INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The aim to reduce food waste and offer more low carbon foods in the hospitality industry is set to be a key focus for the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s (SHA) partnership with World Resources Institute (WRI). The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and WRI have a shared commitment to helping the hospitality industry reduce its food-related emissions by 25 percent by 2030. By shifting to low carbon foods and reducing food waste the industry can maximize its action on climate change and meet its targets for addressing the climate crisis. The partnership aims to engage employees and customers by bringing the latest science...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. (See the recent press release.) The report highlights significant new steps that should cut utility costs, save time for franchisees, and increase the company’s ESG commitments. Among the steps highlighted in the release is the hiring of Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Sustainability for Choice Hotels. That hiring was announced in April 2022. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Brumagim about Choice’s ESG initiatives. Here are the results of that interview in Q&A format. GLN: Prior to your appointment, nobody was leading the ESG charge at Choice. (Unless...

SEATTLE—Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, announced the summer 2024 opening of Hotel Westland, a carbon positive, adaptive reuse hotel in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Construction recently began on the 120-room hotel to modernize the historic structure, giving it a second life and ensuring it lasts for generations to come. Operated by Aparium Hotel Group and architecturally designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with interiors by Curioso, the boutique lifestyle hotel will highlight historic character maintained from the building’s 1907 construction, modern guestrooms and amenities, Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, and a signature restaurant, fueled by an authentic connection to...

CALHOUN, GA.—Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, has earned a place among America’s Climate Leaders presented by USA Today. Mohawk was the only flooring manufacturer among the businesses recognized for making the greatest reductions in their carbon footprint. “To be ranked as one of America’s Climate Leaders is a great honor and reflects the great work being accomplished by thousands of our associates across our global operations,” said Malisa Maynard, Mohawk’s Vice President of Sustainability. “We are continuing to identify new and innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions while creating sustainable products that improve homes and public spaces...

HOUSTON—Climate change has become increasingly front of mind, with many organizations looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment. One “tool in the toolkit” is the purchase and use of carbon offsets, allowing organizations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting a variety of sustainable projects. What Are Voluntary Carbon Offsets? Voluntary carbon offsets are something organizations can purchase to support projects around the globe to either reduce emissions entering the atmosphere or remove carbon dioxide (CO2). These offsets are generated from a wide variety of sustainable projects, such as wind and solar...

AHLA last conducted The Lodging Survey with STR in 2018. It provided valuable information on numerous trends in lodging, including ones falling under Sustainability. AHLA and STR no longer conduct that survey. A very valuable replacement to that survey is the 2022 Green Lodging Trends U.S. Market Report. It is based on U.S.-specific data gathered for the 2022 edition of the global Green Lodging Trends Report (GLTR). The newly available U.S. report from AHLA—representing its Responsible Stay program—is based on data from 17,000 U.S. hotels. There were two data collection methods: direct participation by responding to the GLTR survey on...

HORSHAM, PENN.—Luigi Lazzareschi, the CEO of Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, has been recognized as a 2023 Store Brands Game Changer. For the past three years, Store Brands has recognized private-label organization leaders and brands across the world whose innovative ideas are driving positive change in the industry. Lazzareschi was recognized for his leadership in technological and personnel investments to enhance Sofidel’s sustainability efforts. “It’s our priority to create an inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for people and the planet,” said Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO, Sofidel. “I’m honored to be featured as a 2023 Store Brands...

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...

ATLANTA—Interface, Inc., the global flooring solutions company where everything is certified carbon neutral, launched several new flooring collections in the first and second quarter, designed to meet performance and aesthetic goals with a lower carbon footprint. With these latest resilient and carpet tile introductions, Interface continues to enhance its flooring portfolio with innovative designs that help customers meet their unique design objectives and solve challenges. The latest launches from Interface include: Third Space: Designed to support today’s workplace design trend of creating alternative spaces where people gather, converse, collaborate, and reenergize, this carpet tile collection combines the classic feel of...