CHARLOTTE, N.C.—At The Fine Lion restaurant and bar in Ashburton, New Zealand, guests are treated to a luxurious, upscale atmosphere that features imported mosaic tiles, brass detailing, lush greenery and contrasting color schemes. It’s what they don’t see, however, that sets the eatery apart from its competition and makes daily operations simpler for staff. With the help of ElectraServe, a local electrical and smart tech integration company, the restaurant installed a Control4 system that consolidates control for lighting, security, heating, cooling, window shades, TVs and audio zones into a single interface that’s accessed through Control4 touch panels or the Control4 mobile app. According to James...

BETHESDA, MD.—JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, recently announced the debut of three herb gardens envisioned and planted by renowned landscape designer Lily Kwong as part of the brand’s JW Garden program. Kwong, whose reverence for nature comes to life through her breathtaking botanical installations, is the founder of Studio Lily Kwong, a next-generation landscape design studio with a mission to reconnect people to nature. JW Marriott is guided by similar principles, with a commitment to mindfulness that allows guests to be present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit—pillars that directly...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced the publication of its 2021 Social Impact and Sustainability Report and significantly refreshed website. The report and website tell the story of the company’s continuing and steadfast commitment to its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles of embracing humanity and protecting the planet. The report and website (mgmresorts.com/ESG) also highlight the company's strategies, programs and performance focused on creating a more sustainable future and making a positive impact on the lives of employees, guests and communities. “Last year was a time of economic change and disruption, but with it came heightened reflection, ultimately resulting in...

VÄSTRA FRÖLUNDA, SWEDEN—Bowls, cutlery, cups—any packaging that is in contact with food—needs a barrier to prevent water and oil from leaking through. Paper and molded fiber packaging have traditionally relied on a thin plastic film or the addition of fluorochemicals to hold out water and grease. Neither of these solutions is ideal, as plastic layers are not degradable and can be difficult to recycle. Fluorochemicals have been found to migrate into food and accumulate in our bodies, prompting them to be banned in many parts of the world. What is the answer, then, for transitioning to environmentally sustainable fiber-based...

TORONTO—Flow Beverage announced that it has executed an agreement with Accor for Flow Alkaline Spring Water to become Accor’s official water partner in North and Central America. The vendor agreement between Flow and Accor is intended to replace all single-use plastic water bottles across Accor’s properties in the region with Flow water. A world leading hospitality group with more than 5,300 properties in 110 countries, Accor is the second largest luxury hotel operator in North America. Beginning last month, Flow products were launched at more than 70 luxury hotel properties under such globally renowned brands as Fairmont and Sofitel, across...

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Delaware North, a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry, announced a partnership with Sierra Nevada and Impossible Burger for its 2022 Earth Month campaign, “Seeds for Sustainability.” The campaign, part of Delaware North’s award-winning GreenPath program, replaced traditional cardboard drink coasters and beverage napkins with eco-friendly, plantable seed coasters for guests to take home, plant and enjoy. The Earth Day promotion, featuring Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing and plant-based Impossible Burgers, was available at 27 locations across Delaware North’s Parks, Travel, Gaming and Patina Restaurant Group divisions during the month of April, while supplies lasted. In all, more than...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Knowing that traveling responsibly is top of mind for travelers according to Hilton’s latest Global Trends Report, “The 2022 Traveler: Emerging Trends and the Redefined Traveler, a Report from Hilton,” Hilton hotels around the world are prioritizing sustainability at the forefront of their operations as part of Hilton’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, Travel with Purpose, to drive responsible travel and tourism globally. Hilton hotels around the world are catering to a new type of guest—the bees. A critical part of our ecosystem as natural pollinators for our gardens, parks, and communities, beekeeping helps protect their declining population. From...

LONDON—Zeal Hotels is planning a new hotel concept which follows sustainable principles from the build and throughout its operation to hopefully create a carbon net zero property. The company is in the process of acquiring a site for a 140+ room new build hotel and the group is targeting the U.K. for further growth opportunities. Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director, Zeal Hotels, said that the concept has been welcomed “with open arms by planning authorities and we are in discussions regarding several opportunities at the moment.” “We have been working on the idea of a sustainable hotel for over three years,” Wheeldon...

I have reported on Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort numerous times on Green Lodging News. I recently learned that the carbon-neutral property in Eagle Beach, Aruba, plans to go carbon negative this year. The announcement was made on Earth Day. How does the property plan to reach its goal? Here is a list of their latest initiatives: Green loans for employees. To continue the reduction of fossil fuel-dependency, Bucuti & Tara provides employees with loans for electric bicycles, electric automobiles, and solar panels for home use. Charging stations. Guests and staff have complimentary use of the resort’s electric charging stations for...

BETHESDA, MD.—Curator Hotel & Resort Collection announced a new partnership with Tayst Coffee Roaster to provide premium and sustainable coffee products to its members. Through this partnership, members can provide the highest quality coffee to guests using products like sustainably sourced beans from South America and 100 percent compostable single-serve pods, capsules and packaging. “At Curator, we believe in helping our members provide quality experiences that leave guests feeling good about their choice to stay at our properties,” said Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection. “To successfully achieve this, we know that providing thoughtful products and services are...