LAS VEGAS—Bellagio is world-renowned for the spectacular floral exhibitions found within its sunlit Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Each display memorably showcases tens of thousands of flowers, plants and organic materials in artful vignettes. When an exhibit ends, however, the journey just begins for each planting—all find a new beginning through a composting endeavor that turns them into nutrient-rich mulch, creating an endless circle of life. Actively dedicated to environmentally sustainable practices, Bellagio’s expert horticulture staff composted and recycled more than 600 tons of materials in 2009 alone including flowers, trees, shrubs and plants. In addition, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens...

HORSHAM, PA.—Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has selected the Green Key Eco-Rating program as its preferred green lodging certification program. Green Key, which ranks, certifies and inspects hotels based on their commitment to sustainable operations and practices, will be a part of the latest installment of Carlson Hotel’s Responsible Business initiative to be rolled out in the third quarter of 2010. The initiative includes Carlson Hotels’ Radisson, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Park Inn and Park Plaza brands in The Americas. The company’s managed hotels will join the program immediately. The Radisson brand is planning...

MCLEAN, VA.—An inspiring new trend emerging from many tourism and hospitality industry leaders is the incorporation of environmentally conscious practices in their properties or destinations. As strong supporters of this trend, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), along with National Geographic Traveler, has created the inaugural “Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award” in conjunction with the 2010 HSMAI Adrian Awards competition. The award, which will be presented on Jan. 31, 2011 at the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, recognizes a person, company or community for demonstrable leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to alert consumers that there has been an increase of individuals or companies who offer to control bedbugs with unrealistic promises of effectiveness or low cost. Because bed bug infestations are so difficult to control, there have been situations where pesticides that are not intended for indoor residential applications have been improperly used or applied at greater rates than the label allows. While controlling bedbugs is challenging, consumers should never use, or allow anyone else to use, a pesticide indoors that is intended for outdoor use, as indicated on the label....

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Washington Marriott at Metro Center announced that it has received the 2010 Environmental Excellence Award for “Outstanding Achievement by a Hotel.” The hotel is one of nine District businesses and nonprofit organizations recognized for their environmental stewardship, innovative best practices, pollution prevention and resource conservation. “We are delighted to be recognized by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the city of Washington, D.C. for our efforts to reduce energy, water, waste and the way we demonstrate how responsible hotel operations can be a positive force for the environment,” said Meg Bobinski, general manager, Washington Marriott at Metro Center. “Our...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Vancouver City Council recently approved a policy that requires all new building rezonings to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard, the highest green building standard for rezonings in North America. The change takes effect January 31, 2011, and is expected to result in 20 to 30 new green buildings being constructed annually, creating new green job opportunities in the city. “Setting a new standard like LEED Gold for new building rezonings is a significant step for Vancouver,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “This is another example of the innovative leadership our city’s development and tech...

PETER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS—Boaters have known for decades how to harness the power of wind, and, this past spring, Peter Island Resort & Spa followed their lead by becoming the first to install wind turbines in the Virgin Island territory. “We’ve studied the idea for years as a method to better manage our energy needs while maintaining the beautiful, undisturbed landscapes that Peter Island is known for,” said Van Ande, CEO of the property. “These new state-of-the-art turbines are not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient, which makes them an ideal option for this geographic location. Many people...

NATIONAL REPORT—The great irony of building green is that the very concepts intended to enhance a building’s performance over its entire lifetime are many of the same things that make a building highly susceptible to moisture and mold problems during its first few years of operation. While green buildings have many positive benefits, there is also strong evidence to suggest a direct correlation between new products/innovative design and building failures. Simply put, departing from the “tried and true” often means increasing the risk of building failure. Two strong characteristics of most green buildings are: 1) the use of innovative, locally-produced products...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Advance registration is now open for the 95th annual International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS), North America’s largest showcase of hospitality products including amenities, food and beverage, fixtures, furnishings, linens, sustainable products, tabletop, technology and more. A discounted registration fee of $30 is available through October 8, 2010, with the rate increasing to $50 per person on October 9. Taking place November 13 to 16, 2010, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the IHMRS features 700 exhibitors and attracts some 30,000 in total trade attendance. The $30 early registration rate is applicable to events...

ALBUQUERQUE—In keeping with its commitment of being one of the most eco-conscious hotels in the country, the historic Hotel Andaluz—formerly La Posada de Albuquerque in downtown Albuquerque—used a mere 300,000 gallons of water for the entire month of May this year. That compares with 1.2 million gallons of water that the La Posada used in May 2004 and 730,000 gallons in May 2005—the last two years it was open. Since Hotel Andaluz opened in October 2009, the hotel is consuming an average of 770,000 gallons of water less per month than its predecessor, the La Posada. In fact, when comparing...