LANSING, MICH.—Robert W. Swanson, director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), announced a new program aimed at environmental conservation and a more competitive lodging industry in Michigan. Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfast facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste, and participate in environmentally preferred purchasing. “It’s like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval of being green,” Swanson said. “It is the mark of environmental responsibility of hoteliers who show a commitment to green business practices and can...

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA—Canad Inns announced it will be 100 percent smoke free as of November 30. The company has been phasing in the policy the past few months. All renovated hotel rooms have been designated nonsmoking as they are brought into inventory. Canad Inns-Transcona has been smoke free since March 2006. “At Canad Inns, we want to provide our guests with the most enjoyable experience possible,” says Leo Ledohowski, president & C.E.O. “Our new smoke-free environment will make our Canad Certified Four Star Standard a better experience for all our guests.” The new smoking policy will include all...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Starwood Capital Group, led by Barry Sternlicht, announced the launching of “1” Hotel and Residences, the first luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand. The concept will combine the best of environmentally sustainable architecture and interior design with luxury service and comfort. “1” will adhere to green construction and operating principles and commit to environmentally sensitive consumption of natural resources. “1” will demonstrate that green principles can coexist and enhance a luxury hospitality experience and healthy residential lifestyle. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has agreed to be an environmental advisor on “1” with the initial goal of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Americans are recycling more and throwing away less according to a new report released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, speaking at the National Recycling Coalition Conference in Atlanta, announced that the United States recycled 32 percent of its waste in 2005. Including composting, Americans recycled 79 million tons, representing a 2 percent increase from 2004 and a huge jump from 16 percent in 1990. “President Bush and EPA are transforming our throw-away culture into a recycling culture,” says EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. With our...

CAPE ELIZABETH, MAINE—Maine’s Governor John Baldacci introduced Webber Energy Fuels’ biofuel program at The Inn By The Sea this past weekend. This winter, The Inn By The Sea will be the first hotel in Maine to keep guests warm with Webber’s new fuel comprised of heating oil mixed with fats and vegetable oils.Choosing to heat with Webber’s biofuel made with domestic renewable natural products is part of The Inn By The Sea’s ongoing commitment to reduce heating oil consumption and to align business practices with consideration for the environment, according to the inn’s general manager, Tom Petot. South...

TORONTO—Days Inns-Canada announced its participation in the HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program administered by the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). Days Inns-Canada is the first midscale hotel chain to participate in the program as a brandwide initiative. Through the HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program, Days Inns’ 87 locations across Canada are committed to maximizing efficiency by enhancing energy performance while also reducing operating costs. The brand expects that most of its properties will receive their Green Key rating by the end of 2006. “As active supporters of the HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program, Days Inns-Canada is dedicated...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland-Lloyd Center announced that the property has earned a Green Seal GS-33 Lodging Sustainability certification. The 476-room Doubletree is the first lodging property in Oregon and the largest hotel west of the Mississippi to receive this green hotel designation, which includes a set of stringent criteria that encourages hotels to adopt environmental standards and practices in their everyday operations. The Green Seal certification is the latest step in the Doubletree’s efforts to build sustainable practices into its entire operation. From installation of energy- and water-efficient fixtures and lighting in guestrooms...

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF.—As hotel brands in other parts of the world adopt smoke-free environments as their latest marketing strategy, a vast majority of European guests prefer a smoke-free hotel environment, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study. The study found that nearly 70 percent of hotel guests in Europe prefer a smoke-free environment that exceeds the boundaries of their room, which is slightly less than hotel guests in North America (79 percent). The desire for a smoke-free environment ranges from 57 percent of guests who reside in Spain, to a high...

DENVER—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. a Green Purchasing Gold Achievement Award for its purchasing practices at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Part of the EPA’s “WasteWise” program, the award recognized the concessioner’s waste reduction program, which includes purchasing numerous items with recycled content as well as increasing the recycled content of many products. Xanterra is one of only 11 organizations to receive a Gold Achievement Award this year and the only national park concessioner ever to receive the award. In 2005, Xanterra switched to chlorine-free, 100 percent post-consumer...

BOSTON—Formed a year ago as an outgrowth of the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Conventions (CERC), Boston Green Tourism (BGT) is working to position America’s Walking City as the place to go to find green hotels and meeting facilities. The organization already has 76 active members including hoteliers, restaurateurs, vendors, and convention center and government officials. “It is a three-year project,” says Dan Ruben, executive director of BGT, who as executive director of CERC led efforts to green America’s two political conventions in 2004. The goals of BGT are four-fold: • Establish Greater Boston as a preeminent...