Every time an article comes out touting the “green” countertop options available on the market, it is woefully inaccurate. Often listing the same material multiple times in different formats, or completely misunderstanding the green claims of others, the lists just don’t stand up to reality. So here is a real list of the countertop options and the manufacturers whose true mission and goal is to create healthier surfaces, more durable surfaces, and divert waste from the oceans and landfills, creating something beautiful that you can feel good about. Why not have your surface tell a story of its own? And...

BALI, INDONESIA—Katamama has focused on sustainability issues and supported the traditions of its island home since inception. The hotel is built from 1.8 million bricks, each hand-pressed by local artisans and fired using only biomass from coconut shells—a time-consuming technique typically reserved for Bali’s sacred temples. The painstaking process both fulfilled the artistic vision of Indonesian architect Andra Matin and the company’s mission to rescue this diminishing handicraft. Locally produced textiles tinted with plant-based dyes and bamboo basketry featuring traditional patterns are also part of Katamama’s commitment to sustainability and Balinese culture. Potato Head Beach Club, located next to Katamama,...

PARIS—Due to the success of its pilot project, which was initially tested at various cultural, sporting and artistic events throughout France, AccorHotels’ innovative Flying Nest concept is now entering the commercialization stage in the B-to-B market. The Flying Nest uses converted marine containers designed with sustainability in mind. The Flying Nest is in line with AccorHotels’ innovative approach of constantly rethinking tomorrow’s hospitality in response to a strong trend, that of guests expecting to enjoy exclusive and intense experiences. AccorHotels’ twofold objective is to provide its customers with unique hospitality experiences during outstanding events and to meet accommodation needs where...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) have launched the Wood Furniture Scorecard, a comprehensive assessment of wood sourcing policies for over 50 of the largest furniture retailers in North America. Published on a dedicated website and available through both organizations, the scorecard covers publicly available information on how companies source virgin wood. It also evaluates company use of recycled and reclaimed wood. Scorecard results include 7 Top Scorers: ABC Carpet & Home, Williams-Sonoma Group, IKEA, Crate & Barrel, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, City Furniture, and Target. Six companies earned Honorable Mentions...

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) announced the opening of its first SCP Hotel in Colorado Springs after a nine-month, $6 million renovation. The 98,000 square-foot, 176-room property, located at the base of the majestic Pikes Peak, is in its final stages of renovation. SCP Hotels represents a fresh holistic hospitality concept for both travelers and the surrounding community. Inside each SCP Hotel, guests will find opportunities to recharge their minds, refresh their bodies and re-center their souls, while connecting with fellow travelers and the community. SCP Hotels aims to help make the planet a better place through the extensive...

In 2011 and 2015 I wrote about a bed and breakfast and Days Inn utilizing shipping containers in their construction. I have also written about a shipping container used at a resort for hydroponic vegetable growing. I have since learned about the Flophouze Hotel that offers six shipping containers for nightly rentals. Each unit includes a living room, kitchen, bedroom with luxury linens, and a private bath. The nightly rate even includes access to electric vehicle charging stations. Reclaimed materials are used throughout; the counter tops are made from old bowling alley floors. Shipping container lodgings are very rare....

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Delaware North’s proprietary stewardship platform, GreenPath, helps ensure the company carefully manages its environmental impact and positively contributes to the communities it serves. In recent months, locations throughout Delaware North’s parks and resorts portfolio have taken on several high-profile, impactful and innovative initiatives in support of GreenPath. Through GreenPath, Delaware North sets strict guidelines for energy and water consumption, waste management and other standards at its 200-plus operating locations around world. Since its inception in the 1990s, GreenPath has won dozens of awards from the likes of NASA, the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the...

NATIONAL REPORT—The Third Annual Green Lodging Trends Report Survey will be launched by Greenview on July 9, 2018. The survey will close on August 10, 2018. You can participate in the survey by clicking here. There is no cost to participate. Tens of thousands of green lodging establishments around the planet are being encouraged to benchmark their sustainability practices by completing this survey which last year saw some 2,100 properties participating from 46 countries. The survey encompasses topics ranging from energy management to communication to Health & Wellness. The Green Lodging Trends Report Survey has the support of Green Lodging...

OMAHA, NEB.—LEO A DALY announced that Steven A. Lichtenberger, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, has joined the firm as president. As part of the executive leadership team, he will be responsible for leading the firm’s global planning, architecture, engineering, and interiors practice worldwide. Lichtenberger was formerly Practice Manager for Architecture in the Americas at AECOM. “I am thrilled to appoint Steve to lead LEO A DALY,” said Leo A. Daly III, Chairman and CEO. “He is a respected leader in the architectural profession who shares our dedication to design excellence. His depth of experience building and leading an award-winning, design-focused architectural...

JASPER, IND.—Indiana Furniture, a leading manufacturer of affordable, design-friendly workplace products, has announced the grand opening of its newly expanded Chicago Showroom and Resource Center. Residing in the world-renowned Merchandise Mart, the redesigned space increased by 50 percent and now anchors a hallway corner on the 10th floor, suite 1054A. Partnering with internationally recognized design firm IA, Interior Architects, the new showroom was created to highlight the brand’s current solutions for the modern-day work environment, showcasing the flexibility and breadth of the product portfolio. The new showroom is full of a variety of furniture vignettes, materials, and refined color palettes. Displayed...