WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of the 2021 World Green Building Trends report, of which USGBC is a contributing partner. The new report demonstrates that despite the challenges of the last two years, commitments to increase green building efforts continues to remain strong. The report shows that green building continues to remain a global priority, driven by extreme events and despite rising concerns like the COVID-19 pandemic. “The World Green Building Trends report underscores the increasing importance that governments, corporations and institutions are placing on green buildings for our climate, health and economy,” said...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with The Red Sea Development Company for a 430-room Grand Hyatt hotel on Shaura Island, the hub of the ambitious Red Sea Project on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The luxury resort hotel will represent the largest of 11 hotels set to open on the island and will occupy a prime position within this innovative tourist development. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be the second Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom and the seventh Grand Hyatt hotel in the Middle East, marking an important milestone...

When not traveling for work, we travel to explore destinations, seeking relaxation and inspiration to recharge our batteries. As tourists, we want an environment that is clean and untouched. Nobody wants to go on vacation and lie on the beach next to a pile of garbage. Whether diving in the ocean, climbing a mountain for a glorious view, or heading out on a safari, one of the major reasons we travel is to discover foreign ecosystems and their wildlife. Tourism depends heavily on biodiversity, and ensure that our students are aware of this. So, What is Biodiversity? For a long time, biodiversity...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic Hotels has signed a long-term lease agreement with Skanska for a new 210-room hotel in downtown Sundsvall. The new hotel, which will be attractively located in the city’s harbor area, will be built of wood, giving it a very high environmental standard. The hotel is expected to open during 2024. The hotel will be called Scandic Sundsvall Central. The hotel, which will be ideally located next to Sundsvall’s harbor and railway station, will have 210 rooms and a cozy restaurant and bar area on the ground floor. One floor up, guests will be able to enjoy the hotel’s...

PARIS—As a leading international amenities provider, Groupe GM continuously strives to become the most environmentally aware it can be. In 2018, the Group launched the Care About Earth program which covers all the company’s environmental and social actions and is an integral part of Groupe GM’s corporate strategy worldwide. It was developed following a decision by the Group, its subsidiaries, and agents to be a leader and proactive decision-maker in the ecological transition of its products. The program highlights Groupe GM’s ongoing commitment to the environment and demonstrates its high ethical standards. Through the Care About Earth program, Groupe GM...

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Getaway, the hospitality company that offers mindful escapes to tiny cabins in nature, hired Carlos Becil as its first-ever Chief Experience Officer last July, following a monumental year of growth and $41.7M Series C funding. As the former CMO of Coach and Equinox, and VP of Brand Management for Starwood, Carlos is bringing a dynamic perspective to Getaway, helping take it from a “tiny cabin” rental company to a global hospitality business. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Becil about Getaway and its growth. The following are our questions and Becil’s answers: What do you consider to be your primary responsibilities? You have...

NATIONAL REPORT—Many businesses are happy that a new year is here, after an incredibly challenging period over the previous two. It’s a unique opportunity, as 2022 begins, to rethink how you do business and speak to the needs and preferences of consumers as they exist today. One priority for so many consumers in every aspect of their lives is sustainability. Consumers tend to be drawn to companies they feel reflect their values. One such value that’s a growing priority is eco-friendliness and being conscious of your consumption and impact on the world around you. Sustainability can mean a lot of different things....

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Evolution Energy Partners (EEP) to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Consultants/Energy Management” category. Evolution is a full-service energy management, engineering, and consulting firm offering best-in-class sustainability, energy efficiency, procurement, and analytical solutions. The company’s mission is to advise, design, procure, and build solutions that provide measured value to its client’s sustainable footprint. Evolution does this through effective energy management and increased efficiency while maximizing savings to the organization. Evolution’s customers enjoy a positive impact on the bottom line by leveraging a comprehensive suite of services that mitigate risk, enhance stakeholder/asset value, and...

GULF BREEZE, FLA.—Gulf Coast hotel operator and management company Innisfree Hotels announced that all four of their Pensacola Beach properties have been recognized by the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program for their ongoing commitment to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. The Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program is an “eco-audit” that awards hospitality and tourism enterprises up to 5 Green Keys based on their sustainability practices and diligence when it comes to eco-friendly operations. The Green Key Program is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international accreditation body that manages sustainability standards in travel and tourism. Of the...

MILL VALLEY, Calif.—Auberge Resorts Collection, a portfolio of award-winning hotels, resorts and residences, recently announced plans for a new coastal escape in South Carolina with The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection. Located along the Charleston coastline in the waterfront community of Kiawah River, the property offers 2,000 acres of picturesque land with 20 miles of riverfront, scenic nature trails and abundant marshlands set amongst native flora and fauna. With the groundbreaking planned for January 2022, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, will be a charming, family-friendly getaway that invites guests to take in the simple pleasures of an authentic sea island lifestyle upon its opening...