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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.

MGM Resorts on List of ‘Best Companies for Diversity’

LAS VEGAS—For the ninth year, Black Enterprise (BE) magazine has named MGM Resorts International one of the “Best Companies for Diversity” in the United States based on its diversity and inclusion practices. MGM Resorts is the only company in the integrated resort industry, and the only company based in Nevada, to be named to the magazine’s list.The 40 companies featured in the publication’s special report demonstrate a commitment to diversity in one or more of four key areas, including: Board of Directors mix, employee diversity, senior management mix and supplier diversity. Of those 40 companies, MGM Resorts was among...

International Tourism Partnership, Greenview Launch Hotel Footprinting Tool

LONDON—The International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and Greenview have launched the free Hotel Footprinting Tool which allows anyone easy access to the carbon and energy footprint of hotels worldwide. The Hotel Footprinting Tool uses data from the annual Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Study.It’s now far easier for hotels to compare their own carbon footprint to industry averages in their locality. Businesses seeking to map the footprint of their own hotel stays and meetings can now access more accurate figures for hotels in the area and market segment, rather than using broad industry averages or having to contact individual hotels for...

Hilton Worldwide Rolls Out GED Assistance Program

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide announced a new GED Assistance benefit that will give thousands of eligible Team Members the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency diploma. The new program marks the largest, most comprehensive high school diploma assistance benefit provided by a major hospitality company in the United States.The GED Assistance program is available to all full-time U.S. Team Members at owned and managed hotels and corporate offices with six months of service or greater. The new benefit will provide one-on-one advising and test preparation support. It will be free of charge for Team Members, and will also cover...

Marriott Celebrates Progress on Diversity, Support for Youth Employment

BETHESDA, MD.—This month Marriott International celebrates more than 25 years of its global diversity and inclusion program, along with the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the United States. The company’s recently released 2015 Sustainability Report highlights its support for diversity and inclusion commitments such as these, as well as its recent achievements and initiatives supporting the environment, local communities and youth employment.Marriott spotlights a nonprofit partner that shares its founder’s name—the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. Celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation’s Bridges from School to Work...

CHIEF Award Presented for Sustainability

FAJARDO, P.R.—The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has named the winners for the inaugural CHIEF Awards honoring member hotels and tourism-related enterprises for best practices in Business Operations, Sales & Marketing and Sustainable Practices. Awardees were announced at the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) which took place October 2 to 4, 2015 at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf AstoriaResort in Puerto Rico.“We have witnessed extreme forward-thinking programs from each of the winning companies who rightfully earned top honors in these important categories,” said Emil Lee, President of CHTA.The resort which earned top honors for the Sustainable Practices...

Hilton Paris Opera is First Hotel in Europe to Recycle Discarded Soap through Clean the World

PARIS—In celebration of Global Handwashing Day Hilton Worldwide and Clean the World announced that Hilton Paris Opera is the first ever hotel in continental Europe to partner with Clean the World. Hilton Paris Opera will lead the European rollout of Clean the World by contributing discarded soap and bottled amenities that will be recycled to benefit European citizens who are at risk for hygiene-related illnesses. As the world’s largest soap recycler, Clean the World has contributed to a 30 percent reduction in pre-adolescent deaths from hygiene-related illnesses since 2009. Hilton signed a master agreement with Clean the World earlier...

Spa Sustainability Award Winners Announced

YOSEMITE, CALIF.—Miraval Resort and Spa, Living Earth Crafts, Two Bunch Palms and Spa Blue at Del Mar were among the top award recipients at the Green Carpet Spa Sustainability Awards, presented by the Green Spa Network at their Annual Congress in Yosemite, Calif.Judges with decades of experience in the industry chose winners in six categories including healthy spa cuisine, innovative green products, and dedicated spa and supply brands—from individuals and companies who are shaping the green spa movement. The judging panel included: Julie Keller Callaghan, Editor-in-Chief, American Spa Magazine; Mary Bemis, Editorial Director, Insider’s Guide to Spas; Debrianna Berlin,...

Wyndham Beats Carbon Emissions Goal Six Years Early

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, announced that it reached its carbon emissions goal six years ahead of schedule. The company achieved a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions (measured on a per square foot basis), well-surpassing its goal. The reduction is equivalent to saving more than 14 million gallons of gasoline. “This is a huge achievement for a company with such a wide and diverse global portfolio, and especially one in the hospitality industry,” said Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wyndham Worldwide. “Our commitment to sustainability as one of our top...

Paradise Point Partners with San Diego Airport on Sustainable Travel Program

SAN DIEGO—Paradise Point, A Destination Hotel on San Diego’s Mission Bay, has partnered with San Diego International Airport on a new sustainable travel program. The Good Traveler program, piloted by San Diego International Airport, seeks to offset environmental impacts of travel by encouraging guests to purchase carbon offsets in the form of merchandise or add-ons to hotel reservations. For just $1, a traveler can effectively offset 500 miles of air travel or 200 miles of driving. All of program funds will go directly towards conservation projects counteracting the environmental impacts of greenhouse gas emissions.Paradise Point is the first hotel...

Harbour Village Installs Underwater Reef Observation Cameras

BONAIRE, DUTCH ANTILLES—Already a leader in efforts to ensure that Bonaire’s vibrant coral reef system continues to thrive, Harbour Village Beach Club has installed an innovative underwater video and data monitoring system. The equipment will let students on the island and throughout the world gain field research experience, along with a deeper understanding of how important coral reefs are to healthy coastal ecosystems and the underwater creatures inhabiting them. Harbour Village will work with the Teens 4 Oceans network and the group View Into the Blue to give students everywhere a way to view the fascinating marine life just...