WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.—What if paint could cool off a building enough to not need air- conditioning? Purdue University engineers have created white paint that can keep surfaces up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than their ambient surroundings—almost like a refrigerator does, but without consuming energy. According to the researchers, the paint would replace the need for air-conditioning by absorbing nearly no solar energy and sending heat away from the building. Without the building heating up, air-conditioning wouldn’t have to kick on. “It’s very counterintuitive for a surface in direct sunlight to be cooler than the temperature your local weather station reports for...

AUGUSTINE, FLA.—Every day, 8 million pieces of plastic find their way into the ocean. With the consistent use of single-use plastic, the problem is only getting worse. Frequently used items such as travel-size beauty products and takeaway containers contribute to the planet’s plastic pollution. Sustainability consultant, Tara Dodson, targets this problem head-on by providing businesses the opportunity to switch to plastic-free alternatives. Dodson has created a comprehensive online marketplace for businesses to purchase environmentally friendly products in bulk ranging from bathroom essentials and gift shop items to products used by dining services and property operations. Eco Collections Marketplace is a...

MCLEAN, VA.—The Hilton Effect Foundation announced its 2020 Hilton Effect grantees, which include community-based organizations playing a direct role in COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts. Through these grants and donations already made by the Foundation, which serves as Hilton’s primary philanthropic arm, the Foundation has now awarded more than $1 million dollars in COVID-19 community response efforts. “A core part of the Hilton Effect Foundation’s work is to support our communities around the world through both good times and bad,” said Kate Mikesell, President, Hilton Effect Foundation. “From the very start of the pandemic, we have been listening to community leaders...

HONOLULU—Outrigger Hospitality Group earned the prestigious 2020 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award in the Climate Change category for its OZONE platform—a global conservation initiative supporting coral health and resiliency, with special focus on the waters that surround the iconic beach destinations of Outrigger Resorts around the world. The winners were announced on September 24, 2020 during the virtual PATA Gold Awards presentation. With more than 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs under immediate threat due to climate change, land pollution and unsustainable fishing, OZONE invites Outrigger guests to be part of the solution. “Outrigger’s link to the ocean...

BERKELEY, CALIF.—Last week, Procter & Gamble shareholders sent a resounding message with a 37 percent vote supporting an As You Sow shareholder resolution calling for diversity disclosure. Investors are asking Procter & Gamble for goals, metrics, and trends related to its promotion, recruitment, and retention of protected classes of employees. Shareholders want Procter & Gamble to show that its internal practices match its extensive advertising campaign focused on race relations in America. “Today’s vote shows shareholders want more data from P&G,” said Meredith Benton, Workplace Equity Program Manager for As You Sow and Principal at the consultancy Whistle Stop Capital....

CALHOUN, GA.—Mohawk Industries has been recognized as a finalist in Fast Company magazine’s 2020 Innovation by Design Awards in the sustainability category. The flooring manufacturer was honored for Continuum, its patented process that recycles plastic bottles and transforms them into sustainable carpet fibers. Mohawk joins other high-profile category finalists including Google, Nike, Perkins+Will, Procter & Gamble and the competition’s ultimate first-prize winner, Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, the visionaries behind Powerhouse Brattørkaia—an office building that creates twice as much energy as it uses. Mohawk and Continuum were also honored earlier this year with the Best of Surfaces Award in sustainability, and most recently...

NANTUCKETT, MASS.—GSN Planet (GSN) has launched a COVID-19 Sustainability Guide in response to the recent pandemic. The Guide has been written by GSN’s Sustainability Task Force and is available to the entire wellness industry. This simplified guide provides inspiration and practical options for businesses and practitioners to evolve during a pandemic that is focused on products and services that are eco-friendly and offer alternative revenue streams. The goal of this guide is to help those within the spa and wellness industry to make well-informed, environmentally and socially conscious decisions. Natasha Prybyla, proud member of the GSN Board and owner of Sloco...

NATIONAL REPORT—While fewer hotels are offering minibars, mini refrigerators are an expected appliance today, especially given COVID-19 and the inclination for travelers to bring their own food to their guestroom. Your choice of mini refrigerator can make a difference in not only guest satisfaction but your energy bill as well. The Energy Star website provides a page that allows one to search by price, size, capacity, brand name and shows annual energy consumption. Green Lodging News reached out to some of the lodging industry’s leading makers of mini refrigerators to get their latest take on this expected appliance. Minibar Systems Minibar...

NEW YORK—American Express announced the release of its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, which outlines the company’s approach to responsibly back its colleagues, customers and communities. The report is an evolution of American Express’ Corporate Social Responsibility report and includes updated and enhanced disclosures on a number of key topics, such as the diversity of the company’s workforce, its efforts to support its various stakeholders through the COVID-19 pandemic, continued progress toward its environmental sustainability goals and philanthropic initiatives. “At American Express, we believe the fundamental purpose of a corporation is to serve the needs of society and...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Vail Resorts and PepsiCo announced an expansion of their longstanding partnership to 18 additional Vail Resorts locations across North America, including Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Mount Snow in Vermont, and Hunter Mountain in New York. In addition to renewing and expanding their product distribution partnership to now 33 total resorts globally, PepsiCo committed to a significant investment annually in projects that support Commitment to Zero, Vail Resorts’ sustainability pledge to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030, including zero waste to landfill. Through a multi-year sustainability roadmap, the companies will focus on waste reduction, including reducing beverage and...