Tracking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits requires software functionality similar to that required for more traditional construction project management. Consequently, a few leading vendors have re-purposed their technology to make this possible; others have customers who have developed their own work-arounds. A lot more software development is expected as the number of annual LEED projects continues to grow. Here is some information on what is available, how it works and how one can benefit from it. Tracking LEED credits is a document-intensive process. Just ask any experienced LEED Accredited Professional (AP). Submittal documentation includes drawings, receipts, product...

PORTLAND, ORE.—As part of its mission to “transform the global meetings industry through sustainability,” the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) has added the GMIC Oregon Chapter as its first affiliated chapter. “Sustainability, or ‘green meetings’ is not a new concept to Oregon; in fact our communities have been the leaders in this space for many, many years,” says Megan Rooksby, American Express Corporate Meeting Solutions, Oregon Chapter president. “GMIC was founded in Portland, and continues to have an active membership base in this community,” adds GMIC executive director, Tamara Kennedy-Hill. “The meeting and hospitality leaders in Oregon have an...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Hotels Corp. announced the opening of its new global headquarters at Park Place II in the Tysons Corner area of McLean in Fairfax County, Va. As previously announced, the relocation from Beverly Hills, Calif., follows a thorough review of locations that were evaluated against multiple criteria, including costs, proximity to Hilton’s major business hubs and suitability of available commercial space. Hilton’s global headquarters is LEED Gold certified. “The opening of our new global headquarters marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in our company’s rich history,” says Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Hotels...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Investing in the energy efficiency of buildings represents a powerful and strategic energy and climate solution that combined with other non-transportation initiatives could reduce the nation’s energy consumption by 23 percent by 2020, save the U.S. economy $1.2 trillion, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 gigatons annually, according to a study released today by McKinsey & Co. “This confirms a critical path forward that we have long championed,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “Harnessing the engine of green, energy efficient buildings can cost-effectively drive tremendous improvements in...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that a performance by environmental advocate and nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow will help open its Greenbuild 2009 Conference, the world’s premier forum on sustainable buildings and communities. The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is being held this November 11 to 13 in Phoenix. More than 25,000 people attend Greenbuild every year, and its increasing profile and size led USGBC to open this year’s event at Chase Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. The Nov. 11 opening evening will feature presentations and a keynote address, in addition to Crow’s performance. “Beyond...

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—In its 2010-2011 election, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) environmental arm, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), recently re-elected Sir Royston O. Hopkin, KCMG, owner and chairman of Grenada’s award-winning Spice Island Beach Resort, as chairman of CAST for the fourth consecutive, two-year term. “CHTA is delighted that Sir Royston has been re-elected as the chairman of CAST by the CAST Governing Council,” said Alec Sanguinetti, CD—director general & CEO of CHTA. “Sir Royston has been at the forefront of sustainable tourism issues from the very beginning working tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of the Caribbean...

DALLAS—Accor North America has joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP). The program, which aims to reduce the use of potentially hazardous chemicals that can result from products and processes, is the latest of many environmental initiatives taken by the company to help minimize the environmental impact of its more than 1,000 hotels in the United States and Canada. In fact, Accor North America’s economy brand, Motel 6, is among the first in the hospitality industry to implement a fluorescent light bulb and battery recycling program at its properties nationwide. “Accor North America is committed...

DALLAS—LQ Management LLC, one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States, has long had an interest in running properties that are energy efficient. It has been an Energy Star partner since 1995, first established a compact fluorescent lighting program for its La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inns & Suites brands in 1999, has a towel and linen reuse program at its more than 700 hotels, has deployed guestroom energy management systems in more than 160 properties, and is currently working with the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. to follow its 11 Minimum Guidelines for...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) recently launched several initiatives to engage members and the traveling public in greening the hospitality industry, including a Green Partner Program, GreenQuest tracking system, and Green Tips for Travelers. The Green Partner program allows AH&LA members the opportunity to donate funds to plant trees via the Nature Conservancy’s Plant A Billion drive. Green Partners, which to date include HD Supply; Hotel Felix; Pineapple Hospitality, Inc.; and Project Planet, sponsor AH&LA events by donating $1 per attendee, which in turn plants that total number of trees. There is an additional $500 program...

LONDON—Park Plaza Hotels believes that sustainable environmental practices reflect the expectations and desires of its guests, employees, stakeholders and partners in business. Throughout its nearly 40 hotels in the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East and Africa, the company is committed to finding and implementing ways to mitigate its environmental impact through its TREE (Total Responsibility for Everyone’s Environment) and SEASON (Save Energy and Switch Off Now) initiatives. These focus on responsible water and energy usage and waste management. Several innovative energy- and water-saving efforts already are underway at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, which is set to open in...