WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building program. LEED v5 builds on the 25-year legacy and global impact of LEED, updating and strengthening the most widely recognized, influential sustainability standard for the building industry while providing user-friendly tools for building owners and teams to pursue certification through enhanced technology updates. “Since its public launch 25 years ago, LEED has profoundly impacted millions of people in cities and communities around the world,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC. “LEED v5 raises the bar, further defining and...

CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO—Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital announced that Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—has approved Esencia to pursue its highest accolade in environmental stewardship: the Signature Platinum Certification. Set on 2,000 acres of tropical natural beauty on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, Esencia is a new cosmopolitan coastal community that seamlessly integrates hotels, branded residences, and amenities across a sensitively designed master plan at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. In a rare endeavor, the developers are pursuing certification for the entire development,...

BELLEVUE, WASH.—Staypineapple, the national boutique hotel brand, has continued to build on its sustainability achievements over the past year. The company is expanding green practices across all properties and at the corporate level. With these efforts, it is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the hospitality space. “At Staypineapple, we are proud of the significant progress we’ve made in fostering a more sustainable environment for our guests, team members and the communities we serve,” said Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple. “In 2024, we set clear goals to reduce our carbon footprint, and I’m excited to say we’ve made solid...

AMSTERDAM—Booking.com released the 10th edition of its annual research exploring consumer attitudes and intentions with regards to the social and ecological impact of travel. With insights from 32,000 travelers in 34 countries, and amid growing discussion of the impact of tourism on destinations, the research concludes that, for the first time, more than half of travelers (53 percent) are now conscious of travel’s impact on communities as well as the environment, and that two thirds (69 percent) now want to leave places better than when they arrived. Booking.com’s new research takes a community-centric lens. Asking respondents not just how they...

NATIONAL REPORT—As a hotel owner or resort operator, you have opportunities to make a welcoming environment for your guests while contributing to a healthier planet. One effective way to achieve both is by repurposing materials within your establishment. This approach can save costs and enhance guest comfort. Plus, it can improve your property’s aesthetics and bolster your reputation as an eco-conscious business. Here are practical ideas for repurposing materials for comfort and sustainability. Get started and make the most of the benefits behind these sustainable shifts. Upcycled Furniture for Unique Aesthetics Transform guestrooms and communal areas by incorporating upcycled furniture. For instance, reimagine old suitcases into storage chests. Also, try repurposing any reclaimed wood...

SINGAPORE—While Earth Day reminds us to celebrate our planet, working towards sustainability is a year-round commitment. Across the globe, meet five hotels that make environmental stewardship their daily mission. Set in historic cities to lush tropical landscapes, these properties prove that fun and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering unforgettable experiences while trying to protect the destinations they call home. Centara Reserve Samui, Thailand Set amidst lush gardens along the tranquil coastline of Chaweng Beach, Centara Reserve Samui harmonizes luxury with sustainability initiatives. As a flagship property of Thailand’s leading Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort is committed to trying to protect Samui’s delicate ecosystem, with...

ORLANDO, FLA.—America’s 63 National Parks draw in serious hikers, and they also provide opportunities for beginners and families alike to unwind, take their time and soak in nature’s beauty. For National Park Week and beyond, the program offers expert content to help travelers make the most of their time outdoors. The adventure-loving vacation club WorldMark by Wyndham has teamed up with America’s Park Ranger, Ash Nudd, as the WorldMark Hiking Concierge. Nudd is a seasoned expert on national parks and creator of the Dirt In My Shoes hiking blog. Having worked as a park ranger in Utah, Alaska, and Wyoming, she...

MIAMI—Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, a leader in sustainable tourism, invited eco-conscious travelers to celebrate Earth Day by embracing its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. The all-inclusive hotel group is proud to highlight its most recent recognition: Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo in the Dominican Republic was awarded the Sustainable Tourism Business Award by the Samaná Tourism Cluster. This prestigious award celebrates the hotel’s ongoing efforts in resource management, waste reduction, and its dedication to environmental protection—marking the second time a Bahia Principe property has been honored with this recognition. Bahia Principe’s commitment to sustainability is driven by the “We Are Ecocentric”...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The California Hotel & Lodging Association supports Gov. Newsom’s Executive Order extending the non-establishment of tenancy in Los Angeles County hotels to July 1, 2025 to give Los Angeles fire evacuees the ability to stay in hotels longer. “Gov. Newsom’s order allows our hotels to continuously shelter individuals, families and pets as the L.A. community continues its long recovery from the devastating wildfires,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, CHLA’s President and CEO. “Removing these obstacles from hotels so they can provide shelter to those who lost their homes is simply the right thing to do.” California law generally limits hotel stays at many hotels to 30 days. On January 27, 2025, Newsom...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Half-finished plates of food, vegetables that spoiled in the walk-in, and a few stale pieces of toast from the breakfast buffet don’t sound all that shocking. After each service, restaurant and hotel food waste isn’t very dramatic, but over time all the wasted food really adds up. Food waste is one of the most pressing challenges in the restaurant industry. It affects the business’ profitability and sustainability. It also has significant ecological, planetary and human implications. Every year, restaurants worldwide generate millions of tons of food waste, contributing to economic losses and environmental harm. At the same time, the...