SEATTLE—In a public letter citing the company’s enduring mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced a multi-decade commitment to be a resource-positive company, aspiring to give more than it takes from the planet. The announcement included science-based preliminary targets for the reduction of carbon emissions, water use and waste by 2030, and outlined five strategies the company has identified to move toward them. “As we approach the 50th anniversary of Starbucks in 2021, we are looking ahead with a heightened sense of urgency and conviction that we must challenge ourselves, think bigger and do...

SAN FRANCISCO—Visa announced the company has met its goal to use 100 percent renewable electricity by 2020, furthering the company’s commitment to lead responsibly and sustainably across the company’s global operations, including 131 offices in 76 countries and four global processing centers. Since setting the 100 percent renewable goal in 2018, Visa achieved quick action across its global facilities portfolio by advancing to a sustainable mix of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. “At Visa, we see both a responsibility and an opportunity to make broad shifts toward a sustainable and inclusive future,” said Al Kelly, CEO of Visa...

CHICAGO—Comfort food and innovation are pairing up on this year’s list of what’s hot in trends and creations coming to diners from restaurant kitchens. The annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, released by the National Restaurant Association, offers a detailed look at the topics, trends, and products—from the ordinary to the surprising—rated sizzling hot by chefs working in kitchens across the country. Diners will see many more alternatives in restaurants this year, as owners and operators adopt eco-friendly packaging, plant-based proteins, revamped classic cocktails, specialty burger blends (mushroom-beef burgers, etc.), and unique beef and pork cuts, which all made the list...

A recent report by The Soil Association communicated via “Just Style” highlights some of the key environmental impacts from the use of conventional cotton. In this report details have emerged around the consumption of water and land cultivated with the use of insecticides during the cotton production process. This, therefore, raises some interesting points for hotel owners to consider for improving the guest experience. Cotton is a key textile within the hospital trade. Specifically, hotels, lodges and health spas are key consumers of cotton, used within bedding, robes and towels. Conventional Cotton Versus Organic In the report and among our sources, there...

NATIONAL REPORT—Analysis by PwC of over 1,000 published reports from listed, private and public sector organizations, highlights that with only ten years to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a great deal of work to be done if business is to contribute meaningfully to national efforts. PwC’s annual assessment of public reporting on the SDGs assesses the level of integration of the goals into leadership, business strategy and reporting, as an indicator of business’ vital contribution to achieving government’s stated commitments within the next ten years. Nearly three quarters (72 percent) of organizations analyzed reference the goals in their...

VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS—Following a four-year closure and comprehensive renovation, the 80-room Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands has opened. Originally founded by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller over half a century ago in 1964 and long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways, the iconic resort has been completely revived and redesigned while staying true to its identity as a leading example of ecotourism. Set across 500 acres of pristine private beachfront and breathtaking flora and fauna, the reimagined resort provides an unparalleled island escape with expertly appointed accommodations, inspired amenities, dynamic...

ROME, ITALY—In today’s age of Greta Thunberg and the rise of climate change activists, it’s not only political leaders who are being forced to ask the difficult questions surrounding environmental values. It’s all of us. With tourism being one of the significant causes of carbon emissions, responsible tourism is really coming to the fore. Holidaymakers and city-breakers are looking for destinations that offer something of a green conscience. With that in mind, here are five of the latest eco-friendly initiatives happening in Europe. Rome’s Plastic for Tickets The local government of Rome has long advocated various environmental schemes, as we...

PLACENCIA, BELIZE—Ray Caye is a small (20-unit) island resort with a very large focus on sustainability. The property is 17 miles off the coast of Belize and a short flight from Belize City, then a boat ride. It has been open for eight years but is reopening in January as Ray Caye. This is a decidedly upscale resort but there has been as much investment in environmental elements as in accommodations, according to Dasha Shivers, the resort’s General Manager. Seriously Solar On the solar front, the resort has a solar array of 100 KW (total of all installed solar panels); a...

NATIONAL REPORT—It’s curious to write an article on two seemingly diametrically opposed educational programs. On the one hand, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM); on the other hand, hospitality. At first glance, there seems to be nothing in common with these studies. STEM students are scientists, engineers, techies, and mathematicians who base their decisions on facts and rigor; hospitality students ooze “people” skills and find practical solutions to immediate glitches. Yet both groups focus on solving real world problems from a predominantly environmental perspective with a smidgeon of economic and social thrown in. And what connects these two groups...

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—Distributed Solar Development (DSD) announced the completion of a custom solar canopy it designed and built for MGM Springfield in Springfield, Mass. The canopy enabled the property’s United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction Platinum level certification—the first for a gaming resort. The canopy will contribute to MGM’s stated goal of reducing carbon emissions per square foot by 45 percent by 2025, using a 2007 baseline. Built with U.S.-made Nucor steel and a proprietary water management system, the 1.382MW solar canopy sits atop the roof deck of the MGM Springfield’s parking garage....