NATIONAL REPORT—As the automobile industry experiences a seismic transition toward electrification, the landscape of EV charging infrastructure in the United States is rapidly altering. This article analyzes the dynamic world of EV charging infrastructure and its implications for the future of transportation, from expected rise in electric vehicle (EV) numbers to important factors affecting the evolution of charging networks and possibilities on the horizon. Overview of EV Charging Infrastructure Growth The United States is rapidly narrowing the EV charging infrastructure deficit, with approximately 600 fast-charging stations constructed in the first quarter of 2024 alone, according to the US Department of Energy....

NATIONAL REPORT—In late February, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Procure Impact, a first-of-its-kind B2B marketplace for products that support overlooked communities, announced the launch of the Dignity of Work Pledge, an initiative to create 100,000 hours of paid employment for overlooked populations. At the time of the announcement, eight hotel companies had signed the Pledge. According to Jen Collins, President of Procure Impact, three companies have since signed on, five have verbally committed, and Procure Impact is in conversation with 15 more. There are now more than 150,000 hotel rooms represented. Hotel companies that purchase from companies in...

DALTON, GA.—The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) announced that the California Carpet Stewardship Program has surpassed its annual carpet recycling goal for the second year in a row. The new data released by the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) show the Program achieved a 35.1 percent recycling rate in 2023, surpassing its target goal of 31 percent. This achievement is attributed to collaborative efforts between the carpet industry and CalRecycle. “As significant contributors to carpet recycling in California, The CRI and our members are encouraged by the ongoing accomplishments of the California Carpet Stewardship Program. The continued growth is a clear indication of the valuable collaboration among...

PORTLAND, ORE.—On March 13, Block 216 was awarded LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council. For developer BPM and GBD Architects, creating a green and sustainable building was a priority from the beginning of the project. The tower itself was designed with a mechanical system which will reduce energy usage by an estimated 13 percent along with enhanced indoor air quality strategies, which provide 30 percent increased ventilation rates above the LEED minimum. Further, the eco-roof holds enough water to account for the 90th percentile of storm events and strategically reduces run-off in the city’s sewers. Additionally, the roof and grounds...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—Visit San Luis Obispo is partnering with Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program to offer new inspiration for eco-friendly travel on California’s Central Coast. Affectionately referred to as SLO, San Luis Obispo’s Keys for Trees program means every guest staying overnight in any of its 42 hotels will contribute to the planting of new trees in the city, bettering the place with each visit. SLO’s partnership with Kind Traveler provides live impact reports and communication tools, making it fun and easy for visitors to see how their travel creates a positive impact and other ways...

NATIONAL REPORT—Your pool is likely one of your guests’ most loved amenities, but, as you know, with great fun comes great responsibility. It’s essential to take all measures to help ensure guests remain safe at your pool, including drowning prevention. Drowning is one of the most traumatic things that can happen in any scenario, but it is especially tragic when it happens at a hotel pool. For the most part, people stay at hotels for leisure and fun. Nobody has drowning in their plans, but unfortunately, they occur and must be acknowledged and addressed. Drownings may be more common than...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—In a significant move that underscores its expanding global influence and commitment to sustainable practices across the globe, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance announces its rebranding to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance). This historic announcement was made on stage at the prestigious Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, marking a new chapter in the organization’s mission to advance Net Positive Hospitality for people, planet, place, and prosperity. The Alliance, with a storied 30-year legacy, has evolved into a formidable global charity encompassing the entire hospitality value chain. From its inception with 14 members in 2021, the Alliance has seen...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the leading authority on green building and the global developer of the LEED green building program, announced the opening of the first public comment period for its draft rating system, LEED v5. This step marks a milestone for LEED and the building industry at large, providing a comprehensive framework for creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environments that promote environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social equity. “Buildings offer immediate opportunities for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, equity, health, and so much more when they are designed, built, and operated with intent,” said Peter Templeton, President &...

OTTAWA, ONT.—In a significant move to bolster sustainability within the hospitality industry, Green Key Global has partnered with Choice Hotels Canada, one of the country’s leading hotel franchisors. This collaboration extends preferential access to Green Key Global’s esteemed sustainability certification program to Canadian properties. Green Key Global, a best-in-class sustainable certification body for hotels, is powered by the Hotel Association of Canada and the American Hotel and Lodging Assn. The program’s certification process evaluates hotels based on four critical pillars: sustainable management, environmental impacts, cultural impacts, and socioeconomic impacts. Green Key Global’s certification process is designed to lend credibility to hotels’ corporate social responsibility...

NEW YORK—A recent forecast from the U.S. Travel Association found that the business travel industry is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2025. And with corporate travel and business travel spending poised for a full recovery, the business travel industry is rapidly evolving. From sustainable practices to cutting-edge technology, Amex Global Business Travel identified seven travel industry trends that are redefining the future of the travel industry and reshaping business travel solutions. 1. Employee Health and Well-Being are a Priority in the Post-pandemic World—One of the biggest business travel trends to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is a growing investment in solutions...