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...

BERKELEY, CALIF.—Architects, engineers, and urban planners are consistently seeking to access and manage the environmental impacts the buildings they produce. Although the operational energy of commercial structures in the United States accounts for approximately 35 percent of total electricity consumption, the materials that are used to build the building are also scrutinized for their environmental impact.The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has a new software tool for building professionals studying all phases of the complete lifecycle of a building, from acquisition of materials to construction, the use of the building, and finally demolition and end of life to determine its...

ORANJESTAD, ST. EUSTATIUS—The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) is preparing to host a conference from September 25 to 27, during which delegates will discuss critical issues relating to the island’s sustainability.The theme of the Statia Sustainable Conference (SSC), “Powering Sustainable Development,” is identical to the proposed theme for this year’s World Tourism Day by the World Tourism Organization. The objectives of the STDF is to gather all sustainability related sectors and link as a team to additionally educate and inform the public regarding the importance of sustainable practices. By influencing the community in the right direction of sustainability...

NATIONAL REPORT—Most toilet paper available today for the away-from-home market includes most, if not all, recycled content. While the percentage of pre and post consumer recycled content in bathroom tissue can vary by brand and supplier, the good news is that, whether pre or post consumer material, the use of recycled fiber keeps it out of the landfill. Some brands of tissue are more eco-friendly than others. With a bit of research, one can determine what to consider, besides cost, when making a green purchasing decision.The U.S. Department of Energy ranks paper manufacturing as the fifth most energy-intensive industry:...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Dover Downs Hotel & Casino has partnered with Orlando-based social enterprise Clean the World to collect and recycle hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions and gels to help fight the global spread of preventable diseases. The soaps collected by Dover Downs Hotel & Casino will be shipped to Clean the World for recycling and distribution to communities and countries in greatest need through the efforts of Clean the World Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.Dover Downs Hotel & Casino has a total of 500 rooms and is projected to provide nearly 45,000 bars of soap and bottled amenities—more than three...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, August 21, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership (GPP) will host a webinar on “Sustainable Energy Use in the Hotel Industry.” The webinar will feature information about sustainability in the hotel industry, including success stories from two EPA Green Power Partners that have incorporated green power into their sustainability initiatives, as well as support available to hotels that want to go green. By addressing the environmental impacts of the sizable resources and energy needed for hotel operations, many in the hospitality industry are on the cutting...

ITHACA, N.Y.—Those attending the 2012 Cornell Hospitality Research Summit (CHRS) will be able to choose from more than 80 research-based, industry-focused presentations. Scheduled for October 8 and 9, 2012, at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, the CHRS features top-level presentations from a balanced mix of hospitality industry leaders and academic researchers. The conference’s goal is to provide fact-based, strategic information that will help the industry move forward. An overview of the CHRS schedule is available from the Center for Hospitality Research (CHR), which is producing the conference. Early registration for CHRS at a reduced rate is now open....

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—The GBTA Foundation, the education and research foundation of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), has named the five winners of the Project ICARUS Gold Medal award: IHG, Symantec Corp., Sabre Holdings, Enterprise Holdings and PwC. Gold Medals are given to travel buyers and suppliers actively integrating sustainability efforts into their travel programs.The Project ICARUS Gold Medal program recognizes organizations that are taking action in the drive for greater sustainability within the travel profession. Project ICARUS is the first global travel management sustainability body, with representatives from buyers, suppliers, academics and subject matter experts from Europe, North America,...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Westin Hotels & Resorts announced that it is applying its design-driven approach to its new public space design. Designed with guests’ well-being in mind, the new lobby incorporates natural design elements, flexible and functional zoning and conveniently-located retail and grab and go areas. Westin’s new public space concept is currently on display at Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego and will continue to roll out at participating properties worldwide throughout 2013. Five additional hotels are slated to feature the new concept this year including Westin Indianapolis, Westin Boston Waterfront, Westin Birmingham, Westin Georgetown and Westin Bethesda.The Vertical Garden...

BURLINGAME, CALIF.—The San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel has welcomed its newest and most unconventional hotel guests—six baby barn owls. Soon after discovering the owls nested on the 11th Concierge floor balcony, the hotel reached out to a wildlife expert at the San Mateo SPCA who confirmed that the owls are in fact barn owls and are protected native birds of prey.The hotel is pleased to accommodate the privacy of the baby owls and foster their growth. General manager, Clif Clark explained, “Even when we’re sold out at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, the owl family is not...