WASHINGTON, D.C.—The 2012 International Green Construction Code (IGCC), released in late March, will increase the energy-efficiency of structures, while providing governments direction and oversight of green design and construction, according to the International Code Council (ICC)—the code’s author—and one of several U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) partners in the effort. USGBC, makers of the LEED green building certification system and co-authors of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES/USGBC Standard 189.1, applauds this new model code that serves as an important new policy option for state and local governments looking to codify green building practice.“The IGCC and Standard 189.1 draw from more than a decade...

PARIS—With 40,000 new rooms created every year, Accor intends to combine development with growth that respects the environment and local communities, by involving all of its hotels and customers in a new sustainable development program—PLANET 21. The name is a direct reference to Agenda 21, the environmental action plan signed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and reminds one of the urgent concerns that face the planet in the 21st century and the need to change methods of production and consumption patterns to preserve human beings and eco-systems.With PLANET 21, Accor is making 21 commitments and the same...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the winners of the inaugural Hyatt Thrive Leadership Awards recognizing full service, managed hotels, resorts, and field offices for their outstanding commitment in 2011 to initiatives aligned with Hyatt’s global corporate responsibility platform Hyatt Thrive. To be considered, applicants must have demonstrated leadership in environmental sustainability and/or community engagement.A total of six awards will be distributed every year to the hotels and resorts that demonstrate exemplary leadership in these two areas. More than 70 nominations were submitted this year, and winners were selected by a cross functional committee comprised of representatives from Hyatt leadership and...

RALEIGH, N.C.—The N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach, in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina University, have launched the NC GreenTravel Initiative, a program that recognizes state travel-related businesses that employ healthy environmental practices.“This program is a way to spotlight North Carolina’s commitment to sustainable practices and recognize businesses that have integrated greener practices into their daily routine,” said Edythe McKinney, director of the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. “Hopefully those who visit businesses recognized as NC GreenTravel sites will see how conservation and waste reduction can be integrated into their home or...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Shore Hotel announced it has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is USGBC’s rating system for designing, constructing and maintaining the world’s greenest, most energy efficient and high performing buildings and the Shore Hotel, designed by Gensler, is the first property in Santa Monica to receive this distinction.“Shore Hotel is honored to receive LEED Gold certification,” says Steve Farzam, COO of Shore Hotel. “We support ongoing efforts to be responsible and sustainable in every area of our business and through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment and dedication to...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Employees and corporate clients of all Belgian Carlson Rezidor hotels and the head office of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group have planted more than 1,700 trees in the Sonian forest near Brussels. Eighty volunteers joined the activity organized by Carlson Rezidor’s Responsible Business department.“We were celebrating the 10th year of our annual tree-planting,” said Gaston Gellens, district director Belgium and general manager of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Brussels. “It was great to welcome participants of all our Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Blu hotels in the country.” On a strip prepared by Agentschap Natuur en Bos Vlaanderen...

BANGKOK—Pegasus Capital Advisors L.P., a U.S.-based private equity fund manager, through one or more of its affiliates, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Bangkok-based ultra-luxury resort and spa business of Six Senses Resorts & Spas for an undisclosed sum. Under the terms of the deal, Pegasus will acquire all of the Six Senses and Evason branded resort and spa management contracts and related intellectual property rights and operate them under a new company managed by Pegasus and its affiliates. Six Senses is well known for its SLOW LIFE approach to operations: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences. Bernhard Bohnenberger,...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Jared Cohen will demonstrate how technology is a part of every challenge in the world and should be a part of every solution during his closing keynote session at the 2012 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC). Cohen is director of Google Ideas, a “think/do” tank at Google that combines a new generation of thinkers with technology to tackle some of the world’s most intractable problems. He will speak to HITEC 2012 attendees on Thursday, June 28 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore.Cohen, an expert on international security, global political dynamics and the impact of technology,...

MONTREAL—The Green Meeting Industry Council’s (GMIC) annual Sustainable Meetings Conference will be held April 22 to 25 at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. The annual event, which has been growing in size each year, will include many educational as well as networking opportunities. An area for exhibitors is also part of the conference.A highlight of this year’s event is a keynote presentation by John Picard. Picard is the founder and CEO of Picard Associates, a company founded on the principles of bringing a natural systems approach to traditional business issues. Picard is one of the preeminent environmental consultants in North...

PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.—The Presidio Trust has completed the renovation of the first overnight accommodations in the Presidio of San Francisco—Inn at The Presidio—the only hotel to open in San Francisco in 2012. Inn at The Presidio, a member of Historic Hotels of America, occupies Pershing Hall, which was built in 1903 as bachelor officers’ quarters. The Inn, which is vying for LEED Gold, will be the Trust’s seventeenth project designed to LEED standards. The Trust engaged Architectural Resources Group, Inc. and BraytonHughes Design Studios for the project. Through their combined efforts (along with Waterford Hotels and Inns...