CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. today announced Hyatt’s first annual Global Day of Gratitude as part of Hyatt’s commitment to caring for the wellbeing of its colleagues, guests and customers. On December 12, 2018, every guest checking into a Hyatt-branded hotel and every Hyatt colleague around the globe is encouraged to send a postcard to someone for whom they are grateful. The custom-designed “Gratitude Grams” will be handed to guests upon check-in today, and, if the guest returns it to the hotel, Hyatt will cover the postage. “We believe wellbeing is the ultimate expression of our purpose—to care for people so they can...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of the Dodge Data & Analytics World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket Report, to which USGBC is a contributing partner. Overall, global green building activity continues to rise, with significant increases expected in 19 countries over the next three years. Importantly, nearly half of survey respondents expect that most of their projects in the next three years will be green buildings. “With more and more people demanding and expecting healthier places to live and work, more and more leaders around the globe are committing to green building, which is now...

CHICAGO—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched LEED Zero, a new program that will address net zero operations and resources in buildings. “Net zero is a powerful target that will move the entire industry forward,” said Melissa Baker, Senior Vice President of Technical Core at USGBC. “For years, LEED projects around the world have aspired to net zero milestones. We are recognizing the leadership of these projects—and formalizing our commitment to focusing on carbon and net zero across the entire LEED community. These new certification programs will encourage a holistic approach for buildings and places to contribute to a regenerative...

BURBANK, CALIF.—The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continued its more than 20-year commitment to conservation last month by awarding more than $5 million in grants to support 76 organizations working to protect the magic of nature around the world. The fund also recognized 13 people across the globe with the Disney Conservation Hero award, for their tireless efforts to save wildlife, protect habitats and inspire communities to take part in conservation efforts. “The Walt Disney Company has a rich history of respecting, protecting and preserving our natural resources and wildlife; as such, we are proud to award these latest grants to people and...

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA—Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu has launched new immersive guest experiences within its 64-acre Rasa Ria Reserve to showcase the unique Borneo rainforest, home to numerous plants and animals found only on the island. Located in the 130-million-year-old jungles of Malaysian Borneo, the Rasa Ria Reserve’s enhancements focus on local nature conservation and education through scenic walking trails, hiking to the Ria Lookout, a Discovery Centre, Canopy Walkway, Waterfall Garden Area, and an Adventure Point with a climbing wall and playground. Through these new facilities and programs, guests can explore some of the world’s...

ATLANTA—Attaining environmental benefits and lower cost of ownership are driving more commercial fleets to electrify, according to a UPS and GreenBiz study released last month. In the “Curve Ahead: The Future of Fleet Electrification” report, industry leaders identify the main motivations and barriers to electrification, as well as strategies to move the commercial electric vehicle market from niche to mainstream. The top motivation to go electric for 83 percent of large businesses surveyed is sustainability and environmental goals. A lower total cost of ownership—factoring in both direct and indirect costs and savings over the life of the vehicle—is the second biggest driver, cited by 64...

NEW YORK—Off Season Adventures, a sustainable tour operator, is teaming up with Tanzanian tour company, Dry to Green Adventure LTD, to raise money to build a year-round water source in Tanzania to supply drinking water for Kakoi and three other villages, two nearby schools, and a dispensary. Kakoi Village has a natural water source during the rainy season, however, there is no feasible way to retain the water throughout the dry season, forcing the community to walk four to five miles to obtain water. Many companies have tried to help Kakoi build a dependable water supply, but without long-term success. “Tourism...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment, in collaboration with Clean the World, a leader in global health, announced the successful distribution of 2,500 pounds of soap to 14,000 children in Zambia. Team members from Caesars Entertainment and its affiliates hand-delivered the supplies last week to help reduce the spread of disease. “Our relationship with Clean the World exemplifies how we put our PEOPLE PLANET PLAY commitment into action,” said Jan Jones Blackhurst, Caesars Entertainment Executive Vice President, Public Policy & Corporate Responsibility. “Each year, Caesars collects and donates more than 53 tons of soap and shampoo from hotel rooms, so I am proud that our team...

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—Six months after soft opening in Colorado Springs, the 176-room SCP hotel there is enjoying “off the charts” reviews according to Ken Cruse, CEO of Soul Community Planet, LLC, the parent company of SCP Hotels. The renovation of what once was a Knights Inn and other branded properties is attracting travelers and locals with its eco-industrial vibe and features such as the SCP fitness center. The SCP Hotel Colorado Springs is the first of several green, community-focused hotels planned by Soul Community Planet. The next one will open in Redmond, Ore. Cruse says he and his core team had been...

ATLANTA—AAHOA, the largest hotel owners association in the world, and Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), a nationwide leader in trafficking prevention education, announced the launch of a new human trafficking awareness training. The training, which is accessible to AAHOA members through the AAHOA website, is the latest step in an expanded partnership the two organizations announced earlier this year. The co-branded anti-trafficking online training is available in English and Spanish for group or individual training, and those who complete the training will receive certification. “The new online human trafficking awareness training provided by AAHOA and BEST is yet another proactive...