ATLANTA—UPS announced it will deploy a prototype extended range Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in its Rolling Laboratory fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. UPS is working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other partners to design a first-of-its-kind, zero tailpipe emissions, Class 6 medium-duty delivery truck that meets the same route and range requirements of UPS’s existing conventional fuel vehicles. Unlike fuel cell auxiliary power units, this vehicle will use the onboard fuel cell to generate electricity to propel the vehicle. This project is an important step toward demonstrating the commercial viability of zero tailpipe...

Name: Brian Bruno Title: Vice President of Content and Brand Marketing for RCI and head of the Wyndham Destination Network sustainability program Company: RCI Years with company: 11 Primary responsibilities: Bruno, in his 12th year with RCI, is responsible for producing RCI’s member and affiliate magazines and other travel content. He is also responsible for sharing brand standards around the globe. In addition to these responsibilities, he is the RCI representative for sustainability practices and green initiatives globally for Wyndham Destination Network. Company’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: RCI’s Indianapolis location, in 2014, earned the Energy Star designation. Company’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: Wyndham...

OJAI, CALIF.—Southern California escape Ojai Valley Inn & Spa announced it will become free of single-use plastic items throughout Spa Ojai, its award-winning 30,000 square foot spa. The innovative movement replaces traditional spa amenities with eco-friendly, reusable versions and establishes a new benchmark in the luxury spa space. Stemming from the realization that in 2016 Spa Ojai guests discarded 24,000 plastic snack cups and 107,120 plastic water cups after each use, Spa Director Kate Morrison sourced alternatives that both eliminate waste and support the complete luxury spa experience. As the concept of wellness continues to broaden into everyday life, the...

BETHLEHEM, PA.—Sands Bethlehem recently hosted its first Sustainable Foods Workshop in conjunction with Las Vegas Sands’ Global Sustainability Program. Six major food and beverage suppliers participated by discussing their company sustainability practices, while providing insight during a roundtable discussion on a myriad of sustainability topics, including trends they’re seeing and challenges they are experiencing. The suppliers were challenged to provide potential sustainable food options and to showcase them at the workshop. The participating suppliers consisted of US Foods, Sysco, Indian Ridge Provisions, Primo Produce, The Chefs Warehouse, and Samuel and Sons Seafood. The workshop began with introductions from George Nisiotis,...

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—Committed to sustainability, Boxed Water launches the third year of its ReTree project in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF). Through the campaign, and in celebration of Earth Day, two trees will be planted for every social media post using the hashtag #ReTree beginning now through the end of July. ReTree is one of Boxed Water’s largest tree planting commitments with a five-year goal of planting one million trees in national forests across the country. “Our ReTree project is one way we can create an avenue for people to make a real difference through simple actions, just like...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—RCI, a global leader in vacation, announced the latest winners of the RCI Green Awards program. These awards recognize the most environmentally-conscious resorts within the company’s exchange network. The application process includes an audit of green practices in areas including energy and water conservation, waste management and community outreach. The evaluation process, winner selection and verification system was completed by third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, LLC. “Hospitality properties have great potential—and great responsibility—to reduce the impact their operations have on the environment,” said Brian Bruno, Vice President of Content and Brand Marketing for RCI and head of the brand’s...

KELOWNA, B.C.—When the founder of British Columbia’s first all-electric taxi fleet was preparing the launch of his Tesla service, he knew exactly where he wanted to host the launch: outside the internationally recognized environmental award-winning green Kelowna hotel with Tesla Supercharger stations. “From Day 1, we really wanted to hold it here,” says Dale Conway, owner of Current Taxi, which transports passengers in its eco-friendly fleet of Tesla cars. “This Best Western has long been known for its sustainability and that’s what drew us to this hotel—for both the launch and our corporate office.” Current Taxi’s February launch event was attended...

AMSTERDAM—To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Booking.com released findings from its global Sustainable Travel Report. In a year that the United Nations has designated as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, this new research points to some promising signs when it comes to the eco-considerations weighed by both travelers and accommodations. The number of travelers staying in an eco-friendly or “green” accommodation at least once could double this year with 65 percent of global travelers expressing this intention versus 34 percent who stayed in one or more last year. In addition, 68 percent confirm they are more...

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND—Responsible Travel announced that it will no longer be promoting trips that include visits to zoos on its website. The online travel company and pioneer in responsible tourism has removed six trips from its site, the first travel company to publically make such a move. Responsible Travel and its customers have always been strong advocates for wildlife and conservation and until now has only included a small minority of trips in its collection which focus on volunteering programs to help improve zoos. However, following Liz Bonnin’s important 2016 BBC Horizon program: Should we Close Our Zoos? and consultation with...

Sustainability is now a commonly used catchword and focus for all businesses on some level. For many being a “green” or sustainable organization can be a daunting task, but is increasingly becoming a business imperative. Rest assured you are most likely doing more than you think.  The triple bottom line approach of sustainability—people, planet and profit (or more recently productivity)—focuses on ensuring financial profitability is aligned with other key performance indicators such as environmental best practice, employee health and well-being, and community stewardship. The most successful businesses realize that engaged employees are key to a winning culture and the organization’s...