WICHITA, KAN.—Nancy J. Larson, director, Pollution Prevention Institute, Kansas State University, is spearheading an effort to develop a green lodging certification program for lodging establishments in Kansas. In the effort she has worked closely with Joe Andrick, general manager of the Overland Park Residence Inn by Marriott, Overland Park, Kan. Larson is pursuing an Environmental Protection Agency grant to fund the program that initially would be focused on properties in Kansas City and Wichita. If the effort to obtain an EPA grant is successful—Larson expects to have an answer by September—Kansas could have its own green lodging certification program...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International marked World Water Day (March 22) with a pledge of $1 million to support the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water. ONE DROP was initiated by Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil, and is dedicated to fighting poverty through projects aimed at supporting access to water, and raising awareness of water-related issues.“At MGM Resorts, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our vision for social responsibility,” said Jim Murren, the company’s chairman & CEO. “We are proud to be a leader in...

KAPAAU, HAWAII—Guests staying at the boutique-style Hawaii Island Retreat on Hawaii Island’s North Kohala coast can choose to stay in one of the Retreat’s nine lavishly appointed guestrooms or “rough” it a little bit and stay in one of the property’s seven well-appointed yurts. No matter what accommodations are chosen, guests have the satisfaction of knowing they are staying in a place that is off the grid—powered by the sun and wind.The Hawaii Island Retreat is nearing its third anniversary. It opened on April 1, 2009. Jacque Waters, associate director at the property, said the owners—Jeanne Sunderland and Robert...

NEW YORK—There’s a lot of talk about the other green of sustainability—financial savings. However, a recent survey from Ernst & Young LLP found that many companies might be missing opportunities, as tax departments and sustainability programs lack integration. Only 16 percent of companies that either have or are developing an environmental sustainability strategy said their tax or finance departments are actively involved in it, according to the survey entitled, “Working Together: Linking sustainability and tax to reduce the cost of implementing sustainability initiatives.” The survey included responses from 223 senior executives at companies predominantly in the United States. Of...

ATLANTA—NEWH The Hospitality Industry Network, the not-for-profit business networking and education organization in hospitality, will bring the NEWH Regional Tradeshow back to the city where it all began a decade ago; Atlanta, on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart.Each NEWH Regional Tradeshow provides a unique opportunity for clients in key major metropolitan areas to meet with existing and new suppliers showcasing their newest products and services in an intimate business casual tabletop format.On the day of the tradeshow, join NEWH for a CEU at 11 a.m. on “Wallcoverings 101: ‘The Well-Covered Wall,’” followed by...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Promising “Balanced Living on the Road,” Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s Element Hotels brand has announced an initiative designed to marry Element’s commitment to providing health and fitness options for travelers with its green design sensibility. Element Hotels is set to pilot pedal-powered generators on stationary bikes in its fitness centers, enabling guests to generate electricity and charge their own personal electronic devices as they work out. The pilot was unveiled in Miami at the March 15 opening ceremony for Element Miami International Airport, the newest Element Hotel. Starwood President and CEO Frits van Paasschen, an avid...

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA—Electric vehicles in eastern Iowa now have a place to get recharged. The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, with funds from the city of Cedar Rapids, installed a level two electric vehicle charging station in one of its parking stalls. Hotels around the country are just beginning to install charging stations for their guests and the public who own the vehicles.“The Hotel at Kirkwood Center hosts guests from around the country, and even around the world,” said general manager Lee Belfield. “More of these guests are now driving electric vehicles, and we want to make sure they have...

NEW YORK—Conrad New York has opened its doors in New York City’s vibrant Battery Park City neighborhood. Rising 16 stories along the Hudson River waterfront, the 463 all-suite luxury hotel is the first New York address from Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the global luxury brand of Hilton Worldwide.With its strong commitment to sustainability, the Conrad New York is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for New Construction from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for sustainable building practices and design.Noteworthy environmentally-friendly considerations at the Conrad include: a green roof and chef’s roof garden, bike racks...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, the newest casino in the Chicagoland area, has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Rivers Casino is the first casino in the world to achieve the LEED Gold certification.“We are proud to be recognized as a leader in sustainable development and we hope to set an example for the rest of the gaming and entertainment industries,” said Greg Carlin, CEO of Rivers Casino. “It’s important to all of our team members that we are a good corporate citizen.”“Achieving LEED...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International and Cirque du Soleil announced that they are joining forces in support of the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water. From March 20 to March 25, and in recognition of World Water Day on March 22, MGM Resorts and Cirque du Soleil will donate the proceeds from ticket sales of performances of Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows to help further ONE DROP’s mission. Initiated by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil, ONE DROP is dedicated to fighting poverty worldwide through projects aimed...