RALEIGH, N.C.—Durat USA and CaraGreen, the trusted source for healthier building materials, announced a new color series of Durat Solid Surface, the B.lue Collection (pronounced: Be-Lou). It is a follow up to the well-received release of its pink counterpart, the B.lush collection. The new shades are all blue. Durat’s popular solid surface sheets are made with up to 28 percent recycled plastics and can be installed seamlessly for neat and clean horizontal or vertical surfaces. Durat is already offered in three different collections with over 120 color variations. Standard Durat colors have a solid base with speckles created by clear, white, black or...

NATIONAL REPORT—In this article, CBRE’s Alan Jutte provides insights on a study of hotel operating statements from CBRE’s Trends in the Hotel Industry which showed that new properties with energy-efficient features resulted in substantial energy savings compared to older or less efficient properties. The study concluded that while sustainability efforts can lead to reduced costs, the extent of these savings may depend on various factors such as room size, building size, amenities, building materials, etc. Sustainability is an increasingly crucial component across almost all industries. Embracing new and more efficient business models and technologies is expensive, and often developers and operators...

DUBUQUE, IOWA—Innovative Ink Publishing, an imprint of Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, has released Sustainable Hospitality, written by green hospitality industry expert Dan Ruben. The textbook provides hospitality professionals and students with the knowledge and resources to make their properties environmentally sustainable. “The target audience is hospitality professionals who work for hotels, cruise ships, and other hospitality sectors, as well as hospitality students,” Ruben says. “Managers of senior living facilities, dormitories, and other lodging facilities will benefit from this book, too. Sustainable Hospitality offers a roadmap to a leaner operation—one where less energy and water are consumed, and where less waste is generated....

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a global leader in sustainable and innovative flooring solutions, has updated its iD Latitude LVT line to feature a total of 72 designs. Available in three volumes—iD Latitude Woods, Stones, and Abstracts—the collection offers a breadth of design possibilities for education, workplace, and healthcare spaces. “iD Latitude brings the full trifecta: great design, lasting performance and practical affordability,” said Ben Elliott, Senior Product Manager for Tarkett North America. “Our latest updates to the collection offer modern wood, stone and abstract patterns that support the vision for every space.” iD Latitude Woods mimic the look and feel of natural wood grain,...

RIVERA MAYA, MEXICO—St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, announced the opening of The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya. Descending from the Mayan stars, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is a destination-defining oasis that captures the undiscovered glamour of the Mayan Riviera. Inspired by the neighboring 620-acre nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Sian Ka’an Reserve, the resort breathes life and magic into the Kanai region with its avant-garde architecture, inviting interiors, and bespoke service. Owned by Grupo Alhel, the resort is a short drive from both Cancun and Playa Del Carmen and...

KAUAI, HAWAII—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the opening of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, its flagship nature-and-wellness-focused island oasis overlooking a storied stretch of Kauai’s North Shore. Guests seeking solace and serenity at this sustainable sanctuary can swim, snorkel, bike, paddle, kayak, soak up the sun and surf off a legendary beach where Native Hawaiians lived in harmony with nature for generations and a laidback surf scene still thrives. The dramatic peaks of the Namolokama and Mamalahoa mountains loom over a verdant valley whose iconic waterfalls capture the breathtaking bounty and beauty of Hawaii’s famed “Garden Island.” “Hanalei Bay...

I recently had an opportunity to visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) in Atlanta. It is the home of the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United Football Club (soccer). I went on a tour of the stadium and was very impressed by the steps the owners of the building are taking to minimize its environmental impact. In fact, the stadium was just certified to TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum for its zero waste efforts in January. MBS is the first professional sports stadium worldwide to achieve TRUE Platinum certification for zero waste. Ninety percent of the waste from the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2023 Trends Outlook report, examining societal shifts and economic trends impacting the design profession and the role of design in addressing issues in our world. In 2023, ASID’s research finds that health and wellness continue to be top priorities in both residential and commercial design, with an emphasis on design solutions for the changing lifestyles and needs of older Americans. ASID’s research also explores how design is being impacted by the global mental health crisis, consumers’ demands for sustainability, and a new wave of technology that brings with it the need for...

DULUTH, MINN.—Loll Designs announced updates to their distribution model in the contract channel. Effective April 1, 2023, Loll Designs will be available for purchase in the commercial space as an open line offering and will no longer be distributed by MillerKnoll Ancillary. In anticipation of the change, Loll Designs is expanding its contract team to include a combination of in-house business development representatives and multi-line rep groups. Through this channel, Loll’s commercial customers will receive the highest level of hands-on customer service for their creative projects. All dealers will continue to have the option to source and specify Loll Designs...

NEWARK, N.J.—Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, announced Erica Godun has been named Director, Sustainability. In this newly created position, Godun will be responsible for developing and supporting the firm’s sustainability-focused service offerings and be a resource for clients and team members on the application of project-appropriate green integration. She will create tools that enhance the firm’s internal training platform and delivery of environmentally responsible design solutions. Godun brings more than 25 years of experience in various phases of architecture and design to Ware Malcomb and has been passionate about environmental sustainability throughout her career. She is a LEED accredited...