WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new legislation has been put in place known as the Biden Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Its purpose is to put action behind the long celebrated “infrastructure week” as there are many parts to this law. One piece of the document that stands out for hotels is the passion to increase electric vehicle (EV) use. To encourage combustion engine vehicle owners to switch over to EVs, $7.5 billion will be invested to implement chargers across the United States. Hotels that have been considering becoming more sustainable can benefit from this act considering it would allow them to finally have an...

HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN—At the far end of the pier in the climate-smart district of Oceanhamnen, Scandic announces the opening of its second hotel in Helsingborg, Scandic Oceanhamnen. The hotel, which has 184 rooms on 13 floors as well as a relaxation area and rooftop terrace, is located on the waterfront overlooking the Öresund sound. Scandic Oceanhamnen has been designed according to the Sweden Green Building Council Gold standard and has been certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official ecolabel of the Nordic countries. Scandic Oceanhamnen is nestled in a rapidly growing residential and commercial area just minutes from the city...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—A study from the University of California, Davis, reveals that microplastics can carry land-based pathogens to the oceans, posing a threat to the health of humans and wildlife alike. Bluewater, a world-leading innovator of water purification solutions designed to end the need for single-use plastic bottles, said the study’s findings highlighted the need to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. A UC Davis press release said the study by a team of its university researchers had indicated that, by hitchhiking on microplastics, pathogens can disperse throughout the ocean, reaching places a land parasite wouldn’t be found usually. The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal,...

MACAU—Melco Resorts & Entertainment has published its fourth sustainability strategy RISE to go Above & Beyond (link). Through maintaining four key material topics that underpin Melco’s sustainability commitment, including “Restoring our World”, “Inspiring our Communities”, “Sustaining our Supply Chain” and “Empowering our Business”, the strategy drives performance and sustainability initiatives to help the company reach its ambitious goals. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts and Entertainment, said, “Melco has continued to rise beyond continuing pandemic challenges and in ways that have indeed accelerated our sustainability efforts in 2021. From colleagues to suppliers and partners, the company is strengthening its actions to...

NATIONAL REPORT—A rain garden is a great way to make use of natural rainwater to create an eco-friendly, visually spectacular border or flowerbed. Rain gardens are typically created in areas where the landscape naturally dips or receives a large quantity of runoff from hard surfaces like roofs or tarmac. Rain gardens also have the benefit of being low-maintenance spaces that reduce erosion and attract birds. This combination of innate sustainability and improved biodiversity makes rain gardens perfect for the hotel and hospitality architecture, as gardens that make use of natural resources are usually cheap to maintain and help hotels achieve...

SOUTH RIM, GRAND CANYON—Travelers headed to Grand Canyon now have a new option for in-park accommodations. After its $35 million reconstruction by Xanterra Travel Collection, Maswik South Lodge is the first new lodging inside the park in over 50 years and is just footsteps away from the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. Constructed in 1971, the original 90 rooms have been replaced with 120 new lodging units across four new lodging structures in the same general location. The 4.5-acre property features two types of accommodations: 90 standard rooms and 30 kitchenettes. The rooms now include private balconies, and the...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—The first phase of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s (DGDA) master plan has been awarded platinum-level precertification for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC’s LEED certification is a globally recognized, prestigious symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership, providing a framework for healthy, efficient and cost-saving green buildings and is the world’s most widely known sustainability certification scheme. LEED certification can be achieved at different levels: the building, neighborhood, community and city levels. The first phase of the Diriyah development has targeted the certification at both the...

THE MALDIVES—Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences’ eco-credentials have been given a further seal of approval, with its acceptance into Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection. This makes it the only resort in the Maldives to become a member of the Considerate Collection—an ethos-driven standard for boutique hotels that go the extra mile to be greener. Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) curated the Considerate Collection list from its partner hotels to help guests make informed choices when booking their holidays. As such, SLH’s Considerate Collection only includes hotels that have made genuine and quantified efforts to be more sustainable. Amilla...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton announced the opening of the Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, a boutique estate with 21 villas and deluxe rooms brimming with the charm of an Ecuadorian Hacienda. Secluded on a 160-hectare estate in the lush Miconia Highland Forests adjacent to Galapagos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Curio Collection by Hilton’s newest tranquil sanctuary is a haven for serenity and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. “Debuting in a destination that organically welcomes travelers to connect with nature, dream and discover, this momentous opening marks the first international hotel brand in the Galapagos Islands, while making Ecuador the...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Corporate social responsibility initiatives are high on the agenda of many hotels these days. However, there is a notable imbalance between smaller and larger players in the market. Social and environmental challenges are clearly seen as relevant for large hotel chains. They possess substantial resources, and their behaviors are carefully scrutinized. Markets and customers tend to evaluate hotel companies that act on CSR more favorably. However, independent hotels are also concerned and are making an active effort in this area. In this journey, some are tackling all the social, economic, and environmental issues while others are encountering difficulties. CSR Strategy—Top...