INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Half-finished plates of food, vegetables that spoiled in the walk-in, and a few stale pieces of toast from the breakfast buffet don’t sound all that shocking. After each service, restaurant and hotel food waste isn’t very dramatic, but over time all the wasted food really adds up. Food waste is one of the most pressing challenges in the restaurant industry. It affects the business’ profitability and sustainability. It also has significant ecological, planetary and human implications. Every year, restaurants worldwide generate millions of tons of food waste, contributing to economic losses and environmental harm. At the same time, the...

BERLIN, GERMANY—BeCause, the Danish start-up breaking down barriers in sustainability data management for the global hospitality and tourism sectors, has introduced Certification Co-Pilot, a new tool designed to streamline the eco-certification process for hotels and certifiers. It allows stakeholders to manage certification applications through a single, automated workflow, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. Launched at ITB Berlin, the tool is currently being piloted by customers in several markets and will be fully available at the end of Q2 2025. Certification Co-Pilot works by connecting hotels directly to certifiers via the BeCause sustainability hub. Applicants simply need to fill in their...

TROY, N.Y.—As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—reports that it is seeing strong growth in first-time membership and recertification applications across its six flagship programs, with particularly strong interest in its all-encompassing Signature Sanctuary Platinum Certification as well as Green Lodging/Green Hospitality and Sustainable Communities Certifications. Land and water stewardship, alternative energy development, wildlife corridor creation and maintenance, and global climate change are at top of mind for decision makers in many business sectors including...

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and entertainment, announced the launch on April 1 of “Bee the Difference,” its third annual campaign in partnership with The Bee Cause Project to promote education and awareness for our planet’s pollinators. Exclusively available from April 1 to May 20, the campaign will offer guests at more than 100 Delaware North U.S. operating locations a specially crafted cocktail: the “Bee’s Harvest Margarita,” a premium margarita made with PATRÓN Silver Tequila. This year’s campaign, which began on the first day of Earth Month and runs through World Bee Day, features a new interactive augmented reality experience (accessible on...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oceana released a new report, “Plastic Foam Needs ‘To Go,’” revealing the dangers behind single-use plastic foam products like clamshell takeout food containers, cups, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers. According to the report, plastic foam, which is also called expanded polystyrene, compromises our health and our oceans. Plastic foam is made with hazardous chemicals, like its main building block styrene, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Styrene is linked to cancer and considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Styrene and other chemicals can easily leach into food and beverages at all temperatures,...

LAKE CITY, COLO.—Green Builder Media’s annual list of the best green products used in the building industry showcases top-performing innovations across key categories, including appliances, HVAC, roofing, siding, windows, fixtures, flooring, indoor air quality, insulation, smart tech, solar, and structural systems. (Click here to read the full list of winners.) This year’s winning roster doesn’t lean solely on great features and aesthetics, says Green Builder magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Matt Power: “What stands out most in this year’s selection of sustainable products is the sheer boldness of the innovations. From a fully electric induction range that you can plug into a 120-volt outlet to...

PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLO.—The Springs Resort, a renowned wellness destination in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is undergoing a transformative expansion. The expansion includes 78 new guestrooms, a thermal spa, a Panoramic Sauna with halotherapy, new wellness amenities, a fresh culinary concept, and modern event spaces. The Springs Resort in Colorado is home to the world’s deepest geothermal spring, fondly called “The Mother Spring.” The expansion aims to broaden the resort’s commitment to its unique approach to relaxation and wellness, “Soakology”. In addition to relocating its spa, the extensive renovation is doubling the resort’s terraced geothermal mineral soaking pools along the San Juan River at...

NATIONAL REPORT—Key cards have become a symbol of the hospitality world, acting as a unique customer touchpoint. Did you know that plastic cards aren’t a business’ only option? The hospitality sector has undergone a significant shift in terms of what key card material options a business can choose, especially as eco-conscious practices take center stage. The advancement from keys to electronic cards has streamlined guest access and security, but the materials used in these cards matter almost as much as the technology they contain. Selecting the right material not only enhances functionality but also supports sustainability goals and communicates your...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration for the hospitality industry—it is a business imperative. With buildings accounting for 1 percent of global carbon emissions and hotels producing significantly more energy usage than other types of structures, the call for sustainable practices in hospitality has never been louder. According to Booking.com, 83 percent of travelers believe sustainable travel is essential, and the demand for eco-friendly hospitality is growing dramatically. This article explores the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry, showcases real-life examples of sustainable practices in action, and highlights key trends and strategies hotels with a sustainability mindset can adopt...

LEBANON, N.H.—FreshAir Sensor, a leading innovator in indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, found that four out of five travelers have experienced discomfort due to exposure to cigarette or marijuana smoke, perceived chemicals, and other pernicious odors during their stay. More than 90 percent of respondents said they saw value in the ability to choose a room that hotels can guarantee to have a higher standard of air quality. These trends show a rising number of travelers who value enhanced indoor air quality (IAQ) as an integral feature of the guest experience—and they’re willing to pay more to get it. FreshAir...