HOUSTON—Many years ago hotels began introducing nonsmoking rooms for their guests—maybe a few rooms, then adding 10 more, then a section of one floor, then a whole floor, etc. Today, almost certainly, the majority of guestrooms at most U.S. hotels are designated as nonsmoking. As the years have passed, we have all come to understand that tobacco causes cancer. Second-hand smoke has also been proven to be detrimental to our health and possibly cause cancer. Legislation and lawsuits regarding tobacco use have impacted our society so profoundly that tobacco use and its effects have been hugely reduced. As a result,...

CHICAGO—Among the more than 2,000 exhibitors at the 88th Annual National Restaurant Assn. Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show here in late May were many selling highly innovative “green” products. These products ranged from energy-efficient ovens to furniture made from recycled plastic. Many of the products were featured in a special Green Restaurant Products Pavilion along with the Green Restaurant Assn. Below are descriptions of just some of the many environment-oriented products featured at the show: • Sloan Valve Co., Franklin Park, Ill., featured its new Dual-Flush Flushometer for commercial flush valve style bowls. Lifting the handle up initiates reduced flush (1.1 gpf), eliminating...

TORONTO—Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new way for hotels to go green. Guests arriving at the brand’s destinations across North America will soon be welcomed at check-in by agents using front desk computers powered by the wind. A longtime leader in environmental stewardship, Fairmont’s recent purchase of Eco-Logo certified wind power for 249 check-in computers will result in a greenhouse gas reduction of almost 100 tons over the next year. Fairmont’s Green Partnership program places significant emphasis on energy issues and recognizes the importance of sustainable energy technology. After evaluating a number of ways to incorporate...

BORA BORA—InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, the newest resort in one of the world’s most idyllic locations, is now open. The property features an environmentally friendly seawater air-conditioning system, cooling every part of the resort with deep sea water and reducing electricity consumption, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Every one of the resort’s 80 rooms sit over the clear waters of a lagoon and features more than 100 square meters of floor space. Each bungalow features its own expansive private terrace and separate bathing deck. The May opening is a precursor to the official September opening...

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—Everyday in America each man, woman and child generates nearly four pounds of trash. That’s more than one trillion pounds of solid waste or 365 trillion pounds each year. In an effort to teach kids about the power of environmental education in their own communities, Doubletree Hotels has announced its third-year commitment with The National Arbor Day Foundation as a continuation of the brand’s successful Teaching Kids to CARE program. This spring, more than 10,000 first through fifth grade students in 150 communities across North America are expected to participate in activities and events that empower a...

DENVER—Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operator of concessions in national and state parks and resorts across the country, has been selected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the “2006 Performance Track Corporate Leader.” Xanterra was the only company to receive the recognition this year and is only the fourth company to receive the designation since its creation in 2004. The EPA’s Performance Track program recognizes top environmental performers that voluntarily go beyond compliance with environmental regulations and publicly commit to specific environmental improvements over a three-year period. Xanterra’s operations at Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon (both...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced its latest award for its environmental initiatives. At the Sixth Annual Global Travel and Tourism Summit held in Washington, D.C. in April, the luxury hotel brand was named winner of the 2006 Global Tourism Business Award. The award was presented by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC), the global business leaders forum for the travel and tourism industry. The award recognizes and promotes the world’s leading examples of best practice in responsible tourism development. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have been dedicated environmental stewards since 1990 with the development of the company’s...

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND—Governor Linda Lingle, in partnership with the State Department of Health and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, recently presented the 2005 Hawaii Green Business Award to Hilton Waikoloa Village. In attendance were Hilton Waikoloa Village resident manager Simeon Miranda, Hilton Hawaii regional public relations coordinator Tran Phan and Dolphin Quest director of education Beth Thomsen. In a related presentation, Senator Lorraine Inouye (Senatorial District One) recently awarded Hilton Waikoloa Village a certificate of appreciation from The Hawaii State Senate, recognizing and commending the hotel and staff for receiving Hawaii’s Green Business Award and...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO—The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) recently announced that it has launched its “Canada Goes Green” initiative. At a press conference held at the Marriott Chateau Champlain, Montreal, the HAC, accompanied by lodging and energy representatives from across the country, declared that as one of the largest industries in the world, it is time to make changes to the way in which it consumes energy. Lodging properties make up the fourth most energy intensive type of commercial space. Through the Canada Goes Green initiative, hoteliers will commit to making a significant and positive environmental impact by improving...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Hotel Vintage Plaza and 5th Avenue Suites Hotel, supporters of Eco Friendly practices, are recognizing guests who drive hybrid vehicles by cutting the standard $25 per night parking fee in half, to $12.50 per night. Guests who qualify are informed by the valet and guest service staff upon check-in and the discount applies to each night the guest stays at the hotel(s). “We appreciate the efforts of our guests to be eco-conscious by choosing to drive a hybrid vehicle, and wanted to recognize that effort,” says Marianne Moisant, Assistant General Manager of the Hotel Vintage Plaza....