CHICAGO—The 455-all suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile recently repurposed its atrium as the largest greenhouse in the city in launching its new “Sky Garden” concept and herb collection allowing the hotel to connect with its guests with a “direct-to-fork” approach. Given the climate in Chicago, most rooftop gardens are seasonal, active for only six months and not accessible to guests. The new 750-square-foot Sky Garden is open and accessible 365 days a year with accessibility to guests whether staying at the hotel for business or leisure. The hotel’s culinary team created the Sky Garden’s herb collection...

CYPRESS, CALIF.—The Ramada Silicon Valley in Sunnyvale, Calif. recently announced the completion of a photovoltaic (PV) system by Sky Power Solar with solar modules from Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. The 269 kW system includes 996 Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Premium solar modules and is projected to produce 426,000 kWh of power annually. The electricity generated by the system is expected to power at least 70 percent of the hotel’s 175 guestrooms, public lighting and three EV charging stations. The clean energy produced by the system is expected to equal a reduction of 8,727 tons of CO2 over 25 years or planting 203,000 trees. In...

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND—Providing unobstructed views from every direction, New Zealand’s PurePods are free-standing glass accommodations designed for up-close and uninterrupted encounters with nature. Set in an open clearing on private farm land, the four PurePods provide a singular boutique hotel experience, a one-room home that offers comfort, luxury and dramatic vistas without neighbors. Due to their setting and location, complete privacy is ensured. The PurePod stay is part of a New Zealand itinerary arranged by New Zealand travel experts New Zealand In Depth. The PurePod concept is all about the view. Constructed almost entirely from glass with no carpet, curtains...

WHISTLER, B.C.—The United Nations declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, and Fairmont Chateau Whistler has followed suit this spring by introducing a new sustainability initiative. Working in collaboration with ‘Clean the World Canada since the start of the year, Fairmont Chateau Whistler is now diverting discarded soap and amenity bottled products from landfill and is now recycling and repurposing these materials. The repurposed product is being distributed to Canadians in need at local food banks and homeless shelters where the requirement of hygiene products is critical. Since inauguration of the program, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler...

SOUTH BOSTON, VA.—Electric vehicle charging stations are the newest amenity at Virginia bed and breakfasts that are catering to a more green-friendly clientele. This is the dawn of these new vehicles, and usage so far is rather scattered. But the inns expect a bigger influx of visitors as electric car sales pick up in urban and rural areas of the Commonwealth. At Oak Grove Plantation in South Boston, Va., shiny new electric charging stations are powered by the inn’s 48 solar photovoltaic panels. “We are hoping to appeal to visitors who are conscious of their lodging’s carbon footprint,” says innkeeper Pickett...

TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M.—Taos Ski Valley says it is the first ski resort in the world to become a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp) by thoroughly demonstrating its commitment to deliberate and thoughtful social, economic and environmental actions. Certified B Corps are required to meet the highest standards of verified economic, social and environmental performance, and public transparency. The B Corp certification further underscores Taos Ski Valley’s investment in the people who live in Northern New Mexico, its commitment to a sustainable economic future, its stewardship of the natural environment, and respect for the visitors who come to experience...

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand, has opened the doors of its third property and first ground-up development, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Remaining true to 1 Hotels founder, Barry Sternlicht’s, core philosophy, “The world around us is beautiful, and we want to keep it that way.” According to Starwood Capital, the property cultivates the best of eco-conscious design, sustainable architecture, cause-oriented partnerships, and unrivaled service. Situated at Pier 1, just south of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, in Brooklyn Bridge Park with sweeping waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge was developed by...

IRVINE, CALIF.—Pacific Hospitality Group (PHG) announced that its Meritage Collection property, Bacara Resort & Spa, is the recipient of the 2016 Cool Planet Award presented by Southern California Edison (SCE) and The Climate Registry. PHG and its Doubletree by Hilton at Irvine-Spectrum and Santa Ana-Orange County Airport properties also received honorable mentions for their green energy initiatives during the awards ceremony that took place last fall. The Cool Planet Award recognizes SCE business customers that demonstrate exemplary leadership in energy and carbon management within its business size and industry sector. Bacara Resort & Spa earned the highest honor for its...

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—The 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami Beach, Fla. announced that it was awarded LEED Silver. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. As a new brand and hospitality concept, the 1 Hotel South Beach was conceived by Starwood Capital to be South Beach’s leading lifestyle eco-brand destination hotel. The project consisted of renovating every aspect of 240 guestrooms, corridors, and 87 multi-room guest...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Mason & Rook hotel in Washington, D.C. announced that it has been awarded LEED Silver. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. The Mason & Rook project was more than just a renovation; it was a complete rebranding of the original property. The project consisted of construction of a new, one-story addition adjacent to the ground floor, over the existing basement level parking garage,...