LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Seven4one in Laguna Beach, Calif., is setting a new green standard with its new hotel in Orange County. It features a list of more than 35 green infrastructural and operational elements that enhance virtually every aspect of its daily operations. With this green approach—from bamboo-blend bath towels and green-certified mattresses to card-less door locks, a largely organic kitchen, lighting sensors, and Energy Star appliances—Seven4one differentiates itself from other hotels in the region with a forward-thinking approach to traditional hotel operations. “It’s not that difficult to think green, plan green, and operate green,” says Seven4one general manager, Julia Cattaneo....

NATIONAL REPORT—At least four companies in the United States are making it easy for hotels to dramatically reduce food waste volume by up to 90 percent. The decomposition machines they make, which are available in different sizes, can significantly reduce waste hauling costs and the volume of waste typically sent to the landfill. For the environment, there are additional benefits because fewer trucks have to roll and less waste sits in the landfill producing methane—a greenhouse gas. Food waste decomposition machines can be pricey but when used regularly can pay for themselves in three to five years. Lease options...

CRYSTAL CITY, VA.—Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA-8) and Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County Board Member, joined The JBG Companies and Marriott International, Inc. this past week to officially break ground on two major hotels: the Renaissance Crystal City Potomac Yards and the Residence Inn Crystal City Potomac Yards. The hotels are owned by The JBG Companies and will be managed by Marriott. Both properties are anticipated to be LEED certified “green” buildings when complete—the first hotels of such distinction in Arlington County. Wells Fargo arranged $128.7 million in construction financing for the project. Three other financial institutions participated in...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Five Cleveland-based hospitality organizations recently graduated from the E4S (Entrepreneurs for Sustainability) Sustainability Implementation Group. As a result of this process, hotel managers are saving money, reducing their carbon footprint, and finding new ways to attract customers interested in green accommodations and events. Since 2000, E4S has attracted leaders from all sectors who are interested in putting sustainable business practices to work in their operations, products and services. In 2005, the organization added a learning program to meet the needs of a growing network of business leaders and change agents. The program, called Sustainability Implementation (SI) Groups, is an...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The Peabody Orlando announces the rollout of its green initiative entitled, “The Greener Peabody—C.A.R.E. (Conserve and Recycle for our Earth). “Many of these initiatives have already been in place for some time, but we have significantly stepped up our efforts to go even greener,” said Marshall Kelberman, director of rooms for this landmark, luxury hotel on International Drive. Kelberman also heads up the hotel’s Greener Peabody committee. “Frankly, it’s everyone’s responsibility to design—and then execute—practical green initiatives for our planet’s sake and for our children and grandchildren,” said Kelberman. “Ours is a hotel-wide initiative in which all associates are...

HONG KONG—Eco Expo Asia 2008 is scheduled to open on October 28 at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong on the themes of air quality, eco-friendly products, energy efficiency and waste and recycling. Now in its third year, the event has confirmed more than 130 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, and will be held in tandem with the Eco Asia Conference led by a panel of international industry experts. The Hon. Edward Yau, JP, Secretary for the Environment for the Hong Kong government, will be the official guest of honor on the opening day. This year’s highlights will feature: Swedish Pavilion—Organized...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—More than 200 first-time exhibitors, including many offering green products and technologies, will set the stage for a new and fresh vibe at the 93rd annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS), taking place November 8 to 11, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. More than 35,000 industry decision-makers will not only discover new innovations from long-standing exhibitors, but will be introduced to hundreds of products and resources from companies never before seen at this market. The total market experience will feature 1,250 exhibitors. “Presenting attendees with everything new for the industry is what this...

ATLANTA—ASHRAE’s newly renovated headquarters effectively serves as a laboratory without walls to extend the society’s knowledge and information worldwide. ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. “Our Living Laboratory provides value to ASHRAE members and the industry by allowing for evaluation of the ongoing energy and operational performance of the building at a level that is unprecedented in current commercial buildings,” Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president, said. “The lab allows ASHRAE to contribute significantly to reducing energy use in buildings via future development of research and educational materials.” Completed in July, the $7.65 million renovation includes a...

NATIONAL REPORT—Carpet cushion, also known as underlayment, has been one of the greenest products available to the lodging industry for years. More than 80 percent of carpet cushion sold today is made from bonded polyurethane foam cushion (“bonded” or “rebond”). It comes from a combination of salvaged, scrapped or recycled polyurethane foam generated during the making of furniture, bedding and other products—cushions for car seats, for example. Polyurethane is ground up into small pieces, bonded under pressure with a binder into blocks, and then cut into thin slices of different thicknesses and widths. Used carpet cushion is also recycled...

CHICAGO—On Thursday, October 16, Mayor Richard M. Daley acknowledged the efforts of 25 Chicago hotels that are currently striving for an environmental designation. The Green Hotels Initiative challenges hotels to obtain Green Seal certification, an environmental lodging standard with requirements in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste water management and green procurement. The program also offers resources, best practices and recognition to the hotels going green. “Whether you are working to install energy efficient equipment in your kitchens and laundry facilities, installing water-saving plumbing fixtures, or planning for a green roof, like the one we have on top of...