NEW YORK—New York City-based hoteliers looking to find a home for items ranging from furniture to unopened amenities can use the services of NYC WasteMatch. Created and funded by the NYC Department of Sanitation’s Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse & Recycling, WasteMatch facilitates the exchange of used and surplus goods with the approximately 4,000 nonprofits and businesses in NYC. For hotels there are many benefits: reduced waste hauling costs, reduced tax burden, increased green standing in the NYC community, and knowing that their efforts are having a positive impact on the environment.Adanna Roberts, NYC WasteMatch program manager, says WasteMatch...

NATIONAL REPORT—The NEWH Sustainable Hospitality Committee announced its Green Voice Webinar Series for September 26 & 27. On September 26 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. the topic will be, “Meta-Trends in Sustainability—Shaping Our Future.” On September 27 the topics will include: “Water: Beyond High Efficiency Fixtures,” 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; “2030 Challenge for Products,” 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and “Implementing Change,” 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.“We are excited to offer our first of many Sustainable Webinars that are both a cost- and time-effective way to learn about the future of sustainability,” says Dina Belon, NEWH vice-president...

SAN DIEGO—The Department of Energy last week showcased the Marriott La Jolla, owned and operated by HEI Hotels & Resorts, during a tour of the facilities of its Better Buildings Challenge participants. As part of a three-day tour in California of participant facilities, the Department of Energy recognized and highlighted the energy-efficient and energy-saving practices and technologies implemented by the Marriott La Jolla.President Obama selected HEI Hotels & Resorts to participate in the Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge in 2011, and as part of the initiative, HEI commits to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020. All...

DENHAM, U.K.—IHG has launched the IHG Corporate Responsibility (CR) Innovation Fund, an initiative that aims to identify and invest in partners innovating environmental and societal solutions that might positively impact the hotel industry.According to IHG, it is committed to improving the environmental sustainability of its operations around the world and having a positive impact on the local community, in turn, driving economic opportunity in and around its hotels. IHG’s Corporate Responsibility strategy is based on innovation, collaboration, environment and community and the IHG CR Innovation Fund is a pioneering program by IHG to bring these together.As part of the...

AVALON, N.J.—Anyone walking by the Concord Suites at street level would have no idea there is a 434-panel, 104 kW solar system on the property’s rooftop. The panels lie flat on the roof to take full advantage of the sun that shines down on the 90-suite hotel in Avalon, N.J. Since the $500,000 system was turned on late last December, it has performed great and with no problems, says Susan Cawley, general manager. In fact, from its turn-on date through June 30 of this year, the system generated all of the electricity the hotel needed. The expectation is that...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. recently released its second full comprehensive Sustainability Report, using guidelines set forth by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In it, Marriott announced $2.5 million invested in its environmental portfolio over the past three years, and significant contributions to workforce development for disadvantaged youth around the world to help them gain skills and jobs. Through a global portfolio of partnerships called “World of Opportunity,” Marriott has been a catalyst for addressing rising youth unemployment with programs such as the Youth Career Initiative (YCI) in nine countries, SOS Children’s Villages and The Prince’s Trust in 24 European...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—In taking responsibility for the local community and environment, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton is embracing the spirit of sustainable development by initiating and supporting specially selected projects.In line with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s newly launched “Think Planet” campaign—the international hotel group’s ambitious energy saving program which aims to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent over the next five years—the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton hotel in Johannesburg has dedicated itself to making a difference by changing all light bulbs within the hotel as well as actively participating in Earth Hour initiatives.This simple strategy has already resulted in...

BOSTON—Guests staying at the recently opened 480-bed hostel in downtown Boston can take a tour of the property with their smartphones thanks to hundreds of strategically placed QR codes. A QR code (abbreviation of Quick Response codes), when scanned by a smartphone, launches a web page that describe the environmental initiatives in that part of the building. Kelly Smith, director of marketing & sales, Hostelling International Boston, says the codes are part of a Green G Tour.“In every major space you will find stickers,” Smith says. “One of our spaces is our stairwell. for that area talks about...

ATLANTA – ASHRAE’s first standard focused on the commissioning process is open for public comment. Standard 202P, Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems, would identify the minimum acceptable commissioning process for buildings and systems as described in ASRHAE’s Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process. The proposed standard is open for public review through October 1, 2012. By taking the best practices from the guideline, first published in 1989, and writing a standard, the requirements can be adopted by code bodies and used by standards developers, according to Gerald Kettler, chair of the Standard 202P committee.“The proposed standard will benefit the...

SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE—An innovative program aimed at engaging young people with their natural world while instilling a sense of environmental and social responsibility is underway again at Belize’s Chaa Creek eco-resort. Chaa Creek’s owners, Mick and Lucy Fleming have been sponsoring the annual free summer camp since 2010 and interest has since risen dramatically among young people and schools in Belize, where much of the land is pristine wilderness and eco-tourism is the primary means of employment.“We’ve always felt that an investment in our young people was Belize’s best hope for the future, and now, after sponsoring the Eco-Kids...