NATIONAL REPORT—There are many roofing materials on the market today that can give a house (or B&B or inn) that new home look that will make it stand out from the rest of the other houses in the neighborhood. However, there are environmentally conscious homeowners today that are interested in adapting to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Many households in the United States focus on recycling, using low-energy appliances, utilizing water-saving systems, and even opt for environmentally friendly roof designs. There are five roofing alternatives that are not harmful to the environment and that can still make a home look as good...

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND—SH Hotels & Resorts announced that it will open its award-winning Treehouse Hotel in Manchester, the brand’s second U.K. location, in 2023. Treehouse Hotel Manchester, owned by a controlled affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, is being developed in partnership with Property Alliance Group and will mark the first phase of a £200m redevelopment of the former Renaissance Hotel on Deansgate. Treehouse Hotels celebrates the joy of youth, of freedom, of fun, of dreams, and friends, real and imaginary. In a Treehouse you leave the everyday and enter a world of your own imagination. The wondrous, childhood feeling of climbing into a...

DALTON, GA.—Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., has announced its support of The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign. The campaign, which is being supported by multiple members of the Berkshire Hathaway Sustainability Leadership Council, is a major forest restoration effort with an incredible end goal of planting a billion trees. Shaw’s donation represents the company’s commitment to supporting organizations that are making bold efforts to increase the health and well-being of the planet and the people who call it home. “Trees contribute so many benefits to both people and nature, like providing clean air...

NEW ALBANY, IND.—Versa Designed Surfaces, U.S. manufacturer of commercial wallcovering Versa Wallcovering, the flagship brand of Versa Designed Surfaces, has launched the 13th design in its collection of PVC-free commercial wallcovering: Aspect. This design utilizes a new mid-scale emboss that creates an engaging ripple effect and gives the design visual depth and dimension that is complemented by the muted tones in the 16-color palette. The intriguing geometric pattern within Aspect makes it a versatile option for indoor spaces in the hospitality, healthcare, retail, and corporate markets. The PVC-free collection provides wallcovering specifiers choice in material without compromising the quality and...

PHILADELPHIA—Element Hotels—part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 leading brands and designed for today’s healthy, active traveler—announced the opening of Element Philadelphia, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Developed by Conshohoken-based Chestlen Development, the hotel will be the newest addition to Philadelphia’s reemerging hospitality scene, with travelers planning an average of 2.7 trips this year, according to a recent Visit Philadelphia report. Designed with a focus on sustainability and well-being, Element is ideal for families, groups and business travelers who want to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. “Bringing the Element brand to Philadelphia was a strategic decision to appeal...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions, has released its 2020 Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility (CSR) report. Fully audited by an independent third-party organization, KPMG, this report showcases the company’s ongoing sustainability performance. “In the last ten years, we have achieved strong progress in sustainability. In many cases we have exceeded our 2020 objectives, developing circular economy initiatives, reducing our carbon footprint and eco-designing our products with healthy materials,” says CEO Fabrice Barthélemy. “Opening a second chapter in its sustainability strategy, Tarkett is leading the way in its industry. As part of our ‘Change...

According to the Robb Report, Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio (HAADS) is planning a spinning 152-suite hotel for Qatar that will float and feature the latest green technology—a combination of technologies never before seen in the lodging industry. “The futuristic design is characterized by its unique ability to spin and produce clean energy just like a giant hydro generator,” the article says. “As per the project specs shared by HAADS, the hotel generates electricity by automatically rotating its position and converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. To achieve this, the structure is equipped with a set of propellers and thrusters...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—LEO A DALY, the international planning, architecture, engineering and interiors firm, announced the promotion of Kristina Crawley, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, to Vice President, Global Commercial Practice Leader. In this role, Crawley will lead the firm’s commercial and workplace design practice in all matters of business strategy, client management and design delivery worldwide. She is based in Washington, D.C. Crawley is an architect with 17 years of experience leading complex commercial mixed-use, hospitality, retail, restaurant and workplace projects in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Since 2016, she has served as commercial market sector leader for the Washington,...

ATLANTA—Element Hotels, part of Marriott International, along with Atlanta based RevPAR Development LLC, recently announced the opening of the Element Atlanta/Buckhead, marking the debut of the stylish and eco-focused hotel brand in Georgia. The hotel, which is in the heart of Buckhead, aims to fuel a balanced life for travelers on the road. Designed for today’s healthy, active traveler, Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a clean, modern, and bright nature-inspired design philosophy featured throughout the hotel. The Element Atlanta/Buckhead boasts 164 suites including spacious studios and the new, innovative Studio Commons concept consisting of multiple rooms...

CHEVY CHASE, MD.—One of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the United States—PM Hotel Group—also happens to be one of the ones most committed to corporate responsibility. The Chevy Chase, Md.-based company has its own Director of Sustainability + Facilities (Christie Berlin), manages four LEED hotels, including one LEED Platinum (Home2 Suites by Hilton Silver Spring, Md.) and purchases 100 percent green energy. “We started 10 years ago with 11 hotels,” Berlin says. “We now manage 51 and are working on three development projects at the moment.” “This company has always been committed to corporate responsibility,” Berlin adds. “It definitely...