HONOLULU, HAWAII—Outrigger Enterprises Group received the inaugural “Green Leader Award” recently from Reynolds Recycling for being top recycling and sustainability leaders in Hawaii’s tourism industry. Outrigger’s owned and operated hotels in Waikiki have prevented more than 48,000 pounds of recyclable material from entering Honolulu’s landfill by recovering more than one million beverage containers from their guestrooms since 2006. “With over 4,000 guest rooms in Waikiki, we realized that our combined efforts could make a significant impact in keeping Hawaii green,” said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “Hawaii’s beauty rests heavily on our pristine environment and as...

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA.—At its recent meeting, the ASTM board of directors authorized ASTM’s management to develop the capability to offer certification services. Titled the ASTM International Certification Programs, the new initiative is sponsored by ASTM International and offers the opportunity for certification of products (materials, products, services and systems) as well as personnel. The recent action by the ASTM board is a response to inquiries, particularly in the areas of new standards development activities, for ASTM to provide certification to meet expressed needs for independent, third party demonstrations of compliance to standards. Similar requests have come to ASTM from...

BERKELEY, CALIF.—Ethical Traveler’s new report, “The World’s Best Ethical Destinations,” identifies the 10 countries in the developing world that are best protecting their natural environments, promoting responsible travel, and building a tourism industry which provides real benefits to local communities. “There’s no doubt that worldwide interest in mindful, responsible travel is growing—not only among travelers, but within the countries that host us,” says Jeff Greenwald, executive director of Ethical Traveler and co-author of the report. “Now is the perfect time for savvy travelers and well-intentioned governments to evolve together, each encouraging the other. This is especially true in the developing...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the wake of an extended global economic slump, local communities are pushing ahead and expanding their green building programs. More than one in five U.S. cities with populations greater than 50,000 surveyed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) report having a policy to promote green buildings, accounting for more than 53 million people. The AIA initially conducted this survey in 2007 for a Local Leaders in Sustainability report that has just been updated. The new report, “Green Building Policy in a Changing Economic Environment,” is an inventory of policies and best practices intended to help policymakers...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Rolling out the “green carpet” for drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles, Element Hotels announced its goal to install electric car-charging stations at all of its properties by the end of 2009. A worldwide first for a hospitality brand, the program comes after piloting a charging station at Starwood-owned Element Lexington. Element Hotels is Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s new eco-chic brand. The ChargePoint Networked Charging Station was developed by California innovator Coulomb Technologies. In partnership with Carbon Day Automotive, it will be available at Element hotels currently open, and will be available for installation at properties...

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The green and festive spirit of the holidays is decking the halls of The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte this year, as the new LEED-built hotel has just unveiled its first annual environmentally-friendly, all-organic gingerbread house. Available for public viewing inside the lobby of the new hotel, the architect-designed green gingerbread house was created by Chef Jon Farace and the culinary and engineering teams of The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. The edible estate measures 10 feet high by 14 feet wide, features a striking Tudor architectural style, and is built of all-organic culinary ingredients. Design highlights include LED lights and a green “vegetated”...

SAN FRANCISCO—The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) announced the Stars of the Industry award winners at the Marriott Union Square in San Francisco. The Stars of the Industry awards, presented by USA Today, were given for employee, manager, and general manager of the year. Lodging property achievement awards were also given for community service, guest relations, and the environmental category of good Earthkeeping. Good Earthkeeping awards recognize lodging properties that have developed a culture toward integrating environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations. The program must demonstrate...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Restaurant Association’s annual survey of more than 1,800 professional chefs—members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF)—reveals that local sourcing of ingredients, sustainability and nutrition will be the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2010. Locally grown produce, locally sourced meats and seafood, sustainability, mini-desserts and locally produced wine and beer top the list of nearly 215 culinary items in the “What’s Hot in 2010” survey. Rounding out the top 10 trends are nutritious kids’ meals, half-portions, farm-branded ingredients, gluten-free/food-allergy conscious meals and sustainable seafood. “No one has a better view of restaurant menu trends than the...

KEY LARGO, FLA.—The Key Largo Resorts Marina was recently awarded Clean Marina Certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and The Clean Boating Partnership in recognition of their efforts in adopting environmentally friendly practices beyond standard regulatory requirements. The marine improvements and newly implemented programs help protect the waters, natural wildlife and clean facilities at Key Largo Resorts Marina. Some of Key Largo Resorts Marina’s initiatives include the use of oil absorbers in bilges, utilization of recycling centers, and the installation of multiple trash receptacles. “We have developed a ‘best practices’ standard which all of our vendors...

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—With its recent $1 billion in renovations, the Holiday Inn brand has earned well-deserved publicity. Perhaps the Holiday Inn property deserving of the most buzz this year, however, is the brand new Holiday Inn Northwest/Sea World in San Antonio. The 194-room hotel is on track to be the first LEED certified hotel in Texas and the first LEED certified property within the 3,300-property Holiday Inn brand. The hotel, which opened on October 5, is owned by a group of investors out of Lubbock, Texas, and managed by Dallas-based Hospitality Management Corp. Green highlights of the 100 percent...