SHELTON, CONN.—From recycling programs to energy-efficient electrical and HVAC systems, “green” is in among hotels that recognize increasing customer demand for environmental awareness. But New Castle Hotels & Resorts has challenged its properties to go beyond the green basics. Properties that meet the challenge can earn the leading third-party manager’s Sustainability Award. In 2008, Digby Pines Resort and Spa in Digby, Nova Scotia, captured the award with nearly two dozen programs, events and activities designed to reduce the resort’s environmental impact. One of three Signature Resorts New Castle manages on behalf of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, Digby Pines...

BETHESDA, MD.— Marriott International, Inc. announced that it has spent $1.9 billion with diverse suppliers over the last five years in the United States, nearly doubling its goal that was set in 2003. Last year, Marriott set a new record, spending more than $500 million companywide with minority- and woman-owned businesses. “Our program is a great opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow,” said Bill Hartwig, vice president, supplier relations, Marriott International. “We are committed to nurturing and strengthening our existing relationships and actively looking to increase our portfolio with outstanding minority- and woman-owned suppliers who meet our needs...

ARCOLA, ILL.—With the second wave of construction on Green Mill Village (GMV) set to begin within the next few months, developers are certain the project will provide an economic boost to Arcola and the surrounding communities. Feutz Contractors, Inc. of Paris, Ill., completed infrastructure work on the roads, sewer and water lines and storm water control in December. The construction of the hotel, conference center, spa and restaurant will begin this spring along with the GMV Retail Center. A service station and out lot restaurant are also planned for this phase of construction. “In order to boost the local economy,...

BERKELEY, CA—Research conducted at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory suggests that operating buildings more energy efficiently could have benefits for the health of occupants and, surprisingly, also for their comfort. The researchers, Mark Mendell and Anna Mirer of Berkeley Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division, analyzed data collected from 95 air-conditioned office buildings across the United States. The data had been gathered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a study called BASE (Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation). The study produced data about indoor environmental conditions and the health of occupants in a representative set of U.S....

DOVER, DEL.—Six hotels recently received Delaware Green Lodging certification for implementing basic green lodging practices that conserve natural resources, save money, and enhance their marketing potential as environmentally-responsible businesses. The announcement, which brings the total number of Green Lodging Hotels in Delaware to 12, was made by program partners including the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Assn. “Green hotels have responded to consumer demands by changing to more environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices,” said Crystal Nagyiski, Delaware Green Lodging program manager. “By incorporating green practices in the way they do business, green...

ATLANTA—What’s lean and green and clean all over? Your next sustainable building project and its indoor air quality, thanks to ASHRAE’s upcoming satellite broadcast. The program, “Clean, Lean, and Green—IAQ for Sustainable Buildings,” will take place April 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. The free broadcast, sponsored by ASHRAE’s Chapter Technology Transfer Committee with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will challenge the building community to use good IAQ practices to create a more sustainable built environment. The program will highlight guidance from the publication “IAQ Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction, and Commissioning,” developed collaboratively...

PITTSBURGH, PA.—Approximately 180 people attended the Greening the Hospitality Industry conference from February 24 to 26 at the LEED Gold certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The event was organized by the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) and attracted hoteliers, meeting planners, government representatives and others with a stake in the green meetings industry. Even with the turnout that was lighter than hoped for, GMIC still had plenty to celebrate. In 2008, it increased its membership by 320 percent and now has 345 members in 20 countries with three chapters in formation (Atlanta, Chicago, Florida/Caribbean). Many...

SAN DIEGO—In an effort to support and enhance its local farming communities, Loews Coronado Bay Resort announced the introduction of “Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen,” a seasonal dinner series that allows guests to dine with the folks who produce, harvest and catch the ingredients they enjoy on a regular basis. “We believe today’s dining experience extends far beyond chefs and wineries,” said Ellen Burke Van Slyke, Loews Hotels’ corporate creative director of food and beverage. “It starts with the source—the farmer—and these dinners are designed to showcase them and their similar passion for sustainable practices.” Similar to a winemaker’s dinner, “Farmers, Foragers...

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—Cambean Hospitality, a Miami Beach-based hospitality group that owns and manages four boutique hotel properties in the historic South Beach area, has entered into a partnership with the Everglades Foundation. The partnership was formed to support Cambean Hospitality’s Cambean Earth environmental initiative, which was recently created to help promote sustainability in the hospitality industry worldwide. The Everglades Foundation’s mission is to protect and restore America’s Everglades, one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems that provides economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. Recently, the Everglades Foundation played a...

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) recently celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Arizona Performance Track and recognized seven members of the program. Both Arizona Performance Track and the National Environmental Performance Track programs reward facilities that set three-year or beyond compliance goals for continuous environmental improvement, have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts and engage their communities on environmental concerns. Only facilities with a record of sustained compliance with environmental requirements are eligible to participate in this program. Mormon Lake Lodge (a Forever Resorts property), in...