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Whether an industry announcement, or a hotel accomplishment, Green Lodging News reports on the most up-to-date news and offers a unique perspective on trends—all with the purpose of making your company more profitable. Got news or a story idea to share? We frequently post contributed articles here. Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

News & Features

Home News & Features
Whether an industry announcement, or a hotel accomplishment, Green Lodging News reports on the most up-to-date news and offers a unique perspective on trends—all with the purpose of making your company more profitable. Got news or a story idea to share? We frequently post contributed articles here. Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

New Meliponario Helps Preserve the Maya Melipona Bee at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO—The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya recently debuted a new bee sanctuary, the Meliponario, to protect the local Maya Melipona Bee. In addition to preserving the species and facilitating their honey production, the resort now offers an experience for guests to learn more about the species with a new eco-tour and honey tasting. For centuries, the Yucatan Peninsula has been home to many native Melipona stingless bees. Considered by the Mayans as sacred, the Melipona bee uniquely harvests the blooms of plants with medicinal properties. Inspired by the pre-Hispanic beekeeping tradition, Grand Velas Riviera Maya rescues...

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico Recognized as a Best New Nature Resort

PUNTA MITA, MEXICO—Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico was named one of the Best New Nature Resorts and one of the Best New Hotels in the world in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 It List. The distinguished annual It List recognizes the 100 best new and renovated hotels and resorts around the world that have made the biggest impression on the magazine’s editors and contributors. As a recognized property, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico will be featured in the May 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure and online at travelandleisure.com. “We are excited to be spotlighted on the Travel + Leisure 2023 It List as a...

U.S. Wind & Solar Combined Now Providing More U.S. Electricity Than Coal

WASHINGTON, D.C.—According to a review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data just released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), wind and solar combined now provide more generating capacity and produce more electricity than coal. The latest issue of EIA’s “Electric Power Monthly” report (with data through February 28, 2023) reveals that in the first two months of this year, electrical generation by solar (including small-scale distributed systems) grew by 6.7 percent, compared to the same two-month period in 2022—faster than any other energy source. This was driven in large part by growth...

Leading Trends at HD Expo—Use of Natural, Recycled Materials & Products That Reduce Resource Consumption

LAS VEGAS—More than 600 exhibitors displayed their goods and services at last week’s HD Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. More than 80 of those exhibitors identified themselves as sustainable in one way or another. It would be impossible to mention all those companies in this article but below are many examples of what this author considered especially creative and unique. Elkay Manufacturing Co. introduced its ezH2O Liv Pro Filtered Water Dispenser. Unlike other Elkay dispensers, this one features a low-profile design and a more upscale look with its either black or white frame. It fits within 16” OC...

TRSA Launches Website Promoting Sustainable Benefits of Commercial Laundries

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—TRSA, the association for linen, uniform and facility services providers, announces the launch of a new website, LaundryServices.org. It connects all types of businesses, especially restaurants, hotels, healthcare institutions and consumer and industrial services, with these commercial laundry providers. The website generates awareness of these and educates end-users and consumers on why commercial laundries are beneficial, including their standards and practices that support environmental and supply chain sustainability. Commercial laundries use one-third of the water used in home laundering, saving over 30 billion gallons of water per year in the United States. LaundryServices.org videos and interactive tools teach consumers and business...

Scandic Enters Economy Segment with First Scandic Go to Open After Summer

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—The economy segment has grown in recent years, and it is expected to expand further, driven by changed travel behavior and new financial constraints among many travelers. The segment is not as developed in the Nordic region as in other European countries, accounting for less than 5 percent of the total hotel market compared with 15 percent in the rest of Europe. With Scandic Go, Scandic is now entering this rapidly growing segment with a clear ambition to lead the market. “The fast-growing economy segment is a fantastic and unique opportunity to further strengthen our portfolio to meet the rapidly...

Sands Releases 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance Report

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands has released its latest environmental, social and governance (ESG) report outlining the company’s 2022 progress on the corporate responsibility ambitions and priorities established for its 2021-2025 reporting period. Targeted for achievement by 2025, Sands’ performance on its ambitions in the People, Communities and Planet pillars of its corporate responsibility program through 2022 included: People—Aiming toward its 2025 target to invest $200 million in workforce development initiatives to advance Team Members and local talent in the hospitality industry, Sands invested $56 million in 2022 and $113 million since 2021. Funding has supported core initiatives such as the Sands Academy Team Member training and development program...

For Your Business: The Science Behind Net Zero

NATIONAL REPORT—The science is clear that human activity, primarily burning fossil fuels and massive deforestation, has accelerated climate change. Companies need to set science-based net-zero targets to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Achieving net-zero emissions worldwide requires fundamental changes to many of our social and economic systems. Up until now, nearly 1,800 companies, including SAP, have committed to becoming net zero across their value chains. These commitments aim to achieve an emissions state consistent with societal climate and sustainability goals and within the biophysical boundaries of the planet. At the beginning of 2022,...

AAHOA Announces New Foundation to Support Disaster Relief, Charitable Initiatives Across the Country

LOS ANGELES—On the opening day of the 2023 Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. (AAHOA) Convention & Trade Show, the association announced the launch of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation. Forming later this year as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the AAHOA Charitable Foundation will aim to support humanity, providing disaster relief, educational scholarships, and grants, charitable initiatives for worthy causes, and humanitarian aid. “I can think of no better way to conclude my chairmanship of AAHOA than by launching the AAHOA Charitable Foundation,” said outgoing Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel. “AAHOA members are hardworking, creative, and entrepreneurial. They are also generous and community minded. The...

Boyne Resorts Introduces ForeverProject 2030 Master Plan

BOYNE FALLS, MICH.—Boyne Resorts introduced its Master Plan for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030—a goal to which the company is deeply committed and that was the catalyst to forming ForeverProject, Boyne Resorts’ long-term pledge to sustainable practices. Largely structured around collective action, the 2030 Master Plan includes property-specific plans that both allow and require independent initiative among the company’s resorts and facilities located across North America. The pathway now mapped enables Boyne Resorts to reduce its carbon footprint while closely balancing environmental and economic sustainability. “Our 75-year journey as a resort company defines and demonstrates a heritage of stewardship, leadership,...