WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII—In conjunction with World Oceans Month, Outrigger Resorts has announced the launch of OZONE (Outrigger’s ZONE)—a global conservation initiative centered on coral health and resiliency in the waters surrounding the iconic beach destinations of Outrigger Resorts. With more than 60 percent of the world’s reefs under immediate threat, Outrigger is making it its mission to work with conservation partners to protect coral reef systems in tropical destinations around the world.Among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, coral reefs provide humans with billions of dollars in economic and environmental services such as food, protection for coasts, and tourism....

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts, Ltd. was ranked number 100 out of 500 companies on Newsweek Magazine’s 2015 list of ‘Top Green Companies in the U.S.’ The ranking is based on research by Corporate Knights Capital and HIP (Human Impact + Profit) Investor Inc. and considers eight environmental performance indicators, including Energy Productivity, Water Productivity and Carbon Productivity, among others. Wynn Resorts’ ranking last year was 344.Wynn Las Vegas and Encore are Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) equivalent certified resorts, a designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council, and are dedicated to sustainability by implementing unique recycling,...

LAS VEGAS—In partnership with MGM Resorts International and the City of Henderson, Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas served its 100th partner family in Clark County on May 29 with a home dedication ceremony.Joanne Langston and her family received the keys to their new three-bedroom home in Henderson thanks to the support of MGM Resorts and the company’s employees, the City of Henderson and contributions from Habitat’s homeownership program.“MGM Resorts is extremely proud to be a part of this momentous occasion in helping to instill a sense of great pride for Joanne and her family, as they embark on their...

NATIONAL REPORT—As you have probably heard in the news lately, California is experiencing its worst drought in recorded history. There was less rainfall in 2013 than in any year since California became a state 165 years ago. Precipitation and snowpack levels remain well below average, and there does not appear to be an end in sight. To mitigate impacts from the drought, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., issued Executive Order B-29-15 on April 1, 2015. This historic act by the Governor signaled the beginning of a new era of stringent water conservation for California. The Executive Order, as well...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Burt’s Bees Canada and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced that they have expanded their WILD FOR BEES partnership by installing 16 uniquely built bee hotels across Canada, including three major bee hotels in downtown Vancouver. This brings the total number of hotels to 21 since the WILD FOR BEES partnership began in 2014.Important national partners on this project include Pollinator Partnership Canada and Sustainable.TO Architecture + Building (Sustainable.TO), a leading Canadian architecture firm. Sustainable.TO led the design and construction of the bee hotels nationwide, while Pollinator Partnership Canada provided strategic guidance and expertise on pollinator health. In Vancouver,...

MINNEAPOLIS—Radisson Blu Mall of America announced that it has officially become the first hotel in the metro Twin Cities area to house honey bee colonies from the University of Minnesota Bee Squad. As the first LEED certified hotel in the greater Twin Cities area, this further enhances the hotel’s commitment to the environment and sustainable programs.Without the pollinating services bees provide, there would be serious challenges in the production of many common foods as 35 percent of global food supply and more than 80 percent of flowering plants are dependent on animal pollination.Inspired by Dr. Marla Spivak at the...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—The 600-room Hilton Cleveland Downtown, currently under construction and scheduled to open in June 2016, is asking Cuyahoga County residents to submit snapshots that will be used to create a unique art installation that will be on display at the new hotel when it officially opens next year. The request is simple: snap a picture of yourself in a place that is authentically Cleveland and upload it to http://www.myclevelandphoto.com.“Our goal is for the faces of the Cuyahoga County community to come together to create a photo-mosaic that will be displayed in the lobby of the hotel,” said Teri...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotel Group announced LEED certifiable, new construction prototypes for its two largest and most well-known brands, Days Inn and Super 8. The announcement builds on efforts by the company over the last two years to refine its prototypical offerings, which now span a total of six brands, and provide U.S. owners and developers with complete, turn-key, design-forward solutions.Announced at the 37th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, the two prototypes—which focus on style, performance and efficiency—are complemented by updated offerings for the company’s Baymont Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Microtel Inn & Suites by...

PHILADELPHIA—Aramark, the $15 billion global provider of food, facilities management, and uniforms, recently announced a new set of animal welfare principles and purchasing commitments that address a broad spectrum of issues impacting the treatment of animals for egg, pork, veal, beef, poultry and dairy products served across Aramark’s U.S. operations.“Our commitments to health, wellness and sustainability are core to our mission of enriching and nourishing lives and include our pledge to responsible purchasing and animal welfare practices,” said Eric J. Foss, Aramark Chairman, President & CEO. “The broad reach of our supply chain provides an opportunity for us to...

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—Duke Energy Florida has received approval to build, own and operate a 5-megawatt solar facility that will serve the Reedy Creek Improvement District near Orlando. The Reedy Creek Improvement District Board of Supervisors voted to accept a 15-year power-purchase agreement with Duke Energy Florida Solar Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Florida, to purchase solar energy from the facility. Once constructed, all of the energy from the facility will be sold to the district to meet its energy needs.“Our new solar facility agreement is another example of how we’re always looking at innovative ways to conserve...