LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands Corp. will release the first Environmental Report in the gaming industry to be formally verified by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). GRI is the most prominent reporting standard used today and provides a practical method for breaking down reporting requirements such as management approach to economic, environment and social sectors.The Environmental Report is an integrated study of the company’s green building designs, environmentally responsible operations, green meetings and stakeholder engagement. The report will be launched during an event being held at The Venetian Las Vegas.Las Vegas Sands has spearheaded environmental sustainability practices across the hospitality...

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND—The 2012 Annual CHRIE Summer Conference will be held August 1 to 4 at the Westin Providence and Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The 2012 conference will be filled with informative presentations, the latest in educational research, displays at the ICHRIE Marketplace and lots of networking opportunities for members and guests. Several sessions will touch on sustainability-related topics over the course of the event.On Wednesday, August 1, there will be a session entitled, “Patients without Borders: An Ethical, Sustainable & Integrated approach to Medical Tourism Development and Management.” That same day there will be...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Vacation Club, a leader in vacation ownership and a brand of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp., announces a partnership with Clean the World Foundation, Inc. Clean the World recycles partially used bars of soap and bottled amenities from resorts in the United States and distributes the new soap and hygiene kits to communities that lack access to these essential items.Each day 9,000 children around the world die from diseases such as acute respiratory illness and diarrheal diseases which can be prevented by washing with soap. Clean the World has a mission to put soap in the hands of...

LAS VEGAS—Advancements in corporate social responsibility for MGM Resorts International are chronicled in its first consolidated Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Themed “Inspiring Our World,” the report reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to inspiring responsible behavior in Diversity & Inclusion, Philanthropy & Community Engagement, and Environmental Responsibility & Sustainability.“We’re committed to excellence and continuous improvement,” said Jim Murren, chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International. “Our social responsibility imperatives are helping to drive innovation and competitive differentiation throughout our organization. Environmental responsibility is a priority at all levels.”Newsweek Magazine recently ranked MGM Resorts as the most “green” resort and casino...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—Sustainability initiatives are playing an increasingly important factor in managed travel programs, according to new research released by the GBTA Foundation, the education and research arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). In conjunction with the regional GBTA Sustainability Committees, travel managers in the United States, Europe and Australia were surveyed for their opinions on sustainability or “green” efforts when it comes to their business travel programs.The study revealed companies are focusing on sustainability measures that can generate savings for companies, influence traveler behavior to make better decisions and are looking to establish relationships with green-friendly suppliers....

LONDON—A report launched July 9 by Tourism Concern reveals the stark inequities of water access and consumption between tourist resorts and local people in developing countries. “Water Equity in Tourism: a Human Right, a Global Responsibility,” demands concerted action by governments and the tourism sector to protect community water rights over tourist luxury.Featuring research from Bali, The Gambia, Zanzibar, and Goa and Kerala, south India, the report finds that the unsustainable appropriation, depletion and pollution of water by poorly regulated tourism are threatening the environment, while undermining living standards, livelihoods and development opportunities of impoverished local communities.These communities often...

LONGBOAT KEY, FLA.—Longboat Key Club & Resort announced the redesign of its Library Meeting Room, which showcases the talents of local craftsmen and manufacturers, and features a multitude of sustainable and environmentally friendly elements. The most recent application, the redesign of the Library Meeting Room, boasts River Reclaimed Heartwood flooring, paints containing zero or very low VOC (volatile organic compounds), soy-based foam cushions in the new chairs, energy efficient LED lighting and an Energy Star rated television.The Reclaimed Heartwood Flooring, from Goodwin Heart Pine Company, is a Florida based flooring company that specializes in recovering original growth logs from...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Promoting balanced living at home and away, Element Hotels is challenging its Facebook friends to put pedal to the pavement this summer and replace one car trip per week with a bike ride. The trailblazing eco-wise brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has teamed with trend-setting, ultra colorful STRADA track bikes to launch an “I Pledge to Pedal” Facebook sweepstakes, which will run from July 9 through September 17, 2012. Throughout the contest period, prize drawings will award one participant each week with a sleek, built-to-order bike, which they can customize online. There will be a...

SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA—Kurà Design Villas, opening in November, will offer a new level of eco-friendly, boutique hotel design to the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, thanks to the creative passions of its owners and their combined expertise in architecture and biology.Starting with a commitment to protect the local environment, Alejandra Umana (the biologist) and Martin Wells (the architect) are both Costa Ricans who want to share their love of the country’s biodiversity and beauty with a hospitality experience that enhances yet does not compete with the surrounding wilderness. Set on a mountain ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean...

BARAHONA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—What was once a family retreat for the Schiffino family, Casa Bonita Lodge is making its mark as one of the most sustainable destinations in the Caribbean. Set on 160 acres of unspoiled land in the Dominican Republic’s Barahuco Mountains, the lodge is partially powered by a 6.5-kilowatt hydroelectric generator situated on the Riosito River. The generator meets 30 percent of the 14-villa lodge’s electricity needs. According to Sandra Beltran, vice president of sales and marketing for Prohotel International, the company that manages the lodge, the goal is to upgrade the hydro plant so that it supplies...