SUZHOU, CHINA—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the debut of its eco-conscious Element brand in Asia Pacific with the opening of Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. The hotel is owned by Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Co., LTD.“As Starwood’s eco-innovation lab, the Element brand has redefined the category with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and commitment to innovation,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “On track to triple its global portfolio by the end of 2017, Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum and the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Dig into The Bedbug Registry a bit and you just might find your own hotel listed as a place where travelers encountered bedbugs. In this social media age, where a bedbug report can go viral in seconds, it makes sense to take the necessary steps—hopefully eco-friendly ones—to keep bedbugs out and, if necessary, kill them effectively. Fortunately for those concerned about the safety of their guests and staff, there are a wide range of environmentally safe products available to detect, protect against, and kill bedbugs.It makes sense to utilize greener approaches because bedbugs have an incredible ability to...

OAK BROOK, ILL.—The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is going above and beyond in its effort to give back to the community and help the environment.   In addition to local homeless shelters, the multi-faceted west suburban resort recently donated its premium linens to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, where the 250-thread count bedding is being used as additional nesting material for the western lowland gorillas at Regenstein Center for African Apes. “While we continue to elevate our guest experience at the hotel,” said Nathan Karsten, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills...

CABO ROJO, P.R.—Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s Executive Director, Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, along with the Paradores Owners Association President, Tomas Ramirez, announced the opening of 12 new EcoSuites at Parador Combate Beach at El Combate Beach in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. With this new expansion, the Parador will include a total of 48 guestrooms, in configurations to accommodate two to six people. This innovative expansion was completed with recycled materials and sustainable technologies and equipment designed to save energy. The total investment in this new project exceeds $275,000, creating 10 direct jobs and 15 indirect jobs during the construction...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Energy Department has launched a new indoor lighting campaign to increase the use of high-efficiency lighting technologies in commercial buildings. Through the Better Buildings Alliance, the Department is working with key stakeholders and end users in both the public and private sectors to install and demonstrate advanced technologies. Additionally, the Department recognized Advanced Roof-top Unit Campaign partners and Green Lease Leaders for collaboration between building owners, landlords and tenants to improve energy efficiency.“Through the Better Buildings Alliance, building owners are finding novel and exciting ways to save energy all across their portfolios,” said Dr. Dave Danielson, Assistant...

HONOLULU—Governor David Ige’s signature earlier this week makes official a law that requires all of Hawaii’s electricity to be produced from renewable energy sources no later than 2045. Enactment of House Bill (HB) 623 makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent renewable requirement, further solidifying Hawaii’s role as a global clean energy leader. “Hawaii is making history today, not only for the islands, but for the planet,” said Jeff Mikulina, Executive Director of the Blue Planet Foundation. “We are making a promise to future generations that their lives will be powered not by...

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...