MCLEAN, VA.—Showcasing an enhanced agenda this year, the 18th annual Affordable Meetings National show, Sept. 5-6 at the Washington Convention Center, will offer meeting and event planners two general sessions, 28 educational seminars—11 new to the line-up including sessions on green meetings and new industry technologies—two networking luncheons and a welcome reception, all designed to present attendees with the skills and techniques that are essential in the industry. With a variety of educational opportunities, meeting planners at all levels of experience can choose from 28 workshops and seminars that will focus on “need to know” industry topics. This free comprehensive...

KEY WEST, FLA.—The Banyan Resort and the Gardens Hotel last week became the Florida Keys’ first certified members of the Green Lodging Program, created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize and reward environmentally conscious lodging facilities in the state. The two Old Town Key West properties were awarded “one palm” certification for their environmental commitment in ceremonies attended by State Representative Ron Saunders, Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, Stacey Mitchell, director of sales for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Laura Comer and Gus Rios of the DEP. “These businesses are stepping up to recognize...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Through its partnership with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Quintess, LRW has joined the company’s recently launched Leading Green Initiative, a program enabling and encouraging guests to make conscious decisions about greener travel by actively supporting Sustainable Travel International (STI), a nonprofit organization that emphasizes responsible tourism. The Leading Green Initiative is a carbon neutral program whereby Quintess, LRW will directly absorb the cost to offset members’ energy consumption in each of the Club’s more than 60 properties worldwide. Through this, Quintess, LRW will contribute funds to renewable energy programs that will prevent an equal amount of...

YACHATS, ORE.—The revolution is here, and it’s green. Words like “global warming” and “sustainable”—once just techno-jargon—are now in the mainstream as the environmental movement takes new shape and a sharper focus. We’re reducing carbon footprints. Decreasing chemicals. Increasing organics. We’re protecting the earth’s natural resources and saving the planet. And not just on home turf, but with suitcases and hiking shoes as we travel the globe. What does green really mean? In short, going ‘green’ means to change everyday habits as a way to preserve the earth for future generations. In the lodging industry, green practices have been...

LA TANTE, ST. DAVID’S, GRENADA—The recently opened Paradise Bay Resort & Spa in Grenada, Eastern Caribbean will buy carbon certificates to compensate the CO2 emissions from guest’s flights, as well as the transport on the islands. Guests do not need to sign in for this or pay extra; it is an automatic, externally audited program valid for all guests. Resort prices have not been increased because of this. “We expect the extra costs for this Carbon Free Vacation approach will be compensated by higher guest loyalty,” says James Post, owner. Paradise Bay Resort & Spa is the first resort in the...

LONDON—What do a hip boutique hotel in west London, a luxurious Scottish train and a Welsh B&B—whose owner lives in a trailer called Tracey Puddingstone parked in the back garden—have in common? They are all featured in a new independent guide to eco-friendly places to stay in the U.K. which has just been launched by the website www.ecofriendlytourist.com. It provides details of thousands of rooms in hotels, hostels, guest houses, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation—plus some other unusual places—throughout the U.K. and across all price ranges. The new guide is the brainchild of former TV producer Eric Rowan and...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes 3Degrees Group, Inc. as a sponsor. The San Francisco-based company delivers customized global climate change solutions to U.S. businesses, utilities and institutions. The company engages customers to develop, execute, and communicate sustainability strategies that add value to their brand. The company’s expertise in sourcing verified carbon offsets and certified renewable energy certificates enables customers to reduce their carbon footprint. The 3Degrees website includes a carbon calculator that enables one to calculate carbon dioxide generated from home electricity consumption, car travel and air travel. As a partner to business efforts...

NATIONAL REPORT—Almost a year ago, Green Lodging News updated its readers on the progress states have made in creating and supporting green lodging efforts. At that time, it identified seven states with active green lodging programs. Today, at least eight states have one form of program or another. Each program is unique in its own way. These initiatives have become increasingly important over the past year; Florida’s governor, for example, will require his state’s employees to stay at Green Lodging Program hotels beginning January 1, 2008. Here is a state-by-state summary of green lodging programs: California—This state’s Green Lodging Program is...

BOSTON—The Doubletree Guest Suites Boston has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance. By earning the Energy Star, the Doubletree Guest Suites Boston is using at least 35 percent less energy than average buildings, while still providing quality service and comfort to its hotel guests and employees. Located near some of the nation’s finest universities overlooking the scenic Charles River and Boston Esplanade recreational trails with panoramic views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, this upscale, 308-suite hotel joins approximately 930 buildings nationwide that earned the Energy...

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF.—Although nearly three-fourths of hotel guests in North America willingly participate in environmentally friendly programs offered during their hotel stays, many guests remain unaware of whether these programs are offered at the hotel property, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. In response to growing concern about global warming and conservation issues, being environmentally responsible has become a top trend in the hotel industry, with properties initiating various green programs, such as changing linens and towels only on request and using water-saving bathroom faucets and toilets. When guests were...