NORTHBROOK, ILL.—UL, a global safety science leader, recently conducted a study to learn where value and return on investment lie in the area of sustainable buildings. The study and its result is available in a free white paper titled, “The Dawn of the Building Performance Era.” The paper wasa written by UL Chief Economist Erin Grossi.In the white paper, Grossi predicts disruption in the building market over the next five to 10 years as owners, operators and investors of buildings increasingly recognize the potential of innovation in building energy consumption, water usage and indoor air quality to positively impact...

LONDON—The Green Hotelier Awards 2015 are now open. Green Hotelier is searching for the best in class when it comes to green hotels in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas. To reflect the increasingly broad geographical spread of Green Hotelier’s audience, this year the Green Hotelier Awards are open to hotels all over the world. There will be a winner and two runners up for each of the four regions. Green Hotelier is hoping to attract entries from hotels of all shapes and sizes—whether a rustic island resort or inner city business hotel.Those interested in...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the accomplishments of organizations and businesses participating in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise program for reducing their climate footprint, improving efficiency, helping communities and achieving cost savings through waste reduction. These programs save money, protect the environment and feed the hungry. Among those recognized were MGM Resorts International and McCormick Place.  “In 2013, EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators,” said Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “Of this total, more...

NATIONAL REPORT—Due to the sheer volume of electronic products in hotels, energy consumption and e-waste are big issues, from both environmental and monetary standpoints. There are televisions in every room and lobby, computers throughout administrative offices and business centers, at least one giant copier at each location. That adds up to a lot of potential energy hogging devices plugged in at the same time. At the end of the product’s useful life, figuring out where to recycle 400 televisions can be a daunting undertaking.Sustainability and purchasing professionals are faced with the Herculean task of finding cost-efficient, long lasting products...

NAPLES, FLA.—Lemon Tree Inn of Naples, Florida celebrated its new landscaping by releasing thousands of ladybugs on January 17. The boutique hotel has also sprouted a new “Pollination Package”, which offers a three-night stay with two tickets to the Naples Botanical Garden and a packet of flower seeds. Lemon Tree Inn, which has a butterfly garden in its courtyard garden, releases ladybugs as needed to rid the plants of pests. The hotel will release another group of ladybugs this June in celebration of National Pollinator Week.“The butterfly garden that Hunter Reno helped us create in 2010 was exquisite,” said...

MADRID, SPAIN—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Tour Operators’ Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development (TOI) recently announced their merger, as approved by the boards of directors of each organization.“While retaining our vital DNA as a neutral and independent arbiter of standards for sustainability in travel and tourism, which is well established in our bylaws and organizational structure, the GSTC from our inception has welcomed the participation of all subsectors within travel and tourism,” said Randy Durband, GSTC’s CEO. “Tour operators uniquely touch all facets of the tourism value chain and therefore can play a vital role in...

ATLANTA—IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Carr City Centers announce a new InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Washington, D.C. The 278-room new build hotel will be part of The Wharf, a world-class, mixed-use waterfront development located on the historic Washington Channel. IHG, Carr and Clark Enterprises partnered together to form a joint venture with Wharf Master Developer Hoffman-Madison Waterfront to develop and own the InterContinental. The Washington D.C. property will apply for LEED Silver certification, contributing to the overall LEED-ND Gold status of The Wharf.The new InterContinental hotel will complement the iconic Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. hotel—also part of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Visitors to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) end-user website, Equipment Finance Advantage, will find new enhancements that make it a more powerful resource than ever for helping businesses take advantage of the benefits of equipment finance. The site has improved navigation for a better user experience and offers a wider range of resources focused on how companies of all types and sizes can use leasing and financing to their strategic advantage to acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. ELFA launched the original Equipment Finance Advantage website two years ago. Highlights of the site’s...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. has launched “Heart of the House.” The new custom-built social platform features real stories, submitted by guests and hotels worldwide, about guest service, community service, innovation, culture and recognition. The launch continues to align with Marriott International’s Global Content Studio global strategy of developing, producing, and distributing content that informs, entertains, and adds value to travel lifestyle consumers.“We constantly hear from guests about hotel staff going above and beyond to make travel experiences unforgettable,” said Debbie Marriott Harrison, Global Officer, Marriott Culture and Business Councils. “We’re excited to finally have a dedicated storytelling channel to...

NAPA, CALIF.—Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa treats diners’ taste buds to a true garden-to-table experience year round. It may be winter, but the Napa Valley hotel’s on-site restaurant, VINeleven, is giving travelers a taste of sunny California with farm-fresh flavors. Incorporating vegetables, fruits and herbs that are grown in the gardens on-site, VINeleven provides an authentic Napa dining experience.Featuring over 2,000 square feet of raised and in-ground beds, an herb garden and communal dining table that serves 18 guests, The Heirloom Gardens are produced and planted 12 months a year, creating a constant flow of rich flavors and...