MONTEREY, CALIF.—Monterey County is known for its unmatched scenic beauty—a picturesque rugged coastline, majestic redwoods and lush fields. The awe-inspiring scenery is one of the region’s top attractions and draws millions of visitors to Monterey County every year. With more visitors traveling to the area, the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) announced the launch of the Sustainable Moments Collective in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and local organizations in an effort to preserve and protect this destination for generations to come. The Sustainable Moments Collective began this spring as an outgrowth of the MCCVB’s destination-wide initiative—Sustainable Moments. The program...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—MaxLite is lending its support to help more than 250 families in 31 states build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter during Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz, June 4-8. During the build week, Habitat partners with professional builders and suppliers who provide the labor, funding and materials in order to address the growing need for decent and affordable housing in communities nationwide. MaxLite is contributing 1,950 LED bulbs to the 2018 building effort. MaxLite products are designed to help homeowners save money on electricity costs and to change their light bulbs less frequently. LED bulbs, according to...

COLUMBIA, S.C.—Shaw Industries Group, Inc. has completed the construction of a cogeneration Combined Heat & Power (CHP) plant at its Columbia, S.C. fiber production facility. The CHP, which began operating in May 2018, will reduce the plant’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 26,000 metric tons; that’s an impact equal to removing almost 5,500 passenger vehicles from the road each year. This is the latest in ongoing investments Shaw is making to minimize its environmental footprint. The company recently announced it has achieved carbon neutrality in its commercial carpet manufacturing operations. Companywide, Shaw has made significant investments to help reduce...

LONDON—As Canary Wharf Group marks 30 years, it looks forward to its next 30 years of evolution. As part of this evolution Canary Wharf Group has set out its 2030 vision in its 2017 sustainability report: “Making Sustainability Real.” “In an uncertain world that faces substantial economic, environmental, social and political challenges, we are confident that our vision and approach will enable us to be both successful and sustainable,” says Sir George Iacobescu CBE, Chief Executive and Chairman of Canary Wharf Group plc. “We look forward to the next 30 years of our evolution.” In the report, Canary Wharf Group unveils...

LONDON—Many certification schemes which supposedly help consumers make environmentally friendly decisions are standing in the way of greater sustainability and should undergo serious reform, according to a new report. The findings come in new research from the Changing Markets Foundation, which investigated whether voluntary certification schemes for seafood, textiles and palm oil are accurately guiding consumers towards sustainable products. In the clear majority of cases, the evidence of schemes’ benefits was lacking, while the report revealed many cases in which they provided cover for companies that are destroying the environment. “Certification schemes are failing the environment and consumers, who increasingly want...

BOSTON—Executives from Omni Hotels & Resorts along with Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and New Boston Hospitality, broke ground on the highly anticipated Omni Boston Seaport Hotel. The city’s fourth largest hotel will reflect the rich history of the city of Boston. “This project’s hotel, retail, restaurant and outdoor space is a welcome addition to Boston’s Seaport District and will lead to expanded economic opportunities for many businesses within the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration looks forward to continuing to work together with partners at the local level and in the...

DALTON, GA.—Shaw Industries Group, Inc. has achieved carbon neutrality in its commercial carpet manufacturing operations. The achievement encompasses all commercial carpet manufacturing facilities that Shaw owns and operates globally, including those for Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract and STS. “At Shaw, we believe in creating a better future,” says Tim Conway, Vice President of Sustainability for Shaw’s commercial division. “We understand the challenges of climate change are global in scale and require a global response. No one company can solve problems at this scale by itself, but we can each contribute to an effort that enables all of us to...

In some ways Wynn Resorts has not had a very good year (see article regarding Steve Wynn and his resignation) but the company’s just released 2017 Global Sustainability Report shows the company is stepping up its commitment to responsible business practices. Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts, in his introduction to the report, says, “Last year, Wynn Resorts moved into a leadership position in environmental stewardship. In the past 12 months, the company invested more than $12 million in renewable energy resources through solar installations at our Las Vegas resort and in Northern Nevada at the Wynn Solar Facility that...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton today announced it will cut its environmental footprint in half and double its social impact investment by 2030. With this commitment, Hilton will become the first major hotel company to institute science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions and send zero soap to landfill. The company will also double the amount it spends with local and minority-owned suppliers and double its investment in programs to help women and youth around the world. These goals are part of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose corporate responsibility strategy to further the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. New consumer research reaffirms Hilton’s corporate responsibility strategy....

PULASKI, N.Y.—Founded in 2003 PURE is the global leading provider of healthy indoor spaces. PURE has partnered with industry leaders in hospitality, maritime, fitness, scholastic, office and residential applications in over 15 countries. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is a nonprofit organization, with a “mission to empower wellness worldwide by educating public and private sectors about preventative health and wellness.” Each year at the Global Wellness Summit, the GWI identifies new trends that will shape the future of the wellness industry. With technology changing how people travel, and what guests demand, hotels are seeking for ways to evolve. The PURE program...