NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is leading the way to make New Orleans one of the most sustainable destinations in America. Just since March, the NOENMCC has served a 4,000-guest meal, free of garbage cans; served a gourmet lunch in a dumpster using leftover foods; and plated its largest banquet since the COVID-19 pandemic using over 10,000 pieces of China. “We have worked closely with our internal and external partners to create event experiences that reduce environmental impacts, emphasize sustainability, and promote social responsibility,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “These practices are vital to...

HONOLULU—Premier beach resort brand Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has successfully achieved Green Seal certification for key properties in Fiji and Hawaii. Outrigger is first in the State of Hawaii to earn the prestigious Green Seal designation as well as the first hospitality brand to achieve certification outside of the United States. Green Seal is a global nonprofit whose certification mark is a universal symbol that a product, cleaning service or facility meets the highest benchmark of health and environmental leadership. Outrigger’s owned/managed properties that are now Green Seal certified include: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel OHANA Waikiki...

NEW YORK—One of Manhattan’s most prominent luxury hotels—the 463 all-suite Conrad New York Downtown—keeps pushing the bar higher for sustainability leadership in the Big Apple. Since opening in 2012, the hotel has maintained its LEED Gold certification, implemented numerous water-, energy- and waste-saving initiatives, and it just recently became the first hotel in the city and one of the first in the U.S. to utilize Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology. The Sinclair in Fort Worth, Texas also uses this technology. PoE is used at the Conrad New York Downtown to power LED lighting in the lobby, in the newly renovated...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The NAACP Board of Directors has issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The travel advisory comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools. The formal travel notice states, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.” “Let me be clear, failing to teach an accurate...

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.—AutoCamp Hospitality Group opened the first location of its new lodging brand, Field Station, in Moab, Utah. An inspiring and inclusive modern lodging brand for the active outdoor community, Field Station is now welcoming guests and the local community to experience everything from affordable accommodations to easy exploration. With comfort and relaxation in mind, rooms are home to ample and creative space for gear storage. The property features 139 rooms ranging from premium king to double queen with bunk rooms and accessible options. A selection of rooms also feature Black Diamond Portaledges offering guests the experience of what it feels...

COLOGNE, GERMANY—HRS, the leading global corporate lodging and payment technology platform, announced the addition of Radisson Hotel Group to HRS’ Green Stay Initiative (GSI). As more corporate hotel procurement leaders prioritize a hotel’s sustainability-related credentials during the bidding process, Radisson Hotel Group’s choice to participate in the global GSI program enhances their opportunities to win more corporate volume. Radisson Hotel Group’s 1,100+ properties across 95+ countries will gradually participate in GSI, beginning with an initial group of properties in Europe this quarter. The timing of this announcement aligns with the increasing number of government proclamations requiring corporations to report their progress on reducing carbon emissions....

SINGAPORE—Banyan Tree Group announced the launch of its Stay For Good program, with the aim of providing travelers with authentic and immersive experiences that encourage a deeper connection with each destination while honoring the heritage and traditions and contribute to creating more opportunities for local communities. This multi-brand initiative takes travelers on a journey to some of the most unique and lesser-known destinations around the world. From the thousand-year-old traditions and crafts of Kyoto, Japan, to the colonial architecture and cultural traditions of Puebla, Mexico, the myriad of highlighted experiences will contain something for everyone. Some highlights include: Buahan, a Banyan Tree...

OAK BROOK, ILL.—The Hyatt Lodge in Oakbrook, Ill., is providing a stay at a green, responsibly and sustainably crafted property. With prairie-style architecture in a retreat-like setting nestled among Lake Fred in Oak Brook, Hyatt Lodge has many structural elements of the space that were carefully selected and crafted to provide guests with a greener stay. The ceiling finish consists of no VOC paint which creates a healthier indoor environment and allows for easier breathing. All the wood furniture is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified, promoting socially responsible forestry. Additional earth-friendly features at the Hyatt Lodge include the nightstands made from...

NATIONAL REPORT—Conserving water has become a major concern with residential and commercial sites alike. From indoor application to landscape and irrigation outdoors, water conservation has been a goal for many builders and homeowners—and a lot of natural turfgrass is being wrongfully accused of excessive water usage. Although synthetic turf is a rising trend for its environmental benefits, it is quite possible to grow natural grass while still conserving plenty of water. Many irrigation techniques have been made available through modern technology for using less water on plants…even during droughts. Discover a few simple tips for saving water on lawns and how...

BETHESDA, MD.—As part of Marriott International’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the company announced that the first 19 projects receiving financial support and other incentives through “Marriott’s Bridging the Gap” program will include the company’s Aloft Hotels, Autograph Collection, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites and Tribute Portfolio brands. The program, announced in 2022 with a $50 million initial investment from Marriott, aims to build a more diverse Marriott owner and franchisee community by addressing barriers to entry in hotel ownership among historically underrepresented groups including Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/First Nation, and Women...