GREENSBORO, N.C.—Built to use 40 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than a comparable hotel, Proximity Hotel offers a glimpse of the future while celebrating the past. Sustainable practices, custom-designed furnishings, commissioned art and innovative design await guests in every corner of the 147-room luxury hotel and the adjacent Print Works Bistro. Proximity Hotel’s sustainable design and construction follows the guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. With the goal to attain Platinum...

JACKSON HOLE, WYO.—Terra Resort Group, the Jackson Hole, Wyo.-based hotel management company, announced that Bruce Grosbety will serve as vice president of operations for Terra Resort Group and general manager of Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, its flagship eco-boutique hotel opening in January. In addition, the company has selected Afsi Behnam to be hotel manager for Hotel Terra. Both Grosbety and Behnam bring a wealth of luxury hotel experience to the new hotel, underscoring the company’s commitment to the highest service standards and guest amenities amidst an environmentally sustainable operation. Bruce Grosbety draws on more than 20 years of experience...

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYO.—It has never been easier or more affordable to take advantage of the world’s best opportunity to observe wolves in the wild. The Yellowstone Association Institute, Yellowstone National Park’s official educational partner, is offering the four-night “Winter Wolf Discovery” featuring accommodations, some meals, expert instruction and more. “Everything comes together in winter to make Yellowstone the best place in the world to see wolves in the wild,” says Jeff Brown, director of education for the Yellowstone Assn. “Wolves are spotted every day in the Lamar Valley. They follow the elk and other prey to the lower elevations near...

NATIONAL REPORT—No matter what size your facility is, chances are great that it can benefit from the latest window film advancements. In fact, some window films can help generate up to 30 percent savings in heating and cooling costs. Once questioned because of stories about bubbling or fading—mostly untrue according to experts—window film today is a reliable product that can provide many benefits. “Window film saves everybody money,” says Jeff Cohen, owner of Kustom Options, a window film installer based in Murrieta, Calif. The first benefit is energy savings. Window film, typically installed on the inside of window glass, rejects heat,...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The historic Heathman Hotel, Portland’s premier, full-service luxury hotel, was recognized by PacifiCorp recently for its efforts toward becoming a green hotel. PacifiCorp honored the Heathman as well as 14 other Oregon businesses that have worked with Energy Trust of Oregon on increasing energy efficiency and committing to sustainable practices. PacifiCorp (known as Pacific Power in Oregon) hosted approximately 100 Portland-area CEOs from their service territory in Oregon. Among the notable list of speakers talking about the future of energy were: Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power; Greg Abel, chairman and CEO of PacifiCorp and president of Mid American...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—With nearly 2,000 homes and commercial buildings already destroyed in southern California due to raging wildfires, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is urging the hospitality community to help rebuild the lives of victims by donating gently-used furniture and funds to nonprofit partner the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA). NFBA accepts and provides free pickup service for used furniture, which is distributed to those in need through furniture banks across the country, including several in California working to restore the lives and homes of wildfire victims. “AH&LA is making it a priority to serve as a link between...

INDIANAPOLIS—Ralston Square, a $60 million condominium and retail project proposed for downtown Indianapolis, includes a hotel that will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The boutique-style hotel, which will include 150 to 160 rooms, will be part of a 10-story building located just two blocks from the new Lucas Oil Stadium, the future home of the Indianapolis Colts. The developer for the project is Indianapolis-based Ralston Square Ltd. Liability LLC. The architectural firm designing the complex is Ratio Architects, also of Indianapolis. The steel and brick building will have a rooftop terrace planted in grass or gardens, energy-efficient...

HARTFORD, CONN.—The estimated $7 trillion travel industry has been among the first to respond to consumers’ demands for environmentally responsible options. Mainstream brands across all categories will have the opportunity to learn how lessons from the green marketing success of the eco-travel industry can be applied to their own green marketing strategies during Good and Green—The Green Marketing Conference, November 29 to 30, 2007, at the Chicago Cultural Center. Led by Kathy Dragon, founder of ActiveWoman.com and recognized travel expert, the panel will include travel industry leaders Hank Stewart, vice-president of Green Team USA; Dave Pflieger, general counsel for Virgin...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—The devastation of the recent Southern California fires may have wreaked havoc on the lives of many, but it has not dampened their spirits. It is with that spirit that the California Luxury Collection of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts—including Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica, Fairmont Newport Beach, Fairmont San Jose, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, and Fairmont San Francisco—are coming together to lend a hand by purchasing 500 trees from TreePeople in an effort to assist in regrowth in the various forests. “The devastation in Southern California is overwhelming and our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted,” says...

BOSTON—Seaport Boston, comprised of the Seaport Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center, has launched its Green Wedding Package, allowing brides and grooms to honor their commitment to the environment while celebrating their commitment to each other. The package is the latest initiative in the property’s Seaport Saves program, a comprehensive program which allows Seaport to continually source and execute innovative ways to improve its operation in an environmentally responsible manner. The Green Wedding Package features a customized seasonal menu showcasing a selection of hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts made with fresh and local organic ingredients by Executive Chef...