WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Code Council, the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions, released a new framework to assist governments and building industry stakeholders in meeting energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Code Council Board of Directors, which consists of 18 government code officials who were elected by their peers, adopted the framework, Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency: A Path Forward on Energy and Sustainability to Confront a Changing Climate. This framework includes using the Code Council’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved standards process to update the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Future editions of the IECC will build on prior successes...

OAHU, HAWAII—Outrigger Hospitality Group announced a grand new voyage—the $80 million transformation of the brand’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on the golden sands of world-famous Waikīkī Beach. The investment transforms the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture. With a focus on wellness and unmatched hospitality, sophisticated property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage—the home of Hawaiian music. “As a premier beach resort brand, we charted a strategic course to enhance Outrigger’s current portfolio and deliver exceptional, authentic experiences...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—In response to growing consumer demand for sustainable products and travel experiences, The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC)—the developer behind the most regenerative tourism project in the world—and SOURCE—the earth’s first renewable, sustainable water brand, have come together to set a new global standard in bottled water. TRSDC is the first company to collaborate with SOURCE Global, PBC as it launches its sustainable bottled water brand, making The Red Sea Project the first destination on earth to offer bottled water made purely from sunlight and air. SOURCE water is produced using patented solar technology that draws pure water vapor...

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.—The Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) Program announced its new accreditation programs for hotels seeking to enhance the guest experience and safety protocols for wellness and/or medical travel guests. GHA has developed two accreditation programs: WellHotel for Well-being and WellHotel for Medical Travel. Both programs focus on validating the programs hotels provide for these growing niche markets and the accreditation seal builds trust and offers a competitive edge to those hotels that achieve accredited status. According to Karen Timmons, GHA’s Chief Executive Officer, “This year has provided revitalized interest from hotels to reinvent niche offerings to meet the demand...

OJAI, CALIF.—Ojai Valley Inn, the iconic luxury resort recognized last month as one of the Top 500 Hotels in the World in 2021 by Travel + Leisure, welcomed back guests beginning last month, following a months-long, $5 million renovation felt across the award-winning Spa Ojai, including new Spa Penthouse Suites. “We’re thrilled to be recognized as one of the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure, especially in light of the challenges of the past year,” says Chris Kandziora, General Manager. “As part of our commitment to being a premier getaway destination in California, we took time during...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) announced a new $5 million, multi-year commitment and action plan to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the hotel and lodging industry. The AHLA Foundation's Board of Trustees voted unanimously at its October meeting to elevate DE&I as a cornerstone platform under the direction of a newly created DE&I Task Force, comprised of senior leaders throughout the industry. Since then, the Task Force has been meeting to develop a five-year road map to unite the industry around a bold, transparent, and actionable commitment to foster DE&I by identifying and introducing...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has made sustainability a top priority and is taking steps to reduce environmental impacts. While the coronavirus pandemic impacted hosting events in 2020, NOENMCC took advantage of the downtime and made critical facility upgrades that will reduce their environmental footprint, and in turn, help make the facility a leader in sustainable events. “As one of the top convention center facilities in the nation, it is crucial that we meet and exceed national standards when it comes to sustainability and environmental impact,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Nowadays, sustainability...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) recently announced a new $5 million, multi-year commitment and action plan to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the hotel and lodging industry. The AHLA Foundation’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously at its October meeting to elevate DE&I as a cornerstone platform under the direction of a newly created DE&I Task Force, comprised of senior leaders throughout the industry. Since then, the Task Force has been meeting to develop a five-year road map to unite the industry around a bold, transparent, and actionable commitment to foster DE&I by identifying and...

LAS VEGAS—Clean the World, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainability, has expanded its partnership with Clark County Government to operate three additional mobile showers as part of their effort to support the unhoused community of Clark County through Clean the World’s Fresh Start WASH & Wellness Program. This program has been incorporated into the County’s COVID-19 prevention plan and focuses on stemming the spread of the virus while offering illness prevention services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Southern Nevada. Clean the World Foundation, the nonprofit entity for the Clean the World enterprise, will be...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—Successful developer, businessman and visionary Darius Smith has launched ASJ Homes, a new leader in modern shipping container houses. Smith is also introducing a new cryptocurrency called Container Tokens, which will be used to raise funds for a new chain of shipping container boutique micro hotels. Ground is expected to be broken on the first container hotel by 2023. After many years of renovating homes and obtaining 200 percent-plus returns on development flips, Smith is venturing into new home construction via shipping containers, which makes building less expensive and quicker. ASJ Homes will offer one- and two-story options and carefully take into...