NATIONAL REPORT—Artificial intelligence (AI), according to IBM, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. When used improperly, AI can wreak havoc. One need not look far in our industry, however, to find examples of how AI is being used in a positive way—in the hotel kitchen to reduce food waste. Two companies utilizing AI in their automated solutions to help hoteliers reduce food waste are Winnow Solutions and Leanpath. Solutions such as those offered by Winnow Solutions and Leanpath are needed because of the volume of food waste generated by commercial kitchens. Between 5...

MCDONOUGH, GA.—A new survey by ALPLA, a global leader in packaging solutions, uncovers critical barriers to the adoption of reusable products, pointing to a significant disconnect between consumer intent and action. Despite a widespread desire to incorporate reusable items into their daily routines, many are held back by cost and quality concerns. This builds on ALPLA’s previous research highlighting a strong generational shift in favor of sustainable packaging, showing that while the intent to adopt sustainable practices remains high, practical barriers such as affordability and perceived quality must be addressed. ALPLA’s latest findings shed light on an exciting opportunity for the industry to...

ATLANTA—AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), representing nearly 20,000 hotel owners across the United States, is expressing significant concerns over the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of the City of Grants Pass, OR, v. Johnson et al., which criminalized outdoor sleeping. The Court upheld the Grants Pass case late last month, which involved Oregon’s ban on camping for unhoused residents. The Court found the laws that criminalize sleeping in public spaces do not violate the Eighth Amendment’s protections against cruel and unusual punishment, even as the city lacked sufficient shelters and the unhoused residents had nowhere else to go. This decision has far-reaching...

Name: Ryan Butler Title: Corporate Director, Sustainability + Energy Years in Current Position: One year and 9 months. Primary Responsibilities: “Looking at our brand and local compliance standards. Understanding what brand needs are, as well as investor needs. Handling utility procurement. Explaining the renewable energy credits market. Educating around sustainability.” Company’s most significant accomplishment in sustainability: “One to highlight is releasing six sustainability reports. It shows continued transparency. When comparing our first report with our 2024 report, it is like night and day.” Company’s most significant challenge moving forward in sustainability: “Education for ownership groups and translating sustainability initiatives for the groups. Making sure...

NEW YORK—Fitwel, the leading global healthy building certification and data insights platform, has released Version 3 (“v3”) of its evidence-based standard. This update translates the latest public health research to optimize real estate assets for health and quality of life, future-proof them for climate adaptation, and maximize their value. Fitwel’s v3 introduces the Smart Scorecard, offering a streamlined, efficient, and refreshed user experience, enhancing its reputation as an accessible and trusted industry tool. Evolving the Fitwel Standard Fitwel’s operator, the globally renowned nonprofit Center for Active Design (CfAD), systematically updates the evidence-based standard to incorporate recent research, industry feedback, and market...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than three-quarters of surveyed hotels are experiencing a staffing shortage, and hotels are increasing pay, benefits, and perks to recruit and retain employees, according to a May survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Over the last six months, 86 percent of respondents have increased wages, 52 percent have offered greater flexibility with hours, and 33 percent have expanded benefits to cope with the nationwide workforce shortage. Nonetheless, 79 percent say they are still unable to fill open positions. Seventy-six percent of survey respondents said they are experiencing a staffing shortage, and 13 percent...

MIAMI—SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced plans to unveil 1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende. Set to open in 2027, the property is poised to redefine luxury and sustainability in the heart of historic Mexico. Located just minutes away from the vibrant city center of San Miguel de Allende and perched on an incline with breathtaking views, this sanctuary will offer a profound escape guided by the beauty of its surroundings. “1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende embodies our steadfast dedication to preserving nature’s beauty...

HONOLULU—Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed into law a bill incorporating regenerative tourism frameworks into the Hawaiʻi State Planning Act in a ceremony at his office on June 28, attended by legislative leaders, community proponents, and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) leadership. “Sustainable tourism is essential for the future of our state,” said Governor Green. “This bill ensures that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification.” Senate Bill 2659, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr. and championed by the Native Hawaiian Caucus in both chambers of the Legislature, incorporates...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment, Inc., the largest casino-entertainment company in the U.S., released its 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility report. The report highlights the company’s progress in environmental impact, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Team Member development, community investment and more. “At Caesars Entertainment, we’re committed to continuing to develop, diversify and achieve our CSR goals,” said Heather Rapp, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility for Caesars Entertainment. “We’ve been in a period of progress as we met and exceeded our interim emission reduction goals three years ahead of schedule, and because of that work, we were able to implement new, more ambitious goals...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will work with the Biden Administration during Greenbuild to announce plans to create a new national definition of a zero-emissions building. This is the future of buildings, and the definition will be an important tool for establishing a common understanding of what it really means to be a zero operating emissions building. As financial institutions, investors, and insurers grapple with climate risks, USGBC sees the baseline established by this definition as key to evolving market expectations. USGBC is currently developing the next phase of the LEED rating system—LEED v5—and is committed to aligning the new rating systems by including specific LEED certifications designed to certify projects to the national definition. LEED, which launched the green building revolution 30...