DENHAM, U.K.—IHG has launched the IHG Corporate Responsibility (CR) Innovation Fund, an initiative that aims to identify and invest in partners innovating environmental and societal solutions that might positively impact the hotel industry.According to IHG, it is committed to improving the environmental sustainability of its operations around the world and having a positive impact on the local community, in turn, driving economic opportunity in and around its hotels. IHG’s Corporate Responsibility strategy is based on innovation, collaboration, environment and community and the IHG CR Innovation Fund is a pioneering program by IHG to bring these together.As part of the...

AVALON, N.J.—Anyone walking by the Concord Suites at street level would have no idea there is a 434-panel, 104 kW solar system on the property’s rooftop. The panels lie flat on the roof to take full advantage of the sun that shines down on the 90-suite hotel in Avalon, N.J. Since the $500,000 system was turned on late last December, it has performed great and with no problems, says Susan Cawley, general manager. In fact, from its turn-on date through June 30 of this year, the system generated all of the electricity the hotel needed. The expectation is that...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. recently released its second full comprehensive Sustainability Report, using guidelines set forth by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In it, Marriott announced $2.5 million invested in its environmental portfolio over the past three years, and significant contributions to workforce development for disadvantaged youth around the world to help them gain skills and jobs. Through a global portfolio of partnerships called “World of Opportunity,” Marriott has been a catalyst for addressing rising youth unemployment with programs such as the Youth Career Initiative (YCI) in nine countries, SOS Children’s Villages and The Prince’s Trust in 24 European...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—In taking responsibility for the local community and environment, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton is embracing the spirit of sustainable development by initiating and supporting specially selected projects.In line with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s newly launched “Think Planet” campaign—the international hotel group’s ambitious energy saving program which aims to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent over the next five years—the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton hotel in Johannesburg has dedicated itself to making a difference by changing all light bulbs within the hotel as well as actively participating in Earth Hour initiatives.This simple strategy has already resulted in...

BOSTON—Guests staying at the recently opened 480-bed hostel in downtown Boston can take a tour of the property with their smartphones thanks to hundreds of strategically placed QR codes. A QR code (abbreviation of Quick Response codes), when scanned by a smartphone, launches a web page that describe the environmental initiatives in that part of the building. Kelly Smith, director of marketing & sales, Hostelling International Boston, says the codes are part of a Green G Tour.“In every major space you will find stickers,” Smith says. “One of our spaces is our stairwell. for that area talks about...

ATLANTA – ASHRAE’s first standard focused on the commissioning process is open for public comment. Standard 202P, Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems, would identify the minimum acceptable commissioning process for buildings and systems as described in ASRHAE’s Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process. The proposed standard is open for public review through October 1, 2012. By taking the best practices from the guideline, first published in 1989, and writing a standard, the requirements can be adopted by code bodies and used by standards developers, according to Gerald Kettler, chair of the Standard 202P committee.“The proposed standard will benefit the...

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:...