LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced that as part of its continuing commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company has expanded the scope of its industry-leading Supplier Diversity Program for suppliers, contractors and professional service providers. The MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Program now includes businesses owned by veterans, disabled and lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals, as well as minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs).“This expansion of our Supplier Diversity Program was adopted to broaden the network of businesses who participate in our company’s commerce,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “Not only does...

ATLANTA—The Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, adjacent to one of the world’s busiest U.S. airports and home to the Georgia International Convention Center, recently earned Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The eco-savvy, 403-room property is among the greenest hotels in the city and is one of only 41 LEED Silver hotels for new construction in the United States to earn this level of accreditation. “We are proud of this outstanding achievement in being recognized as an environmental leader,” said Robert Woolridge, general manager. “Our contributions in making the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will provide $9.8 million in grants to 38 states, territories and tribes to help protect the health of swimmers at America’s beaches. The agency also launched an improved website for beach advisories and closings, which will allow the public to more quickly and easily access the most current water quality and pollution testing information for more than 6,000 U.S. beaches. The website, called BEACON, has the capability to update as frequently as every two hours based on new data provided by states, territories and tribes. Users will have access to...

SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS—Sabre Holdings, a global technology company for the travel industry, announced the launch of its Sabre Eco-Certified Hotel Program, a program that provides clear and easy access to sustainable travel offerings throughout Sabre’s portfolio. The program addresses travelers’ growing desire for environmentally responsible accommodations and includes more than 4,700 hotels certified by globally-recognized certification programs.The Sabre Eco-Certified Hotel Program builds upon Travelocity’s Green Hotel Directory, launched in 2009, and extends the program company-wide to recognize hotels that are certified as sustainable according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s guidelines. Travelocity is still the only major online travel company...

ST. PETE BEACH, FLA.—The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, a beachfront resort located directly on the Gulf of Mexico on St. Pete Beach, is now serving Gulf Wild seafood at two of its restaurants—Palm Court Italian Grill and Bermudas Steak & Seafood—so diners know exactly where their fish originated. The change ensures the fish are responsibly caught and that guests are receiving the freshest possible seafood from sustainability-focused fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico.Guests who order specially-marked Gulf Wild seafood from the menu are presented a tag number which is directly tied to the Gulf Wild TransparenSea system. Diners can...

RAPID CITY, S.D.—Atmosphere Hospitality Management LLC has assumed the management and license contract of a former downtown Rapid City branded hotel and has plans to convert it to the first Adoba Eco Hotel. The conversion of the nine-story, 177-guestroom property will include a full property guestroom renovation and public area restoration beginning mid-February. The hotel will stay open during the renovation that is expected to be done by May. The destination inspired, sustainable guestroom design will be created by Antonio Ballatore from HGTV’s “The Antonio Treatment” TV show.“Our goal since the launch of the Adoba Brand has been to...

ATLANTA—The engineering, architectural and green building communities, as well as governmental agencies, are seeking to fundamentally change energy-use aspects of the built environment. The ASHRAE conference, High Performance Buildings: A Focus on Deep Energy Savings, addresses what really works when tackling major improvements in energy efficiency, renewable applications and operating practices in buildings. The conference is sponsored by ASHRAE’s High Performing Buildings magazine and takes place March 12 to 13 in San Diego. “The conference’s focus on case studies and networking offers attendees an up close and personal exchange of ideas on best practices for high performance buildings,” Kent Peterson, conference...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announces that Amadeus, Melia, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Sabre Holdings and TUI Travel are among the first group of global travel and tourism corporations to publicly commit to promoting sustainable tourism products and services recognized by the GSTC. Each of these companies has committed to using the GSTC Criteria—a global framework for defining a sustainable travel benchmark—as the reference for sustainable travel.The objective of the program is to recognize and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which in turn builds confidence and credibility with consumers. The commitment from these organizations demonstrates their...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide and Sundance Institute announced the winners of the newly launched Hilton Worldwide LightStay Sustainability Award program, which includes $25,000 for one feature film and one in-process category winner. The prizes will be presented at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival this week. Additionally, Hilton Worldwide will screen the winning feature film, The Island President, at a special private event during the Festival. A Q&A session with director Jon Shenk will follow the screening. The Island President will be released by Samuel Goldwyn Films on March 28. “Our partnership with Sundance Institute provides a platform for filmmakers to tell...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—Fair Trade USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States, unveiled a newly redesigned certification label and significant revisions to its Multiple Ingredients Product Policy. The changes will better serve the needs of farmers, businesses and consumers that look to the Fair Trade Certified label to ensure that rigorous standards, transparency and efforts to provide the greatest impact possible have been met.Under the revised Ingredients Policy, which applies to all food and personal care products, only products that contain 100 percent Fair Trade Certified ingredients may bear the full Fair Trade Certified label....