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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.
Nonprofit Green Cleaning Network Launches New Website
BLOOMINGTON, IND.—The Green Cleaning Network, a nonprofit clearinghouse that shares information and educates the marketplace in order to accelerate the adoption of green cleaning, announces the launch of its new website. The timing coincides with two important announcements including the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) release for public comments of its revision to LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System (LEED-EB) and the Building Owners and Managers Assn. (BOMA) joining the Network and its board of directors.
The website’s Discussion Forums will provide the opportunity to review the current and proposed documents, and discuss issues associated with them. According to Doug...
Global Hyatt, Tesla Motors Partner for Road Trip in Electric Car
SAN FRANCISCO—Global Hyatt and Tesla Motors are partnering to demonstrate the Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car. The Global Hyatt/Tesla Motors Drive Event will take place on August 29 and 30. The Tesla Roadster will travel from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe in the span of one day.
With stops at Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Hyatt Regency Sacramento, and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino in Incline Village, NV, each stage of the event will include a celebration of the car’s arrival and a preview of the forthcoming 2008 Tesla Roadster. Tesla Motors and Hyatt...
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay Wins Award for Energy Efficiency
GREEN BAY, WISC.—Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay has received the Focus on Energy Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency for the implementation of innovative energy efficiency projects within its business. With the help of Focus on Energy’s Commercial Sector, part of Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay made a number of energy efficiency improvements including installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, guestroom energy management controls and energy-efficient air-conditioning units.
In total, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay saved more than $60,000 in energy costs. Since starting its working relationship with...
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Headline PCMA’s 2008 Annual Meeting
CHICAGO—It might be too early for packing bags, but meeting professionals should start making plans now for the Professional Convention Management Assn.’s (PCMA) 2008 Annual Meeting, to be held Jan. 13-16, 2008 in Seattle. PCMA is announcing high-impact General Session speakers, as well as a return to a full Wednesday schedule—which this year includes a general session on Wednesday afternoon and a special closing event on Wednesday evening. “Creating Possibilities” is the theme of this year’s popular education and networking event.
“We’re thrilled with the possibilities for inspiring and thought-provoking experiences at our 2008 Annual Meeting,” says Deborah Sexton, PCMA...
Guests Single Out Fairmont for Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
TORONTO—In the recently released J.D. Power & Associates North American Syndicated Study on Hospitality, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and its award-winning Green Partnership program led the way for the luxury hotel category with a consumer awareness level of 83 percent for Environmentally Friendly hotel brands. Amongst all North American hotel companies, Fairmont placed second overall, closely behind sister brand Delta Hotels which received an 84 percent ranking.
Within the report, Fairmont was singled out for its green policies and acknowledged for its acclaimed Green Partnership Guide, a comprehensive how-to text which it shares with other hotels looking to strengthen...
International Association of Conference Centers forms Green Task Force
SAINT LOUIS, MO.—Seeking to provide support and guidance regarding environmental responsibility, the board of directors of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) has commissioned a Green Task Force to help educate and inspire IACC-member conference centers to conserve natural resources while recognizing the current successes at individual member properties. This is consistent with the association’s commitment to providing an exceptional meeting experience at every level.
“The task force was created to educate and guide conference centers toward eco-friendly, business-smart practices,” says Neil Pompan, president of IACC-North America (and COO of EMCVenues). “The Green Task Force will begin to develop...
Lonely Planet Survey Results Show Increased Interest in Green Travel
OAKLAND, CALIF.—A new global survey by Lonely Planet reveals that travelers are keen to make significant changes to their behavior to travel sustainably. Lonely Planet’s annual Travelers’ Pulse survey, which polled over 24,500 people worldwide, showed 84 percent of respondents said they would consider offsetting their emissions in the future, whereas only 31 percent had done so in the past.
One of the strongest changes for the future was in volunteering. A huge 79 percent of respondents said they would or might volunteer overseas in the future, with only 25 percent having done so in the past. Seventy percent of...
Affordable Meetings Event to Include Sessions on Green Meetings
MCLEAN, VA.—Showcasing an enhanced agenda this year, the 18th annual Affordable Meetings National show, Sept. 5-6 at the Washington Convention Center, will offer meeting and event planners two general sessions, 28 educational seminars—11 new to the line-up including sessions on green meetings and new industry technologies—two networking luncheons and a welcome reception, all designed to present attendees with the skills and techniques that are essential in the industry.
With a variety of educational opportunities, meeting planners at all levels of experience can choose from 28 workshops and seminars that will focus on “need to know” industry topics. This free comprehensive...
Two Key West Resorts Earn Green Lodging Certification
KEY WEST, FLA.—The Banyan Resort and the Gardens Hotel last week became the Florida Keys’ first certified members of the Green Lodging Program, created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize and reward environmentally conscious lodging facilities in the state.
The two Old Town Key West properties were awarded “one palm” certification for their environmental commitment in ceremonies attended by State Representative Ron Saunders, Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, Stacey Mitchell, director of sales for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Laura Comer and Gus Rios of the DEP.
“These businesses are stepping up to recognize...
Kimpton’s EarthCare Initiator, Michael Pace, Named G.M. of W San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO—W Hotels Worldwide is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pace as general manager of W San Francisco. Pace replaces Toni Knorr, the longtime W general manager who recently took over the general manager duties at the St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco.
Pace joins W San Francisco from Kimpton Hotels, where he successfully led various San Francisco hotels as general manager since 1998. His most recent position was that of general manager for the 236-room Hotel Serrano in San Francisco. Known for his passionate commitment to guest services, Pace has also established himself as a vocal advocate...