DGU systems, and the use of sustainable interior materials. This major renovation retained nearly 100 percent of the existing structure, aligning with a commitment to responsible redevelopment. The company’s dedication to sustainability has been further reinforced...

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced that reservations are now being accepted for 1 Hotel Melbourne, a landmark waterfront property set to debut in June 2025. This marks 1 Hotels’ highly anticipated entrance into the Australian market, bringing an award-winning blend of sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to the heart of Melbourne, in collaboration with developer Riverlee. The centerpiece of this building is the heritage listed Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port. The property will redefine luxury hospitality in the region...