ATLANTA—ASHRAE announced board approval of a $15.7 million budget to begin a renovation of its new world headquarters building in metro Atlanta, with the intent of being designed for net-zero energy efficiency. The building located at 180 Technology Parkway in Peachtree Corners, is approximately 10 miles north of ASHRAE’s current location. The 1970s-era building was selected from existing building stock with a goal of retrofitting it into a modern, high-performance building. “ASHRAE is excited to demonstrate innovative leadership in our industry by transforming an existing commercial building into a state-of-the-art built environment,” said 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila J. Hayter. “We want...

GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA—In line with the sustainable tourism philosophy of Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT), Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas has implemented a mass solar panel installation on its path toward entirely renewable energy. The project, one of the largest solar energy undertakings in Central America, was completed in December and will provide Tamarindo’s premier eco-boutique hotel with 1,400 solar panels estimated to offset 34 tons of the hotel’s energy usage. “Travelers are more socially and environmentally conscious than ever, seeking vacations that have minimal impact on the planet’s resources,” said General Manager Federico Pilurzu. “At Cala Luna, we...

BRISTOL, ENGLAND—The Travel Foundation has partnered with Cornell University and EplerWood International to analyze how the more damaging impacts of tourism’s rapid growth can be better understood and managed globally. After decades of steady growth, international tourist numbers surpassed 1 billion for the first time in 2012. The report shows that destinations across the world are not prepared for the unprecedented demands this has placed on them, leading to alarming reports of overtourism. With growth set to continue exponentially, reaching 1.8 billion tourists by 2030, a global crisis is looming. While overtourism is an important symptom, the use of vital natural,...

When was the last time you took an objective look at your hotel operations? Have you ever drilled down on how much you spend on plastic cups and trash liners? One client spent $47,000 annually on trash liners. They were shocked, and even more surprising was this cost could be reduced by $21,150 annually. How? Recycling better and reducing trash liners, because recycled items tied up in trash liners are not accepted by most recycling facilities, anyway. Choosing the right-sized trash containers and liners reduces cost, because you don’t need a 60-gallon liner for a 30-gallon container. Eliminating desk...

LHAVIANI ATOLL, MALDIVES—Crown & Champa Resorts has opened its 100 percent solar-powered Kudadoo Maldives Private Island. The luxury resort is 200 meters long by 200 meters wide and was designed by Yuji Yamazaki. Included on the island are 13 one-bedroom residences and two two-bedroom residences. According to Crown & Champa Resorts, at every point in the design and operation of Kudadoo, the team has carefully selected and purposefully minimized its environmental impact. Together with architect Yuji Yamazaki, Crown & Champa has sourced exclusively eco-conscious materials for the residences, including wood from sustainably managed forests in Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia. Solar...

MONTEREY, CALIF.—The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) has joined two initiatives that will further its goal of ensuring Monterey County is one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations by both setting ambitious goals and measuring long term impacts. The first is with Positive Impact, a global not for profit which exists to provide education and collaboration opportunities to create a sustainable event industry—and a vision to address the role of plastics in this industry. MCCVB is the exclusive destination partner for Positive Impact on this project which has already included collaboration with several United Nations bodies and in...

NEW YORK—JetBlue, along with The Nature Conservancy, whose mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, released a new report focusing on the connection between natural resources and tourism. The report’s results revealed that the Caribbean is more dependent on tourism than any other region across the globe and highlights new data on the benefits that coral reefs provide to the travel industry and the region’s economy. Coral reef health is diminishing from impacts such as pollution and climate change. This report, also supported by Microsoft and the World Travel & Tourism Council, utilized machine...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International announces an impact collaboration with Clean the World (CTW), a leader in global health dedicated to WASH (water, sanitization, and hygiene) and global sustainability. The brand continues to live up to its “Save the Planet” creed as participating HRI hotels will implement the immediate collection and donation of recycled hotel soap and bottled in-room amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, to help fight the global spread of preventable diseases through the distribution of sanitized hygiene kits crafted with these recycled materials. With headquarters in Orlando and recycling centers in Orlando, Las Vegas, Hong...

LONDON—The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the 15 finalists for its 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The 2019 finalists are organized into the following new categories: Climate Action, Investing in People, Destination Stewardship, Social Impact and Changemakers. The Changemakers Award will put a special spotlight on fighting the illegal wildlife trade through tourism, an issue that is also a focus of WTTC with its Buenos Aires Declaration on Illegal Wildlife Trade launched last year. The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, now in their fifteenth year, showcase business practices of the highest standards that balance the needs of...

BANGKOK—The sustainability leaders at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas celebrated their successes and made plans for 2019 as they met in Bali for their annual sustainability conference. This year’s theme was titled: A Little Dirt Never Hurt. Twenty-two sustainability managers, community liaisons, spa leaders and gardeners joined Six Senses Vice President of Sustainability Jeff Smith for three interactive and educational days at The Kul Kul Farm in Ubud where they studied permaculture design, agroforestry, composting, biodynamic farming, essential oil distillation, natural soaps, bamboo building, plant nursery, seed collection and enjoyed a whole lot of tree hugging and team building. The attendees...