Home News & Features

News & Features

Whether an industry announcement, or a hotel accomplishment, Green Lodging News reports on the most up-to-date news and offers a unique perspective on trends—all with the purpose of making your company more profitable. Got news or a story idea to share? We frequently post contributed articles here. Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

News & Features

Home News & Features
Whether an industry announcement, or a hotel accomplishment, Green Lodging News reports on the most up-to-date news and offers a unique perspective on trends—all with the purpose of making your company more profitable. Got news or a story idea to share? We frequently post contributed articles here. Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Consider Energy, Water Efficiency When Selecting Ice Machines

NATIONAL REPORT—Not so long ago, ice machines were not purchased based on energy or water efficiency. That all changed when the economy began to experience some bumps five to 10 years back, which is when most hotel chains began to take a much closer look at their operational costs. In response to concerns about costs, as well as environmental impact, manufacturers of ice machines began producing more efficient equipment. The results have definitely been favorable. In the last five years, according to experts, ice machine energy efficiency has improved by about 15 to 20 percent, and some models are...

Studies Confirm Energy Savings Significant in LEED, Energy Star Buildings

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Two recently released studies, one by the New Buildings Institute (NBI) and one by CoStar Group, have validated what the green building community has known all along: third party certified buildings outperform their conventional counterparts across a wide variety of metrics, including energy savings, occupancy rates, sale price and rental rates. In the NBI study, the results indicate that new buildings certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED certification system are, on average, performing 25 to 30 percent better than non-LEED certified buildings in terms of energy use. The study also demonstrates that there is a correlation...

CH&LA Announces USA Today Stars of Industry Award Winners

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The California Hotel & Lodging Assn. (CH&LA) announced the Stars of the Industry award winners at the Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento. The Stars of the Industry awards, presented by USA Today, were given for employee, manager, and general manager of the year, as well as 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 success in one or more of...

Outrigger Condo Collection to Offer Free ‘Green’ Travel Totes to Guests

HONOLULU, OAHU—Ushering in the green of spring, starting May 1, the Outrigger Condominium Collection will present guests with a free amenity—a reusable “green” travel tote—providing an earth-friendly alternative to single-use paper and plastic bags. The new complimentary tote will be presented to guests staying a minimum of two nights at any of Outrigger’s resort condominiums in Hawaii, allowing them to explore the islands in style while protecting and preserving the state’s resources. “Our goal is to help reduce the millions of plastic and paper bags headed for Hawaii landfills while at the same time creating a more convenient vacation experience...

AH&LA’s Summer Summit to Include Green Awards Presentation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) will host four fast-paced days of business, professional development, and networking at its third annual Summer Summit, June 8-12. Held at The Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, highlights of this year’s comprehensive events program will include new and timely presentations on green initiatives, economic analysis and foresight from industry insiders at the Lodging Industry Summit, specialized certification and educational seminars, and AH&LA’s annual Stars of the Industry Awards ceremony. Summer Summit’s green panel representatives from leading certification programs Green Seal, Green Key, the U.S. Green Building Council, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s...

Marriott Among Energy Star Partners Profiled in EPA Report

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Energy Star award winners Lowe’s Cos. Inc., PepsiCo, Food Lion, LLC, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc., Marriott International Inc., and 3M, are among those showcased in a report released today by EPA for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The report, “Profiles in Leadership, 2008 Energy Star Award Winners,” highlights 74 award-winning organizations across many sectors of the U.S. economy, including schools, hospitals, real estate, manufacturing, chemicals and home building. “EPA applauds these organizations for preserving our environment and our energy resources,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Whether you are running a business or...

W San Francisco Adds Twist of Green to New, Unique Cocktail Mixer

SAN FRANCISCO—Michael Pace, general manager of W San Francisco, announces the kickoff of ECOLICIOUS—the first of a number of new eco-fun programs designed to put W San Francisco’s best green foot forward in 2008. ECOLICIOUS puts the W spin on organic-chic cocktailing, with a groovy green organic drink menu and delicious farm-to-table bites. San Francisco scenesters and green-thumbs alike will delight in this hip new eco-chic cocktail mixer. “We know that people in San Francisco like to have a good time when they get off of work, but we also understand that they like to do what they can...

Silverado Expands Recycling to Include Food Scraps, Grass Clippings

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF.—Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort has expanded its recycling program to include food scraps and grass clippings. The resort had already been recycling items such as plastic and paper. After six months of testing the program, the resort reports significant results: a reduction in generic garbage of almost 50 percent and a 50 percent savings on composting costs. The brainchild of long-time executive chef Peter Pahk, the program reflects the resort’s evolving and comprehensive approach to sustainability in all aspects of the resort’s operation—from farm to waste stream. The new recycling initiative is made possible with the help of...

CityFlats Hotel Exudes Green in Historic Holland, Michigan

HOLLAND, MICH.—Here in the heart of Holland, Mich., a town known for its roots in Dutch culture, a new eco-boutique style hotel has opened that is anything but traditional. The five-story, 56-room CityFlats Hotel is proof that powerful things can happen when sleek, modern design meets environmental coolness. From the exterior, where LED lights provide colorful illumination, to the interior where large windows welcome in natural light, the CityFlats Hotel is unlike any other in the United States. Opened at the very end of last year, the property is owned by Holland, Mich.-based Charter House Holdings, LLC. The owners expect...

Dual-Flush Toilets Included in Sheraton’s 50,000-Guestroom Makeover Plan

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—One of the most recognized hotel brands in the world is getting a makeover. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s largest and most global brand, has launched a comprehensive new design of its lobbies and guestsrooms that will significantly enhance its portfolio of hotels and resorts. Included in the new guestroom design are bath and shower fixtures and a dual-flush commode that will reduce water usage by up to 30 percent. Sheraton and its owners are undertaking an aggressive multi-year strategy to improve the quality and consistency of the brand portfolio that includes $1.3...