PHILADELPHIA—Aramark, the largest U.S.-based food service provider, announced it is the first contract catering company in the U.S. to sign World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Cool Food Pledge. By signing the Pledge, Aramark is committing to drastically reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the food it serves in the U.S. by 25 percent by 2030. Cutting carbon emissions is a critical component of the company’s sustainability plan, Be Well. Do Well., focused on positively impacting people and the planet. The announcement supports Aramark’s efforts and furthers the company’s journey toward setting science-based targets, including its path to net zero emissions, since...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—In the hospitality sector that has been traditionally dominated by men, Red Roof has been an industry leader in promoting and nurturing women entrepreneurs. This year, at its fourth annual Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs, designed to help women in hospitality develop deeper business acumen and stronger leadership skills, Red Roof celebrated its progress with 31 percent of its hotels owned or partially owned by women. Red Roof knows that support is essential to women overcoming barriers and thriving in the workplace. That’s why the company is committed to giving women the tools they need to manage more effectively...

NATIONAL REPORT—U.S.-based RegenoPlast Materials LLC is distributing Storm Board, a replacement for plywood and wood fiber boards. Storm Board, comprised of 100 percent post-consumer and post-industrial mixed plastic waste, is currently made in the U.K. by Storm Board LLP. According to RegenoPlast Materials’ Chuck Mills, Storm Board was first introduced in Europe in 2011 and is comparable in size to plywood—a little larger than 4’ by 8’. Storm Board excels in wet environments, unlike wood-based products, and is impenetrable to rain and moisture. It will not rot, is resistant to microbial action, and is tough and versatile with a lower...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels is expanding its hotel offerings with the addition of two restored inns on the California Mendocino Coast—Glendeven Inn & Lodge and Inn at the Cobbler’s Walk. Following planned renovations, the two inns will combine to become the eighth SCP Hotel and will be known as SCP Mendocino Inn and Farm. A celebration of sustainability, nature, and wellness, the two inns include 31 unique rooms, most of which offer wood-burning fireplaces and whitewater ocean views, along with 15 acres of farm pastures, organic gardens, and other wellness, socializing and dining spaces. “We are excited to bring...

BANGKOK—Following the successful launch of Climate Warriors to mark Earth Day on April 22, this latest Grow With Six Senses children’s program has grown an extra set of wings at properties around the world. Climate Warriors is built on simple, tangible things children can do and enjoy doing, to combat climate change and play a positive role in their environments and communities. It was first trialed at Vooc Village at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam, as a two-day program with children learning simple eco-friendly habits and experiencing a host of fun activities before achieving their Climate Warrior status in the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the recipients of its 2022 USGBC Leadership Awards. The annual awards recognize leadership and commitment to the green building industry and spotlights exemplary work that has been influential in the expansion of sustainable, higher-performing buildings. USGBC has selected six individuals and organizations that have demonstrated vision, leadership and commitment to the evolution of the green building industry. “USGBC’s mission relies on the commitment of its members and the broader green building community,” said USGBC interim President and CEO Peter Templeton. “The USGBC Leadership Awards are an opportunity to spotlight those who have gone...

RENO, NEV.—Repvblik LLC—the nationwide leader in privately funded marketplace solutions to create workforce, student, and senior housing through adaptive reuse of distressed real estate—announced the purchase of two existing Motel 6 properties in Reno and unveiled plans to convert them to much-needed workforce housing. Repvblik plans to fully renovate and repurpose both motel properties into a total of 239 affordable studio housing units ready for occupancy at both locations in 2023. The two existing Motel 6 properties—one located at 1901 South Virginia Street in midtown Reno and the second at 1400 Stardust Street in northwest Reno—are currently winding down operations. Purchase...

NATIONAL REPORT—Ask a child to draw you a house and you’ll get something made up of rectangles and triangles. It’s still recognizable as a house you’d see on any street, but there’s nothing soft about it. Sharp edges and harsh lines dominate the majority of human architecture. It’s an effective form of construction, but it has left us decidedly disconnected from the natural world. This disconnect isn’t harmful, but as the world shifts toward a greener and more sustainable future, we’ve started taking more inspiration from nature. What is biophilic design and what are the benefits of this type of design...

MIAMI—The Gabriel South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, announced that the hotel is now powered by 100 percent renewable electricity. The Gabriel South Beach is part of Conscious Certified Hotels (CCH), an ESG platform with a commitment to social, health and environmental consciousness. The platform, created by CGI Merchant Group, focuses on implementing environmental improvements to hotel operations and caters to purposeful travelers who seek out properties that are focused on supporting sustainable causes. “With a dedication to preserve the planet, we have a responsibility to act for the good of the environment,” said Robert Festinger, Vice President of Hospitality Asset...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The 2,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC) is a member facility of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (AZA-FRTRP), and the largest Florida Coral Rescue program holding facility in the country. It is now also the proud home to hundreds of new rough cactus coral offspring. The reproduction, known as larval release, has been happening over the last several weeks. It is believed to be the first documented occurrence of this threatened species propagating in human care. SeaWorld manages the FCRC where its team of aquarists provide care for rescued Florida corals. FCRC has 18 species of coral...