NORTHBROOK, ILL.—The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, introduced its GBAC STAR facility accreditation program on cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. It is the industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation. GBAC STAR establishes requirements to assist facilities with work practices, protocols, procedures, and systems to control risks associated with infectious agents, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Accreditation criteria and facility applications are now available at www.gbac.org. “GBAC STAR is the gold standard of safe facilities, providing third-party validation that ensures facilities implement strict protocols for biorisk situations,” said GBAC Executive Director...

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—For nearly 40 years, Sandals Resorts has continuously implemented and strengthened health and safety protocols to ensure guests are able to enjoy their Caribbean vacation worry-free. In preparation to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean, the company introduced Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, building on its existing practices to guarantee cleanliness standards and heightened health and safety measures that address changing consumer expectations amidst COVID-19. “At Sandals Resorts, cleanliness and safety have always been priority number one. Our loyal guests and incredible team members are part of the Sandals family, and we take...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—The Red Sea Development Co. (TRSDC), the developer behind one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects, has shared details of an activity to identify the location of its overwater assets around four key islands at the destination. This activity informs the positioning of overwater assets, including villas, restaurants and hotel arrival points for two hyper-luxury hotels and one luxury hotel on Sheybarah South and Ummahat Al Shaykh islands. It marked the location of the assets in accordance with the destination’s approved Master Plan and took around three weeks to conduct. “The marking of locations for our overwater assets...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a new strategy, Healthy People in Healthy Places Equals a Healthy Economy, intended to leverage LEED and the community implementing the rating system to support buildings and communities in a post-pandemic world. The strategy is guided by the idea that prioritizing the health of people, communities and the planet is the fastest way to rebuild a healthier, more sustainable economy. A series of actions are underway, including launching emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program to ensure that it reflects the realities that buildings, and more importantly, the people...

TORONTO—Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has entered into a collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, the global division of health care and research leader Johns Hopkins Medicine, to validate its new global health and safety program, Lead With Care, and provide ongoing, real-time guidance on the evolving COVID-19 situation. Grounded in the principles of care, trust and service, the Lead With Care program will be reviewed and validated by Johns Hopkins Medicine experts and implemented by teams at Four Seasons properties around the world. “Within this new environment, our singular goal is to provide guests, residents and employees with the confidence and...

NATIONAL REPORT—There is tremendous demand for eco-friendly design features and elements not only in residential development but also in commercial development. There are plenty of reasons for business owners to seek out green commercial spaces. In terms of overhead and operating expenses, with an eco-friendly space, there are opportunities to save money. For example, the integration of an energy-efficient PTAC air-conditioning unit can help cool spaces that central air can’t reach. Then, there are also chances for businesses to use their dedication to being green as a marketing tool. Modern consumers want to buy from businesses they feel reflect their values. The following...

NATIONAL REPORT—One of the main ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is through the wearing of face masks. Face masks prevent you from spreading respiratory droplets and help reduce, but not eliminate, the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles. In recent months, many suppliers have emerged selling different types of masks. A review of supplier sites found at least a half-dozen different mask types. Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality, a company currently selling several mask varieties, says his customers are primarily buying 3-ply and KN95 for non-medical use masks. Both N95 and KN95 masks are available in the marketplace...

CHICAGO—In recognition of the extraordinary care they provide to their community, American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels Corp. recently announced they will award thousands of healthcare professionals from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst three-night complimentary vacations to help them recharge and reconnect with their loved ones, once they are able to take time for themselves. American Airlines and Hyatt are coming together to show their appreciation to one of the hospitals hardest hit by COVID-19 in the United States. From doctors, physician assistants and nurses to facilities and food service teams, the staff—more than 4,000—at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst will be treated...

PORTLAND, ORE.—McMenamins announced a $20 million Preferred Stock Offering to retire short-term debt as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown and to proceed on some “secret projects” that have been in the planning stages for years—including one new construction hotel and one renovated hotel. This is the first time the company has opened direct investment in McMenamins, Inc., to those outside the McMenamin family. Complementing the independent spirit of the company, McMenamins aims to attract minimum investments of $100,000 or more from 150 to 200 accredited investors to shift the company’s capital structure toward a greater reliance on equity. Monies...

DALLAS—G6 Hospitality, the parent company for the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, has launched “Clean@6,” a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure that guests feel confident when staying at any of the brands’ nearly 1,400 locations across the United States and Canada. Recognizing the need for even greater vigilance related to cleanliness, disinfection and sanitization as the country continues to navigate the impact of COVID-19, the company has undertaken a comprehensive approach to protect against the spread of viruses by partnering with a renowned combination of medical advisors, industrial cleaning providers and housekeeping specialists. “We want Motel 6 and Studio 6...