WASHINGTON, D.C.—Results of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) 2012 Lodging Survey provide strong evidence that the greening of the U.S. lodging industry is continuing. Funded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) and conducted by STR, 52,155 U.S. hotel properties were polled in the survey that is conducted every two years. Similar data has been collected since 1988. There was a healthy response rate of 23 percent to this year’s survey.While most of the questions were repeated from previous years, there were new questions as well. For example, hoteliers were asked for the first time...

DENVER—Denver-based Sage Hospitality, a hotel manager, developer and owner, announced that the 150-suite SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown at Metro State is now open. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, the $45 million hotel is situated just a quick walk from the Pepsi Center, the Colorado Convention Center and the popular Larimer Square, LoDo district and 16th Street Mall.The SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown at Metro State expects to receive Silver Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Green features include the use of only high efficiency plumbing fixtures and low VOC paints...

NASHVILLE, TENN.—John Q. Hammons’ Embassy Suites Nashville South/Cool Springs announces the availability of the hotel’s green guest services shuttle with zero emissions. The hotel’s 7-foot-9-inch Nissan Leaf limousine is the world’s first all-electric stretch limo and replaces a traditional limo service. In addition, the hotel launched on-site guest electric-car charging stations as a part of its latest eco-friendly amenities. The 250-suite, nine-story hotel is operated by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States. According to Bob Horner, general manager of Embassy Suites Nashville South/Cool Springs,...

OTTAWA, ON.—The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting entries for the 2012 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. In its ninth year the Hall of Fame Awards program continues the Association’s tradition of acknowledging the strong standards and values of those involved in and with the lodging industry. Each year the Hall of Fame Awards attracts more and more entries from members across the country. The awards program recognizes those individuals, companies or properties that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to the industry in the following divisions:The Energy & Environment Award—Recognizes lodging properties...

CONCORD, CALIF.—It got official as it can get earlier this year on June 5. It was on that day that the Hilton Concord in Concord, Calif., was designated the Sustainability Flagship by Interstate Hotels & Resorts in a proclamation released by the Office of the Mayor of the City of Concord. The 329-key hotel was selected by Interstate to be the green prototype of what could be rolled out across the company’s other five wholly-owned and managed hotels. “Our plan is to implement similar programs and technologies at our other five wholly-owned hotels as part of our annual planned capital...

TUCSON, ARIZ.—Noted green building expert, author, water crisis guru and sustainability planning consultant, Jerry Yudelson has released a three-part video series entitled “Water Wars” on his YouTube video channel. The videos are based on Yudelson’s book, “Dry Run: Preventing the Next Urban Water Crisis,” which outlines how cities can prepare for a coming era of water scarcity throughout the United States and much of the world, brought about by global climate change, increasing urban populations and a growing “water footprint” from human activity. The green building consultant spoke about the “Water Wars” videos, by saying, “What we are trying to accomplish...

CHICAGO—Hyatt announced details of its new organic and seasonal children’s menu created exclusively for Hyatt by renowned food pioneer and chef, Alice Waters. The new menu, featuring a three-course organic meal, marks the first hotel project for Waters and complements Hyatt’s “For Kids By Kids” menu, providing children more nutritious, fresh and interactive offerings. The new children’s food and beverage offerings at Hyatt are grounded in the brand’s philosophy Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served., promoting healthy people, a healthy planet and healthy communities, and will be offered in all full-service Hyatt hotels and resorts throughout the United States and...

LANCASTER, PA.—Lancaster, Pa.-based High Hotels Ltd.’s Homewood Suites by Hilton Harrisburg-West in Mechanicsburg, Pa., has earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification. Located in the Rossmoyne Business Center, the property is one of 12 hotels in Pennsylvania that currently holds Energy Star certification according to the Energy Star website directory.The property joins several other High Hotels properties that have been awarded Energy Star certification. Additionally the hotel’s owner, High Hotels, is recognized as a Green Plus-certified company, the Institute for Sustainable Development’s highest level of recognition for triple-bottom-line sustainability.“High Hotels is committed to providing environmentally sound options for...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), being held this year in Monterey, Calif., from September 17 to 19, features a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be part of sustainability leaders from around the world, including featured keynote presenters: Sydney Allicock, executive director, Surama Eco-Tourism (Guyana); Trip Van Noppen, president, Earthjustice (USA); and Amy Carter-James, co-founder, Guludo Beach Lodge and Nema Foundation (Mozambique).“By bringing together industry professionals and community stakeholders from around the world, the ESTC helps strengthen opportunities to learn from experienced ambassadors working directly with communities and conservation programs,” says Dr. Kelly Bricker, chair, The International Ecotourism Society...

NEW YORK—Barclay the Bee has landed in the InterContinental New York Barclay’s guestrooms with a question—“to wash, or not to wash”? The hotel’s friendly messaging mascot is highlighting an important aspect of the InterContinental New York Barclay’s sustainable initiatives—water savings—with a new “Don’t Wash” symbol and fun in-room message delivery. A Bee-shaped cut-out sign designed to sit in a holder on nightstands features Barclay the Bee holding a message advising guests of the hotel’s commitment to every-other-day sheet and towel washing. Guests who desire every day service simply remove the bee card from its holder and place it on...