TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—Friday the thirteenth was a lucky day for participants in the Florida Green Lodging Program, an effort by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. It was on that day that Governor Charlie Crist issued an Executive Order that will require all state agencies and departments under his direction to do business only with Florida Green Lodging Program participants as of January 1, 2008. Crist issued the order during a speech outlining his direction for Florida’s energy future. Twenty-five Florida hotels are currently certified as Green Lodging...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—The Editors’ Choice Awards competition at the 92nd annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) is going green, as an eco-friendly counterpart is added to each of the five categories presented annually—décor, essentials, luxury, restaurant and technology. A total of 10 Editors’ Choice Awards will be presented at the 2007 IH/M&RS, recognizing the most innovative new products—and environmentally sound products—for the hospitality industry. In addition, the Kenneth F. Hine “Best of Show” Award will spotlight the overall best new product introduced at the market, taking place November 10-13, 2007, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention...

AMMAN, JORDAN—In an effort to continuously promote awareness of environmental issues, Marriott Hotels in Jordan have just announced that they have become members of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), an independent voluntary organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan’s natural resources. Managing the natural resources of Jordan is done by setting up protected areas to safeguard the best wildlife and scenic areas, and breeding endangered species to save them from extinction. In addition, conservation includes enforcing governmental laws to protect wildlife, controlling illegal hunting, and raising awareness of environmental issues through educational programs. As members in the...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Would Al Gore forget to turn off the lights before running out the door? Maybe, if that door led to a hotel room. Travel can turn even the most Prius-like consumer into a gas-guzzling SUV, according to a survey of frequent travelers commissioned by element Hotels, a new Westin-inspired extended-stay brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. In fact, a majority of frequent travelers—59 percent—admit to letting their “green routines” slip when on the road. For example, a majority of people—60 percent—are more likely to leave a bathroom light on overnight in an unfamiliar hotel room...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Vail Resorts, Inc. announced that Julie Klein will become the company’s new Director of Environmental Affairs for its Lodging Division, effective August 15, 2007. In this role, Klein will lead environmental initiatives at RockResorts and Vail Resorts Lodging Co. She will coordinate with property-level personnel, including general managers, and interface with Lodging Division functional leads to define key environmental objectives aligned with company business strategies. “Julie was selected for this newly created role based on her strong track record in overseeing environmental programs and initiatives,” says Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts. “We view sustainability as integral to...

NATIONAL REPORT—Operating a spa in an environmentally responsible manner requires a lot more than using natural personal care products. Yes, offering such treatments is smart and provides a competitive advantage, but it is just a small part of running a “green” operation. How you manage water, lighting, heating and cooling, cleaning, purchasing, and even cooking is much more important. What those who have implemented green programs have discovered is that they need not sacrifice luxury—or profits—for sustainability. To compete with leaders such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa and others that operate green spas,...

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CALIF.—The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park has been accepted into the Environmental Protection Agency’s Performance Track program. The EPA’s Performance Track program recognizes top environmental performers that commit to “sound environmental management, continuous improvement, public outreach and sustained environmental compliance.” According to the EPA, Performance Track members demonstrate in their daily business operations that economic prosperity and environmental protection go hand in hand. Members of the EPA Performance Track Program receive incentives such as public recognition and low inspection priority. Members are also eligible for several kinds of administrative flexibility...

NATIONAL REPORT—For many reasons—aesthetics, noise reduction, energy efficiency—hoteliers have been opting for vertical package terminal air conditioners (vertical PTACs, aka VTACs) instead of PTACs for their guestrooms. VTACs, which are placed discreetly in an enclosed corner closet, are being implemented most often in suite environments with multiple rooms but also are appropriate for single-room configurations. “There are different reasons for opting for VTACs, but cost is an important one; they are less expensive than two PTACs,” says Jim Benz, marketing manager for air-conditioning products for GE Consumer & Industrial. “Looks are also important. It looks like you have central air...

MILWAUKEE, WISC.—Results from a first-time survey of North American business leaders indicate they expect energy prices to continue to rise, and plan to invest in energy efficiency measures to help fight rising costs. Despite the trend toward sustainability, executives cite a desire to decrease energy expenditures within their organizations as a greater motivator than environmental responsibility. Those are some of the findings of the research commissioned by Johnson Controls Inc. The Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator research identified individuals from a wide range of facilities and locations who were decision makers for energy management issues within organizations and asked how...

THAME, OXON, U.K.—The United Kingdom’s fastest growing budget hotel chain, Travelodge, became the first major hotel mover in the smoking ban debate by declaring that they will be completely smoke free by January 2008. The budget chain will make all public areas in their hotels smoke free by the beginning of July 2007 but go a step further by eradicating smoking from all rooms completely by the turn of the year. Travelodge, serving over 6.5 million each year and operating 318 U.K. hotels, made the move following overwhelming feedback on the subject from both customers and staff. Research by...