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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.

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.

MindClick SGM, Marriott Launch Sustainable Purchasing Pilot Program

HILLSBORO, ORE.—MindClick SGM along with Marriott International announced the launch of the hotel industry’s first pilot program to gauge the impact of sustainable purchasing on guest perception, satisfaction and loyalty through a vendor sustainability evaluation program, guest marketing program and research study. In the program, the Residence Inn by Marriott Portland West/Hillsboro, owned by Apple REIT Six, will be renovated using approved suppliers who are evaluated and rated by the MindClick Hospitality Sustainability Performance Index (HSP Index).The HSP Index is the hospitality industry’s first and only supply chain sustainability rating and reporting system to help hoteliers furnish and supply...

Alternative Compliance Paths Available for LEED Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new set of Global Alternative Compliance Paths, or Global ACPs, are now available for all commercial projects pursuing LEED green building certification using the 2009 versions of the rating systems. Global ACPs offer a flexible method for projects around the world to demonstrate compliance with the LEED credits that are traditionally more challenging for projects outside of the United States.“Global consistency and a regional approach mean providing flexibility in referenced standards while ensuring that LEED certification signifies the same level of excellence worldwide,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president, LEED, USGBC. “By focusing on global standards and...

Through Certification Program, Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Promotes Green Practices

SAN JUAN, P.R.—A year into their Green Hotel Certification program, the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) is beginning to make headway in getting lodging establishments on board. The first Green Certification was awarded earlier this year on April 22 (Earth Day) to the off-the-grid Casa Solaris at Hix Island House in Vieques. Last month, the executive director of PRTC, Luis G. Rivera Marín, awarded new certificates to Turtle Bay Inn in Lajas and Parador Villas del Mar Hau in Isabela. The Tourism Co. has a pipeline of roughly 15 hotels in line to receive certification.The ceremony granting the certification...

High Hotels Adds Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

LANCASTER, PA.—High Hotels Ltd., a Lancaster, Pa.-based operator of nationally branded hotels, has introduced electric vehicle charging stations at its properties in Greenfield Corporate Center in East Lampeter Township. Guests of the Courtyard by Marriott, at 1931 Hospitality Drive, and the Hampton Inn, at 545 Greenfield Road, can fully charge their all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles in two to four hours.The two new charging stations join a third station in Greenfield Corporate Center next to the offices of AMERIgreen Energy, a Lancaster, Pa.-based wholesale energy provider. High Hotels partnered with AMERIgreen Energy to install the charging stations.Green Plus-Certified High...

Hilton Worldwide Announces Mattress Recycling Program

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide announced a new mattress recycling program in coordination with the installation of new Serta mattresses and box springs. Available immediately across all brands in the United States, the program will recycle approximately 85 percent of Hilton hotel mattresses and box springs into various products rather than being diverted to a landfill. “Our hotels have purchased more than 50,000 mattresses in the past two years in the U.S. alone,” said Randy Gaines, vice president, engineering operations for the Americas at Hilton Worldwide. “This program presents a great opportunity for our hotels globally, offers a cost savings to...

Mexican Companies, Associations Commit to Code of Ethics

CAMPECHE, MEXICO—Fourteen of Mexico’s major tourism companies and associations have signed commitments to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, joining the growing number of private sector players that have pledged to promote and implement the values of responsible and sustainable tourism as championed by the Code.The signing, held on the occasion of the 94th Session of the UNWTO Executive Council, was witnessed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, the Minister of Tourism of Mexico, Gloria Guevara, and the Members of UNWTO Executive Council.“Today you are committing your company to the integration of ethical norms and responsible practices in...

TownePlace Suites Hotel Built to LEED Standards Opens in Frederick, Maryland

FREDERICK, MD.—The 120-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Frederick, Md., has opened. The TownePlace Suites Frederick will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Westview Hospitality Associates, LLC and managed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners.The hotel is expected to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification for its contributions in making the environment a healthier place by reducing waste and conserving energy and water. It is the second TownePlace Suites to receive this level of certification and will be achieving LEED certification via Marriott’s LEED Volume program using the pre-certified prototype for the brand.Green features include: a fleet...

The Greens Go ‘Green’ at Longboat Key Club & Resort

LONGBOAT KEY, FLA.—Longboat Key Club & Resort, a strong proponent of green hospitality, has taken its commitment one step farther with the implementation of green golf course technology as standard procedures for their golf course maintenance programs.Long before “green” became the industry buzzword it is today, Longboat Key Club & Resort was well on its way to identifying sustainable and energy saving initiatives that have been widely implemented throughout the resort. When the focus turned to refurbishing their golf courses, they relied on the expertise of John Reilly, director of agronomy, to find a system that would accomplish the...

Landmark Dearborn Hotel Debuts New Adoba Name

DEARBORN, MICH.—The 773-room Hyatt Regency Dearborn will open its doors as the Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit on November 1, 2012. The hotel, which overlooks Ford World Headquarters, the Henry Ford Museum and the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, will be managed by Atmosphere Hospitality Management. Atmosphere is the owner and operator of the Adoba brand.  “We are thrilled to be part of this community and excited to resume business as usual,” says Jim Henderson, CEO/president of Atmosphere. “Most importantly, we look forward to serving our guests and working with such a well-regarded team of employees, as the Adoba team begins a...

Hotel BPM Finds Green Rhythm

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Guests planning a stay at Hotel BPM Brooklyn will see more “green” than the hotel’s lime green décor. Hotel BPM by DJ BIJAL, named for the music term referring to the pace count of a song, “beats per minute,” is helping the environment through various eco-friendly amenities and initiatives on property. From the air conditioner units and lighting to the in-room amenities, Hotel BPM continues to make great strides to go green. Upon stepping foot in one of the boutique property’s 76 rooms, guests can unwind with air conditioner units that keep the room at a guest’s desired temperature...