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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.

ASHRAE Introduces Prototype of Building Energy Label at Annual Conference

ATLANTA—Most of us know the fuel efficiency of our cars, but what about our buildings? ASHRAE is working to change that, moving one step closer to introducing its building energy labeling program with release of a prototype label at its 2009 Annual Conference in Louisville, Ky. A prototype label for the ASHRAE headquarters in Atlanta was unveiled. The Building Energy Quotient program, which will be known as Building EQ, will include both asset and operational ratings for all building types, except residential. ASHRAE is working with major real estate developers to implement the label prototype this fall with a...

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Earns Green Lodging Designation

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., has been awarded the Florida Green Lodging Program One Palm designation from The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the first hotel/casino in the State of Florida to earn this distinction. This designation directly supports Hard Rock International’s “Save the Planet” global philanthropic initiative to make the Earth a safer, healthier and...

Fourteenth Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference Set for 2010

CORAL GABLES, FLA.—Building on the momentum achieved in recent years with a growing interest in Caribbean tourism development, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), in conjunction with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), have announced the dates for the 14th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC). It will be held May 4 to 6, 2010 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. “This will be the fourteenth year of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization co-managing the region’s most successful and longest-standing tourism investment event and we anticipate a very well attended and supported...

InterContinental San Juan Unveils Environmental Education Program for Kids

ISLA VERDE, PUERTO RICO—The InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino unveiled its environmental education program geared towards children ages four to 12 on World Sea Turtle Day. The new program was introduced for the resort’s newly opened Planet Trekkers Kids Club. As part of its environmental education efforts, the InterContinental San Juan adopted a leatherback sea turtle in conjunction with the nonprofit Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). The leatherback sea turtle is listed by the U.S. federal government as endangered worldwide and within the United States is known to nest in southeastern Florida, Puerto Rico and St. Croix. Each child enrolled...

New Publication Provides Energy Efficiency Guidance for Highway Hotels

ATLANTA—Recommendations on achieving 30 percent energy savings over minimum code requirements are contained in the newly published “Advanced Energy Design Guide for Highway Lodging.” The energy savings guidance for design of new hotels provides a first step toward achieving a net-zero-energy building. “The recommendations allow the building industry to create more energy-efficient hotels while maintaining the quality and functionality of the space to provide a pleasant guest experience,” said Ron Jarnagin, chair of the committee that wrote the book. The book, published by ASHRAE, gives guidance to architects, engineers, contractors and other building team members on how to easily achieve...

State Spares Florida Green Lodging Program, Axes Staff, Cuts Budget

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—Earlier this year, the State of Florida suggested a major reduction in the size of its Florida Green Lodging Program as part of state-wide budget cuts. Those cuts have been made and as of July 1, the program will still exist but on a much smaller scale. According to an article appearing in the Orlando Business Journal, four people have been dedicated to the program at a cost of $337,000. Beginning July 1, however, just one person will manage it at a cost of $63,000. To become a designated Green Lodging property in the past, the property had...

NYLO Announces Renewable Energy Partnership With TXU Energy

ATLANTA—When NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas opens in late July 2009, it will run on 100 percent renewable energy. The loft-style boutique hotel brand has signed an agreement with TXU Energy to become the supplier’s first hotel customer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to purchase 100 percent Renewable Energy Certificate-based electricity. “This is a huge initiative as we look to become an even more eco-friendly brand,” said Patrick O’Neil, executive vice president of operations for NYLO Hotels, which already incorporates renewable energy in all of its other locations. “TXU Energy is our neighbor in Las Colinas, and we are proud to work...

Allegria Hotel & Spa Set to Open in Long Beach, New York on July 1

LONG BEACH, N.Y.—The Allegria Hotel & Spa, located in Long Beach, N.Y., just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, will open July 1. The 143-room property is expected to earn LEED certification by this fall. The hotel previously was a 140-room assisted living facility. It was renovated and expanded by three floors. Minimal demolition was needed during the conversion. The hotel will include a rooftop Joseph Christopher for Beauty & Wellness spa and a poolside bar, Jacks on the Rocks. It will serve light spa fare and organic juices and smoothies, all prepared under the direction of chef Todd...

HEI Wins 2009 Corporate Energy Management of the Year Award

NORWALK, CONN.—HEI Hotels & Resorts, one of the United States’ fastest growing private owner/operators of hotel real estate, announced the company will be presented with the 2009 Corporate Energy Management of the Year Award at The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)’s Awards Celebration Banquet, held in conjunction with the World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC), on November 4 of this year. The event will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. “Energy consumption is one of the leading issues facing the world today,” said Bob Holesko, CEM, vice president of facilities, HEI Hotels & Resorts. “This...

Kimpton Restaurants Announces Three New Sustainability Initiatives

SAN FRANCISCO—Kimpton Restaurants, a collection of 45 chef-driven restaurants in the United States and Canada, and a recognized environmental pioneer, announces three new sustainable initiatives. As the latest addition to Kimpton’s EarthCare program, guests can enjoy in-house purified still and sparkling water, increased eco-friendly wine selections, and sustainable seafood dishes at restaurants in 21 cities. Thirty percent of wine lists will feature eco-friendly selections by January 2010, including organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines from small and large producers. Only sustainable seafood selections will be offered at restaurants, in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program (currently in place). In-house...