In the coming months Green Lodging News will be featuring suppliers whose advances have contributed to enhanced indoor air quality or significant energy, water or waste savings for hoteliers. Lodging Technology is the first company to be featured in this series. ROANOKE, VA.—Anyone who has been in the lodging industry for a long time knows about Lodging Technology. The company has been offering its guestroom energy management solutions since 1984. In fact, Bill Fizer, President and Founder of the company, developed the original infrared body heat sensing energy management system (EMS) and is considered a pioneer in occupancy sensor-based hotel...

BERKELEY, CALIF.—The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the second contribution of its Sixth Assessment Report. The report concludes the impact of climate change is intensifying so rapidly that it is endangering nature and society’s capacity to adapt. It confirms the effects of the climate crisis are already being felt and have been much more widespread and negative than expected. An estimated 3.6 billion people are living in areas highly vulnerable to impacts. The IPCC stresses that near-term actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C are critical to reducing and avoiding projected damages; risks will be several times greater if temperatures...

MINNEAPOLIS—Radisson Hotels Americas announces its partnership with Special Olympics International. This partnership gives Radisson Hotels Americas the opportunity to support Special Olympics’ mission to create a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Joining forces with Special Olympics exemplifies Radisson Hotels Americas’ commitment to investing in communities by assisting with programs for vulnerable people, helping them develop personal and professional life skills. Through this partnership, Radisson Hotels Americas will help expand Special Olympics’ Unified Leadership Program. This program increases equity for people with ID through unique training and leadership opportunities and often opens doors to employment for Special...

Name: Kate Morrison Title: Director of Sustainability and Wellness Property: Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, Calif. Years with Ojai Valley Inn: 11+ years OJAI, CALIF.—Spa Ojai, part of the Ojai Valley Inn (OVI), recently reopened along with the inn after a months-long, $5 million renovation across Spa Ojai. The renovation includes new Spa Penthouse Suites. Additionally, the spa introduced impactful therapies and sustainability initiatives from the hotel’s Director of Wellness & Sustainability, Kate Morrison. The initiatives are on top of the many green steps the inn’s owners have taken in recent years. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Kate Morrison. The following are the results...

THE MALDIVES—The Maldives’ smallest visitors can now learn about the country’s incredible marine life, with the launch of Amilla Maldives Resort’s new Mini Marine Biologists Program. The fun interactive course teaches kids about the amazing marine ecosystem and wildlife in the Maldives, from turtles and sharks to seabirds. Amilla’s first class of Junior Marine Biologists has just graduated this month. They were each presented with Mini Marine Biologist certificates as well as badges with seven pins on them, each representing the diverse topics they covered, and Kids’ Club backpacks in the shape of white-tailed tropicbird. Each interactive course consists of short...

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.—Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced that over 2,400 of their eligible union and non-union team members will receive a bonus for the third consecutive year following a record-breaking year with the largest increase in coin-in, table games drop, and gross gaming revenue over 2019. Additionally, eight randomly selected team members won cash prizes, two won all-inclusive stays at a Hard Rock resort destination and two grand prize winners each received a new car. To download the video recap from the event, click here. Chairman of Hard Rock International Jim Allen and President of Hard Rock Atlantic City Joe Lupo addressed team members...

HONOLULU, HAWAII—The award-winning Prince Waikiki, a 563-room oceanfront hotel with floor-to-ceiling ocean views in every guestroom located at the gateway of Honolulu’s vibrant Waikiki neighborhood, continues its streak of world-class hospitality with the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond designation, one of just 12 hotels on the Island of O’ahu to achieve the status. In addition to this accolade for meeting the highest standards of service, cleanliness, and hospitality, Prince Waikiki is one of just 14 businesses in Hawaii to receive the 2022 Hawaii Green Business Award as recognition for its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and clean energy. “We are honored to be recognized...

SAN FRANCISCO—Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced a partnership with leading online behavioral health company, Talkspace, rolling out mental health services to its guests and to 4,000+ employees across the country. The KimptonxTalkspace partnership is the first of its kind to bring meaningful and accessible mental health support to hospitality employees, who have been front line workers throughout the pandemic, as well as to travelers managing everyday stresses on the road. According to a recent study, nine out of 10 therapists say the number of clients seeking care is on the rise, and most are experiencing a significant surge in calls for appointments, longer...

BANGKOK—To translate the Six Senses vision of reconnection into an urban environment, the brand looks for iconic landmarks in some of the world’s most breathtaking downtown addresses and then weaves wellness, sustainable design, bespoke hospitality, and community into the guest experience. Following Istanbul, and with upcoming properties in Rome, New York, London, and Bangkok, Six Senses is now celebrating its entry into the heart of Lisbon. This also adds a second prime destination to its Portuguese portfolio after Six Senses Douro Valley in the heart of the country’s wine region. Authenticity in the City As is true with all of the...

BURBANK, CALIF.—The Walt Disney Co. released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which details its efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion through stories and storytellers who reflect the rich diversity of our world, support environmental sustainability by taking action to help protect our planet, and bring comfort, optimism, and joy to our communities through Disney’s charitable giving. Disney also highlights its commitment to invest in its employees and cast members, and to operate responsibly. “Every company has a unique impact on the world. At Disney, creating stories and experiences that inspire and bring people together is ours. Our stories encourage...