NAPA VALLEY, CALIF.—Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort has expanded its recycling program to include food scraps and grass clippings. The resort had already been recycling items such as plastic and paper. After six months of testing the program, the resort reports significant results: a reduction in generic garbage of almost 50 percent and a 50 percent savings on composting costs. The brainchild of long-time executive chef Peter Pahk, the program reflects the resort’s evolving and comprehensive approach to sustainability in all aspects of the resort’s operation—from farm to waste stream. The new recycling initiative is made possible with the help of...

HOLLAND, MICH.—Here in the heart of Holland, Mich., a town known for its roots in Dutch culture, a new eco-boutique style hotel has opened that is anything but traditional. The five-story, 56-room CityFlats Hotel is proof that powerful things can happen when sleek, modern design meets environmental coolness. From the exterior, where LED lights provide colorful illumination, to the interior where large windows welcome in natural light, the CityFlats Hotel is unlike any other in the United States. Opened at the very end of last year, the property is owned by Holland, Mich.-based Charter House Holdings, LLC. The owners expect...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—One of the most recognized hotel brands in the world is getting a makeover. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s largest and most global brand, has launched a comprehensive new design of its lobbies and guestsrooms that will significantly enhance its portfolio of hotels and resorts. Included in the new guestroom design are bath and shower fixtures and a dual-flush commode that will reduce water usage by up to 30 percent. Sheraton and its owners are undertaking an aggressive multi-year strategy to improve the quality and consistency of the brand portfolio that includes $1.3...

ATLANTA—For the first time, Hospitality Design magazine will present an entire day of eco-friendly programming, HD Green Day, on Wednesday, May 14, prior to HD Expo at the Sands Expo Center/Venetian Conference Center in Las Vegas. For designers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, architects and other creative professionals dedicated to improving the environment through their work, HD Green Day will offer the opportunity to impact the future of sustainable design through an interactive panel on design standards. Educational panels, award presentations and a keynote address will provide tools for attendees to implement next steps in green design. During Green Day, one of the...

CHEVY CHASE, MD.—Beginning April 1, guests at Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts around the world can volunteer their time to improve and assist the local community where they are vacationing. The program, called “Give Back Getaways,” offers guests a variety of opportunities from helping to protect endangered sea turtles in Cancun, Mexico, to helping with renovations and landscaping at the Children-Hospice SONNENHOF, which offers support for children with critical illnesses in Berlin. Give Back Getaways is the most recent opportunity to volunteer under Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton social and environmental responsibility program. “We have come to recognize the interest many of...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—As the price of gas approaches $4 per gallon in parts of the country, travelers are taking notice. For the fifth year in a row, BedandBreakfast.com members are putting money where guests need it most—in their gas tanks. Guests who fill up on hearty breakfasts at participating B&Bs will find themselves treated to their own fill-up through the BedandBreakfast.com “Tanks a Lot!” promotion, in which inns offer free gas to B&B travelers. Knowing that travelers are increasingly interested in traveling green, BedandBreakfast.com members have crafted a number of creative offers to reward guests for conserving gas and to...

ATLANTA—PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR) estimates that U.S. hotel revenues will increase an estimated 5.8 percent in 2007, and grow another 5.3 percent in 2008. Both projections exceed the long-term average annual growth rate of 4.5 percent. Further, revenue growth will be heavily weighted toward growth in room rates relative to occupancy. Forecasts for revenue growth in excess of 5 percent should result in huge gains in profits especially when revenue growth largely comes from room rates. However, PKF-HR is concerned about the strong operating expense increases that typically occur at this point in the cycle and the negative impact they...

ADELPHI, MD.—The UMUC Inn and Conference Center by Marriott (a Marriott managed property) was the first conference center and hotel in North America to be granted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in October of 2005. In 2008, to further demonstrate its commitment to the environment, the hotel has relaunched its recycling program and added a composting initiative to its food and beverage practices. “You cannot pick up a newspaper, magazine, or turn on the TV without seeing a company’s commitment to safer environmental practice,” said Mike McCarthy, general manager. “We have got to do the right thing...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has decided to stop selling bottled water in its restaurants and during conferences. The hotel chain calculates that this move will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 160 tonnes per year. Scandic currently sells around 1.2 million litres of water, equating to 3.6 million 33cl bottles, every year. Last autumn Scandic decided to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its direct activities to zero by 2025, with an interim target of halving emissions by 2011. Bottled water is being phased out at Scandic as part of the next focus, which in part is on shipments to the hotels. “After careful consideration,...

CHICAGO—The 2008 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, to be held May 17-20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature more than 2,150 exhibiting companies and once again offer a slate of environment-related educational sessions. The show is expected to draw 74,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 115 countries. Programming will also feature trendsetting chefs and restaurateurs, leading experts, celebrities and more. Located on Level 3 of the North Hall, the Organic & Natural Pavilion will highlight exhibitors offering certified organic food and beverage products. Organic is one of the hottest menu trends right now, and show attendees...