WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has adopted two new rules for light bulbs, also known as general service lamps, that will conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills. The first rule establishes a revised definition of general service lamps while the second implements the minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt for light bulbs that meet the revised definition. These rules are part of 100 energy efficiency actions the Biden Administration is completing this year. Once these light bulb rules are in place, DOE expects consumers to save nearly $3 billion per year on their utility bills....

MADRID, SPAIN—Meeting for a first extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly, Members debated the suspension of Russia from the Organization, as decided by the UNWTO Executive Council at its emergency meeting last month. The Russian delegation declined to step up and defend its position, and instead announced its withdrawal from UNWTO before the debate took place. The Assembly voted in favor of suspension, far exceeding the two-third majority required. The decision is effective immediately, while voluntary withdrawal is only effective one year after a Member submits an official communication through the appropriate channels. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO’s Members have sent a clear message:...

ÖREBRO, SWEDEN—Scandic has now opened its third hotel in Örebro, in the middle of a vibrant urban development project. Scandic Örebro Central, which has 160 rooms on nine floors, is strategically located next to Örebro Central Station and nestled among corporate and government offices. The hotel will be a new hub for Örebro residents and visitors alike, and Scandic is the first business to open its doors in the new Örebro Entré area. From today, Scandic now offers 596 hotel rooms in Örebro, making it the largest hotel company in the city. Since turning the first sod in January 2020...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—Much of the global business travel industry has already made sustainable business travel a priority with a focus on reducing emissions and its environmental footprint. But the industry as well as external stakeholders, such as policymakers, recognize more needs to be done. These are just some of the insights from an extensive, landmark research study released—“The State of Sustainability in the Global Business Travel Sector”—from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel association, and Grayling, a leading global public affairs and communications consultancy. The report reveals barriers to achieving more sustainable business travel include higher...

ST. JOHN, USVI—March 30 marked two years since the US Virgin Island’s Toxic Sunscreen Law went into effect, the country’s first and most far-reaching ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, which are devastating to coral, marine life, and human health. In recognition, a group of 20+ stakeholders including Senator Marvin A. Blyden, Senator Steven D. Payne Sr., VI National Park Superintendent Nigel Field, DLCA Commissioner Richard Evangelista, Frank Cummings of C.O.R.E., Lisa Hamilton of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association; Kitty Edwards of DPNR, Oriel Blake of VI Professional Charter Association and three scientists specializing in coral:...

FALLS CHURCH, VA.—The Recycling Partnership, a nonprofit organization that works with communities, companies, and governments to transform recycling programs, has released a new resource focusing on a specific type of recycling—drop-off sites. Forty-five percent of Americans don’t have access to curbside recycling, whether because of rural locations or multi-family housing structures. Many of these communities utilize drop-off sites in these situations to fill that gap in access. “The Partnership has worked with many communities to reduce contamination at drop-off sites,” says Cassandra Ford, Community Program Manager at The Recycling Partnership. “The Drop-Off Recycling Contamination Reduction Kit takes our proven anti-contamination...

HONG KONG—Regal Hotels Group announced its entrance into the metaverse with MetaGreen, a project to develop an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) themed plot of “LAND” in The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming virtual world and subsidiary of Animoca Brands. As an estate LAND NFT within Mega City 2, MetaGreen will be the Sandbox’s first green metropolis and represent an ecosystem that will positively harness blockchain, tokenization, GameFi, play-to-earn and NFTs. Scheduled for completion by October 2022, MetaGreen aims to promote eco-friendly choices and foster a sustainable community to support a circular economy. Ms. Poman Lo, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries, announced the addition of two new women hoteliers as part of the brand’s “Women Own the Room” initiative, on the heels of last month’s first two signed agreements. Designed to advance and empower women entrepreneurs to break through the predominantly male-dominated hotel industry, the ‘Women Own the Room’ program aids with financial solutions, personalized operational support, and networking and educational opportunities. These new program members will be opening new hotels in Dover, Del. and Warrenton, Va. “Women want to own and develop hotels—the momentum...

SEATTLE—New research released by Expedia Group Media Solutions, the global travel advertising platform connecting marketers with millions of travelers across Expedia Group’s brands, reveals that although 90 percent of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70 percent feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveler. In parallel to this increase in more mindful travel, Expedia Group is reaffirming its commitment to the planet by joining two initiatives focused on accelerating a more environmentally responsible tourism industry. Expedia Group has joined the Travalyst Coalition in support of its mission to empower travelers with...

SOUTH WALTON, FLA.—Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, the all-encompassing resort located along Northwest Florida’s coast, introduces an array of family-friendly activities for a weekend-long celebration of Earth Day. Centering around turtle protection and preservation of the natural setting, guests of all ages are invited to take part in the interactive experiences available onsite from April 21 to 23, 2022. “Our team is continually looking for ways to celebrate the naturally pristine landscape we have the pleasure of welcoming guests to,” said Gary Brielmayer, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa General Manager. “We take pride in introducing initiatives...