WINDHAM, VERMONT—If a building becomes as one as possible with its surrounding environment, can it be energy self-sufficient? Yes, it certainly can. Just ask Bob Shannon, President of The Fourth Corner Foundation, Inc., the nonprofit that runs A Stone Wall Inn in Windham, Vermont. Shannon, an architect with two degrees from Yale University, first thought about the 10-room inn on 12 acres in 1969. The three-building inn with a post-modernist feel is heated entirely by solar energy and wood stoves. Every aspect and angle of the well-insulated inn was designed to maximize the power of the sun. “We are making...

CARBONDALE, COLO.—Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn was named as a 2017 Green Hotelier Award Winner and the only North American property to be recognized. A sustainable luxury inn, distillery & tasting room nestled at the base of the Elk Mountains of Colorado in the Carbondale Creative District, Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn was Highly Commended for 2017 in the Americas. “We really loved your ethos and commitment to sustainability and community and you were a very close second to our winner,” said Siobhan O’Neill, Editor of Green Hotelier. The Green Hotelier awards received a record number of applicants from around...

STEVENSON, WASH.—Skamania Lodge, the Columbia River Gorge’s awarding-winning destination, recently broke ground on two new tree houses, set to open in September of 2017. This is the second pair of tree houses, the first opened in the summer of 2016. “We’re thrilled at the way our first two tree houses turned out,” said Skamania Lodge General Manager Ken Daugherty. “They became so popular, we wanted to be able to provide our guests with additional options to truly have that quintessential Columbia River Gorge experience.” Like the first two tree houses, these are nestled in the tall Douglas Firs of the Columbia...

BRYCE CANYON CITY, UTAH—Over the past 13 years, Ruby’s Inn has raised $700,000 for the Bryce Canyon National History Association through its “Dollar Check-Off” program. The program allows guests to give back while visiting the famous Bryce Canyon National Park. “Ruby’s Inn, my family and I wouldn’t be where we are today without Bryce Canyon National Park,” Lance Syrett, General Manager of Ruby’s Inn said. “My ancestors didn’t plan to start a hotel, but they ended up opening Ruby’s Inn so everyone could experience Bryce Canyon’s beauty. This is the reason why we do the dollar program today, to help preserve...

MARCO ISLAND, FLA.—The award-winning Marco Beach Ocean Resort, located along the Gulf of Mexico’s famous white-sand beaches, has been recertified as an environmentally friendly destination, receiving a Two-Palm rating from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program. Known for its Gulf views, intimate environment and personalized service, the 93-suite Marco Beach Ocean Resort was originally certified as a Florida Green Lodge in 2010 and has received the triennial designation since. The certification recognizes the resort for voluntarily adopting initiatives to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. Properties Must Address Five Core Standards The Florida Green Lodging’s environmental guidelines are designed to...

MINNEAPOLIS—In an exclusive new partnership, the first of its kind in North America, Minneapolis’ premiere luxury hotel, Hotel Ivy, is partnering with TREVLS, a Tesla car rental company headquartered in downtown Minneapolis. Beginning this month, Hotel Ivy, 201 S. Eleventh Street in Minneapolis, will offer all guests the opportunity to reserve a Model S or X during their stay. TREVLS’ full-service experience will pick up and deliver the choice of Tesla vehicle directly to Hotel Ivy for the ultimate travel convenience. This partnership will also amplify the already popular “Dom Pérignon” experience that the hotel’s Penthouse Suite is known for. “Our...

KUALA LUMPUR—Marriott International, Inc. announces the debut of the Element Hotels brand to Southeast Asia, with the opening of Element Kuala Lumpur. The hotel was designed by globally-acclaimed architects Foster+Partners. In collaboration with owners IB Hotel Management Sdn Bhd, the hotel is housed within Ilham Tower, making it the tallest eco-conscious hotel, raising the city’s standards in sustainable hospitality. Element Kuala Lumpur is Green Building Index (GBI) certified with eco-friendly design and best practices including a rainwater harvesting system, indoor air quality CO2 monitor and energy-efficient LED lighting. Built green from the ground up, Element Hotels incorporates sustainable design and...

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...