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Sustainability

According to a report issued by the World Commission on Environment and Development, sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Got a great idea about how to turn green into gold? Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Sustainability

Home Sustainability
According to a report issued by the World Commission on Environment and Development, sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Got a great idea about how to turn green into gold? Contact Glenn Hasek, editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Cornell Study Issues Call for Sustainability in China’s Hotels

ITHACA, N.Y.—Even though growth in China has eased, the nation’s hotel industry continues to expand at a rate far exceeding other parts of the world. However, many of the new hotels in China do not meet international sustainability standards, according to a new analysis published by the Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. The report, “Environmental Implications of Hotel Growth in China: Integrating Sustainability with Hotel Development,” by Gert Noordzy, Eric Ricaurte, Georgette James, and Meng Wu is available at no charge from CHR.“The Chinese government is on board with sustainability, and we...

Benchmark Forms Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters

HOUSTON—Inns have always served not only as havens for weary travelers, but also as centers of community life. At the local inn, business was done, information exchanged, meetings and celebrations held. From its inception, the U.S.-based hospitality management company, Benchmark Hospitality International, has honored this tradition, giving back to the communities in the 40 domestic and global destinations it serves.Now, through its corporate outreach program, Hometown Hospitality Caring for Our Communities, Benchmark will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) in a nationwide initiative to support the nonprofit organization’s efforts to help children reach their full potential...

Fairmont Developing Bee Hotels for Wild Mason Bees

NEW YORK—Wild mason bees, some of the most effective pollinators on earth, can now visit 10 new luxurious bee hotels to rest their wings in the United States. These new oases were developed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Pollinator Partnership to serve as habitat for nesting and reproduction. Habitat loss is a leading cause for the decline in wild bee populations, which are responsible for the pollination of one-third of the food produced in the United States.“Fairmont is the industry leader when it comes to supporting honeybee health and has been leading this charge over the...

Hilton Reinforces Its Commitment to Responsibly Sourced Seafood in Collaboration with World Wildlife Fund

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide reinforced its commitment to the environment by announcing multi-year sustainable seafood goals on World Oceans Day. In collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Hilton has committed to implementing strong, global sustainable seafood goals in conjunction with the company’s Travel with Purpose strategy, which was launched in 2011 to use Hilton’s passion for hospitality to make a lasting, positive difference in people’s lives and the wider world.Hilton’s sustainable seafood goals will comprise the global ban of procurement of endangered species as identified by WWF, and the transition of its seafood purchasing to sustainable and responsible sources. By...

Valencia Group Asks Guests to Give Shirts Off Their Backs

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—Each summer, Houston-based Valencia Group embarks on a community initiative that seeks to connect guests and its national portfolio of hotels with deserving beneficiaries. Beginning on June 1, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, Calif., Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE in Houston, Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., and Lone Star Court in Austin, Texas will be asking travelers to “Give Us the Shirt off Your Back.”The campaign, which will run June 1 through August 31, will serve as a major drive for Dress for Success and Career...

Philips Lighting Pledges to Sell Billions of LEDs by 2020

SAN FRANCISCO—Leaders from Philips Lighting met with energy ministers attending the seventh Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7) summit in San Francisco last week, where the company announced a commitment to sell more than two billion energy efficient LED light bulbs by 2020. Reaching this goal is estimated to save an amount of energy equivalent to that generated by 60 medium-sized coal-fired power stations with emissions equivalent to those from 24 million cars by 2020. The company also reaffirmed its pledge to make its global operations carbon neutral by 2020 and said that it expects electricity for its U.S. operations to...

CHTA, Cuban Officials Meet to Discuss Sustainable Tourism Development

HAVANA, CUBA—The President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), Karolin Troubetzkoy, joined by several members of CHTA’s executive committee and prominent regional hoteliers, visited Cuba for meetings with Cuban and international officials during the UNWTO and FITCuba events held in Havana last month.Troubetzkoy applauded Cuba’s Minister of Tourism Manual Marrero Cruz, on his opening remarks for the FITCuba event, where he indicated that tourism is a key economic sector critical to Cuba’s socioeconomic development.Marrero cited the range of tourism-related investments that are planned and the need for companies operating in Cuba to consistently provide quality services and...

National Farm to Table Alliance Launched

NEW ORLEANS—The National Farm to Table Alliance has launched. It is a collection of organizations interested in the production, use and benefits of sustainable local farm fresh seasonal products and supports the important exchange between practitioners, policy makers and consumers while promoting food safety.The Alliance was started by the organizers of the annual Farm to Table Experience. Formation of the Alliance was supported by Mike Strain, Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, which is a founding member joined by the Arkansas Agricultural Department, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Centerplate, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Slow Foods USA, and the National...

CHTA’s Industry Exchange Forum to Begin September 30

PUERTO RICO—Following the success of the inaugural Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) last year, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Assn. has scheduled CHIEF to return to El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico, September 30 through October 2, 2016. This year’s program will expand its educational offerings by incorporating a Technology track in addition to sessions in Operations, Sustainability and Sales & Marketing.The educational tracks, led by experts in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, provide CHTA’s membership with tactics that generate revenue and increase efficiency. Another program highlight is the professional development opportunities offered...

Grand Hyatt Atlanta Builds on Green Initiatives with 20-Panel Solar Thermal System

ATLANTA—For years the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead has been recognized as a leader in sustainability. In 2014 the hotel was named a Good Earthkeeping Award winner in the Large Property category by the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. In 2013 the property was featured in Green Lodging News for its rainwater harvesting system that has since been expanded to 50,000 gallons. Within the next month or so, according to Wes Shirley, Director of Engineering, the 439-room hotel will add a 20-panel solar thermal system to its roof. That system will provide all of the heat needed for guestroom...