CHICAGO—The annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo is less than two months away. The event will be held November 17 to 19 in Chicago at McCormick Place West—the site of Greenbuild 2007 but with twice as much space this year. Every year, Greenbuild is packed with timely, innovative education from throughout the industry, the world’s largest green building expo floor, inspirational speakers, networking opportunities, special events, tours and recreational opportunities. This year is no different. More than 800 exhibiting companies will be on hand, including companies from American Dryer Inc. to Zurn Industries, LLC. Notable speakers will include Paul Hawken,...

SAN FRANCISCO—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) joined California business leaders earlier this month to launch a 2010-2012 Zero Net Energy Action Plan designed to help California commercial building owners take advantage of the latest technologies and financial incentives to help reduce building energy use to “net-zero” through greater efficiency and on-site clean energy production.“This is an innovative action plan to transform the state’s commercial buildings into clean energy powered, energy-efficient structures by 2030,” said CPUC commissioner Dian M. Grueneich. “Zero net energy isn’t just a big, bold goal—it’s a reality today. By tapping into the innovation and entrepreneurialism...

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO—Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and the Pelopidas Foundation, in association with The Climate Institute, has become the first resort in the world to offer guests the Magic Planet, an exclusive educational tool developed by the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to teach guests the impact that our daily activities have on the land, ocean and atmosphere. The Magic Planet device provides an interactive multimedia platform that can run simulations, display live streaming media from any region of the world and offer real-time games which engage participants in a friendly environment. Using a touch screen module, guests...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—From mid-term elections to mobile applications, seminar topics at the 2010 International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS) will address key influences in today’s hospitality industry. Featured topics among the nearly 25 programs will include marketing, recruiting, sustainability, business forecasting and boutique hotels. The IHMRS will run Saturday, November 13 through Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. “Education plays a pivotal role at the IHMRS,” said Lynn White, show manager. “This year, the program lineup will help attendees prepare for the future with trend reports, state-of-the-industry presentations and timely discussions on...

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—Home2 Suites by Hilton, the newest and fastest growing brand in the history of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, announced it will build its third U.S. property in San Antonio. The new Home2 Suites, a mid-tier, extended-stay hotel targeting budget-conscious business and leisure travelers, will be built inside the South Texas Building, also known historically as the Central Trust Company Building. Construction has already begun on the four-story, 120-suite hotel, which is the brand’s first retrofit project. The majority of Home2 Suites will be new builds. Home2 Suites executives joined with community leaders to celebrate the...

HOUSTON—The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) announced the recipients of the “Disney Conservation Heroes” award for 2010 during the recent annual meeting of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The award recognizes citizens around the world for their tireless efforts at the local level to save wildlife, protect habitats and educate the communities around them. “Conservation efforts around the globe and in our own backyard rely on the local community and direct involvement of dedicated people like our Disney Conservation Heroes,” said Dr. Jackie Ogden, vice president, Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “These are...

HOWARD, PA.—For Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the 16-room, 18,500-square foot Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is just the first of many more green buildings to come. DCNR has committed to pursue the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for the inn and at least LEED certification for all of its future buildings. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is green from ground to rooftop and a great start for DCNR. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle had its grand opening on September 2 earlier this month and innkeeper...

MINNEAPOLIS—For the eighth time in recent history, Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has been recognized as one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine. Carlson repeated the honor—noted for its commitment to the advancement of women; a strong, values-based culture; flexible work schedules; parental leave; adoption assistance, and on-campus child care. The top companies were selected based on an extensive application. This year’s “100 Best” evaluation gave particular weight to benefits, flexibility and parental leave. “We are pleased to be recognized again as one of the ‘100 Best,’” said Hubert Joly, Carlson...

PHILADELPHIA—Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and the City of Philadelphia, announced that one year after opening, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia and Square 1682 restaurant have been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at the Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The milestone marks the first LEED certified hotel and restaurant for Kimpton and for Philadelphia. “This achievement truly marks a milestone in Kimpton’s history and 29-year initiative of sustainability,” said Mike Depatie,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has just released a fire and building safety guide to green construction called “Bridging the Gap: Fire Safety and Green Buildings.” This guide identifies some of the key areas where rapidly growing green building construction issues coincide with building and fire safety needs. “This guide will give both the fire service and the green construction community a reference point for developing buildings and sites that are not only environmentally sound, but also continue to meet fire safety needs,” said NASFM president Alan Shuman. “This will provide a much-needed reference on issues...