SEATTLE—Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle’s first and only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified hotel, continues to lead the local hospitality industry in green initiatives with the announcement of its Green Seal Gold Certification—the much sought after achievement that can only be accomplished if the property complies with the Green Seal Standard for Hotels & Lodging Properties (GS-33, 2011) at the highest level. Only three hotels in the United States have obtained a gold certification, and only a handful of properties have the unique combination of all three environmentally friendly distinctions.“Since opening our doors in February 2009,...

ASHEVILLE, N.C.—For the first time, one of America’s cities, Asheville, N.C., has earned the official designation of being a Green Dining Destination. This achievement means that locals, tourists, and businesspeople can dine at a plethora of Certified Green Restaurants throughout Asheville. This accomplishment was driven by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR), and the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute (BRSI), who formed a local coalition to encourage more environmentally sustainable practices within the city’s restaurants.This month, Asheville has met and exceeded its goal of having 15 Certified Green Restaurants throughout the city, all of which have...

VINELAND, N.J.—Could the Ramada Vineland be the first property its size to receive a monthly electricity bill of $0? Possibly. That is what happened in October at the 102-room property in Vineland, N.J. Time will tell if the Ramada will maintain its “net zero hotel” status but NGL Property Management’s John Scipione, owner of the hotel with his family, believes it is possible.What lowered the hotel’s electricity bill from $15,000/month to $5,000/month over the last couple of years is a $2.6 million, 2,500-solar panel installation behind the property. It sits on three acres of land owned by NGL Property...

GAITHERSBURG, MD.—Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center has an energizing offer for guests who arrive in eco-friendly electric and hybrid electric vehicles to celebrate the installation of its new electric vehicle charging station. Gaithersburg Marriott’s Charge Up! Eat Up! Green Up! package highlights its commitment to energy-efficient practices that protect the environment. Available through May 31, 2013, guests who reserve this special package can fuel up with a complimentary breakfast while they charge up their electric vehicles at the new Level 2 charging station recently installed near the hotel’s front entrance.“Protecting the environment is important at every level,” says Sara Moore,...

NEW YORK—Around the world, the green building marketplace is accelerating, according to a new study released by McGraw-Hill Construction in partnership with United Technologies at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco.The study indicates a shift in the global construction market, now viewing green as a business opportunity rather than a niche market. Overwhelmingly, firms report that their top reasons to do green work are client demand (35 percent) and market demand (33 percent)—two key business drivers of strategic planning. The next top reasons were also oriented toward the corporate bottom line—lower operating costs (30 percent) and...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Vancouver’s newest lounge at Hyatt Regency Vancouver is a unique gastro bar and urban retreat for foodies and fun lovers. Grain Tasting Bar offers a warm, open atmosphere inspired by a window wall of glass panes that gives an all-season view of the downtown streetscape and can be removed so the inside and outside are a seamless experience.Specializing in artisan cocktails, regional wines, craft beer, and fresh, local cuisine, Grain Tasting Bar is a pure culinary experience that infuses the flavors of British Columbia. Sourcing produce, organic breads and cured meats from local and sustainable growers, bakers, and...

LAS VEGAS—For the third consecutive year, MGM Resorts International has been listed among Newsweek Magazine’s 500 most environmentally responsible companies in the United States—moving up 35 places to 122—and also as the highest ranking company in the casino resort industry.The company also ranked as the third most highly rated U.S. Hotel & Restaurant Company.“These results reflect that environmental responsibility continues as a core company value that is woven into and throughout our culture and business operations,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “Sustainability in all areas of operations is the highest of priorities and we...

PHILADELPHIA—Campus Apartments, a developer and manager of university-affiliated real estate, announces that its first hotel development, Homewood Suites by Hilton—University City, was awarded the Silver level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.The upscale extended-stay hotel, which provides residential-style accommodations for visitors to area universities and medical facilities, opened in May 2012 after 18 months of development. Located in Philadelphia’s University City District, the hotel was designed and constructed to meet green building standards with sustainable systems and an energy-efficient envelope.The City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. and The...

SAN FRANCISCO—U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the world’s largest conference dedicated to green building, kicked off earlier this week at San Francisco’s LEED Gold Moscone Center with 7,000 attendees. The morning’s opening plenary, headlined by MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” co-hosts Mika Brzezinksi and Joe Scarborough marked the official launch of the 2012 show.Now in its 11th year, Greenbuild convenes 35,000 members of the green building industry for three days of education sessions, renowned speakers, networking events, and a vast exhibition floor with thousands of booths. This year’s location in San Francisco is ideal: With more...

NEW YORK—M1T Partners, LP (M1T), an SEC Registered Investment Advisory addressing the needs of private equity and merger and acquisition specialists by placing investments and providing the necessary advisory services to arrange, structure, execute and syndicate transactions, has finalized a preliminary round of funding of Adoba Eco Hotel, the first independent hotel chain to design, build and convert fully LEED certified hotels. M1T’s $75 million investment represents the first round of financing of a five-year plan to accelerate Adoba’s national expansion plan. M1T’s investment in the Adoba Eco Hotel brand expansion is being conducted through the firm’s fund that...