LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands Corp. once again has been recognized by the S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) for its industry-leading performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. Sands is the only Integrated Resort company included in the DJSI North America. In 2019, Sands made significant performance improvements in human rights, corporate citizenship and philanthropy, and operational eco-efficiency, according to SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) results. The SAM CSA results, derived from financially material ESG factors, alongside S&P DJI’s robust index methodology, form the basis of construction and maintenance of the entire DJSI series. “Sands is driven by delivering strong...

FAIRFAX, VA.—INTUS Windows’ fourth tree planting event was its biggest yet, drawing in architects, developers, builders, government officials, and even an ambassador. As part of their One Window, One Tree program, INTUS holds these plantings biannually near their headquarters in Fairfax, Va. They aim to educate the community and building industry about the importance of trees by getting their hands on them (literally) and giving them a much-needed home. Through a partnership with the City of Alexandria and the Tree Stewards of Alexandria and Arlington, INTUS Windows planted 50 trees at Four Mile Run Park. The Lithuanian Ambassador to the...

MCLEAN, VA.—To mark Global Handwashing Day, Hilton announced the expansion of its soap recycling program, totaling 5,300 properties in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe. Hilton’s decade-long soap recycling program, which is already the largest in the hospitality industry, helps fight the hygiene epidemic plaguing underserved communities where tens of thousands of children die needlessly due to lack of access to basic sanitation. The initiative also contributes to reducing Hilton’s overall environmental impact, which the company has set a goal to cut in half by 2030. Hilton also announced the successful completion of its 2019 Clean the...

BOULDER, COLO.—​EcoVessel, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly, reusable drinkware, announced that, as of Oct. 1, 2019, they are now a member of 1% For the Planet. Through this partnership, EcoVessel pledges to donate 1% of all sales to support environmentally focused, nonprofit organizations around the globe. This partnership is a natural fit for the company who, since their inception, have been on a mission to reduce single-use plastics worldwide. This partnership allows them to advance their mission by connecting with the 1% For the Planet’s organizations and partners, all working towards a single cause of bettering the planet. “We are constantly looking...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Radisson Hotel Group has introduced its new global Responsible Business training program, Living and Leading Responsible Business. Set to be rolled out worldwide over the next 16 months, the new program will cement Radisson Hotel Group’s position as a Responsible Business leader and will give team members the tools they need to drive standards and best practices. Taking responsibility for the environment and local community has long been important to Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups. It has been a vital part of the group’s broader commitment to sustainable development since the...

NEW YORK—HX: The Hotel Experience and Boutique Design New York (BDNY) are just a month away. Both events will be held concurrently at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City from November 10 to 11. Under the ownership of Emerald Expositions this year, the two shows will together feature hundreds of exhibitors—many of which will be offering products to green up your property’s design and operations. Products available will range from Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee to bicycles to wallcoverings. In addition to the trade shows, HX and BDNY will both offer education sessions. Enhanced by a new partnership...

DALTON, GA.—As a leading supplier of carpet, resilient, hardwood, laminate, tile and stone flooring products and synthetic turf, Shaw Industries’ reach into the hospitality industry and beyond is significant. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with approximately 22,000 associates worldwide. What has perhaps distinguished Shaw the most is its commitment to reduce its environmental impact. Its products have the sustainability stamp of approval from GREENGUARD, CRI Green Label Plus, FloorScore, and NSF 140, among numerous others. To further support its transparency efforts, it also maintains Health Product Declarations (HPDs) for all commercial carpet products and Living Building Challenge...

LONDON—The WTM World Responsible Tourism Gold and Silver Award finalists have been announced for 2019. After an extensive process, the panel of expert judges have decided on 14 global businesses, destinations and organizations to receive the prestigious awards. The esteemed panel of industry professionals filtered through masses of applications to find the best of the best to fit within six categories; Wildlife and Nature Conservation, Reducing Carbon & Other Greenhouse Gases, Benefiting Local People, Transparent Reporting, Reducing Plastic Waste and Coping with Success, Dealing with Overtourism. The 2019 WTM World Responsible Tourism Gold and Silver Award finalists are: &Beyond – Luxury...

NATIONAL REPORT—Being green is becoming increasingly important for big and small businesses around the world as everyone strives to make a difference in the advent of global climate change. For many hotels, that means taking a special interest in how they can become more sustainable, finding ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, while still attracting enough tourists to maintain their profitability. More and more, it’s not just an afterthought—people are trying to implement green design principles in every part of the process, from building and furnishing to amenities and activities. Some hotels have made it their mission to help...

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy just released its 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The 50-state Scorecard reveals increasing state commitment to energy efficiency, the least-expensive clean energy resource, even where it had traditionally been overlooked. Research has shown that energy efficiency can slash U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050—getting us halfway to the U.S. climate goals. The 13th annual report identifies the leaders—Massachusetts and California; the most-improved states, notably Maryland; the states that lost ground, such as Kentucky; and those lagging behind, including North Dakota and Wyoming. According to the Scorecard, Nevada,...