NEW YORK—Three NEWH Green Voice Conversations have been added to the extensive schedule of sustainability-focused sessions at the Hospitality Leadership Forum, International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS), and Boutique Design New York (BDNY) events to be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center November 8 to 11 in New York City. The Green Voice Conversations will take place as part of BDNY.The first Green Voice Conversation will take place Sunday, November 9 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The topic will be, “Where Does Your Wood Come from and Why it Matters: Understanding Responsible Sourcing of Wood and...

HAMILTON, OHIO—Many cleaning professionals are unaware of studies that indicate how the very tools we use to clean surfaces—specifically, cleaning cloths and mops—are sometimes the very ones that cause cross-contamination. This point was illustrated rather dramatically in a study published in 2004. That study found that, in situations where the cleaning procedure fails to thoroughly eliminate contamination from one surface and then the same cloth is used to wipe another surface, “the contamination is transferred to that surface.” Another study investigated microbial contamination of cleaning cloths and their potential to spread contamination. Once again, this study reported that wiping surfaces...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Those looking for assurance that ozone laundry technology does indeed reduce energy, water and related costs can find proof in study results recently released by the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.) Building Technologies Office. The D.O.E., with the assistance of outside consultants, conducted a demonstration project to evaluate ozone laundry technologies for reducing the energy and water use of multi-load washers in healthcare and hospitality facilities.The D.O.E. report, entitled, “Demonstration of Advanced Technologies for Multi-Load Washers in Hospitality and Healthcare—Ozone Based Laundry Systems,” documents the demonstration of two ozone laundry system installations. The first installation took place at...

EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA—Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts has taken the pledge to be a part of the Water Sense H2Otel Challenge. Water Sense is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnership program designed to help save water for future generations. Bucuti is the only resort outside of the United States and North America that has taken this initiative at this time.The initial step of the program is “ACT”: assess water use and savings opportunities; change products or processes to incorporate best management practices; and track results. Upon assessment, Bucuti will begin replacing existing products with Water Sense-labeled models. Simply...

OAHU, HAWAII—Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu, Hawaii, has completed the installation of an innovative green roof that covers a total of approximately 60,000 square feet as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.“We are dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s delicate and natural resources as stewards of the land,” said Scott McCormack, Vice President of Real Estate for Turtle Bay Resort. “We have received positive feedback from our resort guests who appreciate the project’s eco-friendly benefits and are enjoying enhanced guestroom views of the ocean and landscape art atop the newly designed roofs.”The lower flat roofs of Turtle Bay Hotel were completely...

BRANSON, MO.—The Branson Convention Center recently launched a task force of employees to investigate how the facility could lessen its environmental impact through green initiatives. After several months of research and planning the task force has begun implementing their recommendations with a new sustainability plan.“SMG has a long history worldwide of conducting business with a focus on being environmentally friendly,” said Branson Convention Center General Manager Marc Mulherin. “When SMG transitioned into the management role with the Convention Center we knew launching this task force would be one of our first priorities.”The initiatives of the Branson Convention Center’s sustainability...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide announced that, following a comprehensive upgrade to its LightStay global environmental management system, more than 4,200 of its properties around the world are now ISO 50001 (energy management) certified. This certification complements the company’s other global system-wide ISO certifications of ISO 9001 and 14001.ISO provides internationally recognized frameworks and standards for organizations in the areas of products, services and systems. Hilton Worldwide achieved ISO 9001 (quality management) and 14001 (environmental management) certifications in 2011, and was fully recertified to both of these standards this year. With these certifications, Hilton Worldwide is one of the first multinational...

LAS VEGAS—A recent survey of casino employees revealed a significant concern that secondhand smoke inhalation is causing serious illness and disease. Smoke-Free Gaming of America and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 721, a union comprised of table games dealers, collaborated in reaching out to 55 Las Vegas casino employees to find out if breathing secondhand smoke was a health concern.   According to the survey results: •    94 percent indicated the air is unhealthy for them to breathe;•    89 percent want their casino to be totally smoke free;•    80 percent do not smoke;•    79 percent have worked more than 10...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment Corp. issued its fifth annual Corporate Citizenship Report, entitled “Serious Play.” Caesars has long been committed to being a positive corporate citizen that contributes to improving the economic, social and environmental quality of life wherever it operates. Caesars’ mission—inspiring grown-ups to play responsibly—is described in its latest citizenship report, which showcases the company’s positive impacts on society and the environment in 2013 and early 2014.Caesars tracks its corporate citizenship progress in areas including Responsible Gaming, Employee Development, Environmental Stewardship and Community Investment Performance. The latest report details the company's impact in 2013 and also provides more...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—MGM Resorts International received the Alliance to Save Energy’s highest honor, the Galaxy Star of Energy Efficiency Award at a special awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.. Each year, the Star of Energy Efficiency Awards are bestowed upon individuals, organizations, companies, government programs and learning institutions that have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency both in the United States and abroad.Secretary Alexis Herman, a member of the company’s Board of Directors and the Chair of its Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the company. MGM Resorts was honored for...