CINCINNATI—Attendee registration is now open for Boutique Design New York (BDNY), the award-winning trade fair and conference tailored exclusively to hospitality design professionals. The event will take place November 9 to 10 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Charting double-digit growth each year since its 2010 debut, BDNY now features 500+ exhibitors and encompasses 70,000 square feet of exhibit space—already sold out for 2014. BDNY’s dynamic growth was recognized by Trade Show Executive magazine’s Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, held in Chicago in May. BDNY swept the awards, ranking No. 1 in Percentage Growth in Exhibit Space as well as...

EL SEGUNDO, CALIF.—RENSON, a European developer and manufacturer of sun shading and ventilation system solutions, introduces its line of Camargue, Algarve and Lagune patio structures to the North American market. These structures, which can either be affixed to the exterior of a residence or commercial building, or constructed as free-standing entities, broaden the usable space of a home or building by moderating outdoor weather conditions. Tempering the sun’s effects to maintain comfortable occupancy of patios and other outdoor spaces even in the hottest hours of the day and months of the year, RENSON’s patio structures additionally provide precipitation protection...

DALTON, GA.—J+J Flooring Group announced that it has received two GreenStep Awards from Floor Covering Weekly. The annual awards program honors “organizations and individuals in the flooring industry for their stewardship, initiatives and accomplishments in the area of environmental sustainability,” according to the publication.  J+J Flooring Group was named a winner in the Product Category for Kinetex and received an Honorable Mention for Aquafinity in the Process Category.  Kinetex is a textile composite flooring that combines the key attributes of soft-surface flooring with the long-wearing performance characteristics of hard-surface flooring. The product was selected for its numerous sustainable attributes,...

REVERE, MASS.—Mohegan Sun Massachusetts is expected to be among the greenest resort casinos in the nation, with one of the highest LEED scores of any such facility in the industry. This is according to points earned from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification program that recognizes building best practices and scores various elements and features.The Massachusetts Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA MA) has also commended Mohegan Sun Massachusetts, calling it “markedly superior in every design aspect” compared to a Wynn Resorts proposal for Everett, Mass.In a letter to the...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of the 138-room Element Harrison-Newark, the brand’s second hotel in New Jersey. The hotel is owned by Harrison Hotel 1, an entity of Ironstate Holdings, LLC and The Pegasus Group, and managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts.“Element Harrison-Newark is an exciting addition to the Element portfolio and will provide a smart, sustainable lodging option for travelers to the bustling Newark metropolitan area,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “On track to double its portfolio in the next two years, Element offers guests a...

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK—The large structures arriving in Yellowstone National Park’s Canyon Village are tangible indications that the Canyon Lodge & Cabins redevelopment project is truly taking shape. Constructed in Boise, Idaho by Guerdon Enterprises, the modules will eventually comprise five multi-story lodges featuring stone and wood that blend into the surrounding area. The first three lodges will open in 2015 and the remaining two the following year.The modules are being created in a controlled environment that allows for year-round work while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. As part of its concessions contract with the National Park Service (NPS), lodge...

NEW YORK—Premium Danish furniture brand Republic of Fritz Hansen announced their qualification for the Greenguard certification as of July 2014. Greenguard certified products include Egg and Egg footstool, Swan, Series 7, Ant, Grand Prix, Lily, Oxford, Ro, Nap, and Dot.In order to receive certification, the products have been tested by UL Environment for Volatile Organic Compounds and have obtained the Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certification. This program helps manufacturers create and buyers identify and trust a brand whose products have low chemical emissions. Greenguard exemplifies Fritz Hansen’s efforts to continuously improve on reducing toxic emissions and exposure to toxic chemicals...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. released its 2014 Sustainability Report—available this year as 10 separate and concise issue reports—sharing the company’s progress against a 2007 baseline, including a nearly 13 percent decrease in water intensity, 11 percent decrease in energy intensity, and a 12 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions intensity. One of Marriott’s key environmental goals is to achieve a 20 percent reduction in energy and water intensity by 2020. “Our sustainability strategy is critical to the growth and success of our communities, our company, and our efforts to help protect our planet’s natural resources,” said Arne Sorenson, President...

HORSHAM, PA.—Roxanna Lopez, an Operations Manager for LRA Worldwide in the Audits and Inspections Group, has achieved LEED Accredited Professional (AP) status from the United States Green Building Council. Lopez’s certificate is in the Building Operations & Maintenance specialty. Previously, Lopez was recognized as a LEED Green Associate; the LEED AP credential signifies an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices along with the ability to work in the specialized LEED Rating System.Lopez has been at the forefront of LRA’s work in the sustainability field, developing the on-site verification process for the Green Key Eco-Rating program, the hotel...

DALTON, GA.—Tandus Centiva, a Tarkett Co., announced that its ethos products, ethos modular and Powerbond ethos cushion have completed an Environmental Health Statement (EHS). An EHS is a third-party reviewed declaration of content and material assessment for building products. The material assessment and review of content was performed by the Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA) International, the scientific institute founded by Dr. Michael Braungart. The EHS is designed to thoroughly address ingredient disclosure, possible human and environmental health impacts as well as post-use considerations. The EHS discloses, within a rating system, whether or not an ingredient may pose a...