ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y.—Carnegie announced that it has become a Certified B Corporation. B Corp certification is a rigorous third party assessment performed by the nonprofit organization B Lab. Carnegie’s standing in areas such as social and environmental performance were measured and tallied with complete transparency by B Lab.B Corporations are a new kind of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. It’s like LEED or Fair Trade certification, but for a business, not just a building or a bag of coffee. There are currently more than 950 certified B Corporations in over 32...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the publication of its inaugural corporate responsibility report, “Global Citizenship at Starwood.” The narrative provides an update on Starwood’s recent Global Citizenship initiatives, and outlines the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, community involvement, opportunities for associate development, and best practices in corporate governance.Frits van Paasschen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood, said, “At Starwood we believe being a good corporate citizen makes good business sense, and helps us offer our guests ‘A Better Way to Experience the World.’ Working closely with experts, NGOs, community partners, suppliers, and...

SYOSSET, N.Y.—Emerald Brand has added Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper hot cups to their line of 170 environmental disposable products, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to responsible forest management and environmental protection.Emerald Brand is a leading manufacturer of environmentally responsible disposable and consumable products for the break-room, facilities, and washroom. For over 17 years, Emerald Brand has been producing Tree-Free towel and tissue items, Earth Essence cleaning solutions, compostable and biodegradable tableware, and recycled garbage liners. The new FSC certified paper cups are available in white and Emerald Select design, and in five sizes, all of which take...

NEW YORK—The Wyndham New Yorker Hotel has made tremendous strides over the past several years to support its eco-friendly initiatives. In honor of Earth Day, the iconic hotel recently recommitted itself to upholding these standards in an effort to preserve the environment. As the hotel embarks on a fresh look with the rollout of a five-year, multi-million dollar renovation that will modernize the 912-room property, it will continue to purchase energy produced by green power like solar, hydro or wind power. The hotel also buys carbon credits to offset the energy they purchase, which is produced by burning fossil fuels....

CHINO, CALIF.—Bertolini Inc. recently launched their Sustainability Training Program for Employees. The first training session was held at the company’s corporate headquarters in Chino, Calif. This was a trial for launching the program companywide.The first training session was a successful overview of the sustainability every Bertolini built-to-order chair has. Every Bertolini built-to-order chair is built with locally sourced materials. The 16 gauge cold rolled steel chair frame is produced from 100 percent recyclable American made steel, the patent pending Blow Molded Flex-Fit Seat is produced with 30 to 50 percent post industrial recycled materials, and the ergo-V back foundation...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Provocative and informative, The Goose with the Golden Eggs examines the impacts of different models of coastal tourism in Costa Rica, from small-scale eco-lodges and a sustainable mid-sized resort to large-scale resorts, vacation homes, and cruise ships along the northern Pacific Coast. The film features interviews with Margarita Penon, Costa Rica’s former First Lady and member of Congress, as well as with other government officials, tourism experts, and residents of coastal communities who are affected by Costa Rica’s tourism boom.   “The travel industry has become so powerful it can make or break a village or a country,” says...

GLEN RAVEN, N.C.—Glen Raven Custom Fabrics has reinforced its NSF/ANSI 336 Sustainability Assessment with third-party certification by UL Environment, a company providing independent validation of green marketing claims. More than 50 patterns in the Sunbrella Contract fabric line, including those with Defiance treatment, carry the Silver Level certification.Glen Raven Custom Fabrics self-certified two of its fabrics—a filling-face twill and plain-weave canvas—under the standard in 2011, the first company to do so since the Association of Contract Textiles (ACT) instituted the sustainability standard for commercial furnishings fabrics. An expanded self-assessment of more than 35 fabrics followed in February 2013.“This certification...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in Mexico is the first Central American destination to complete the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) GSTC Early Adopters Program to test its new Criteria and Indicators for Destinations, under the scope of the GSTC’s Destination Partner Program in collaboration with Sustainable Travel International (STI).Located in central Mexico, Sierra Gorda is one of the most eco-diverse protected areas recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program, which promotes sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. The destination’s tourism assets encompass natural, scenic, and cultural richness, with sweeping landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, wildlife...

SHELTON, CONN.—Continuing efforts to build its iCompli sustainability assurance services, BPA Worldwide has named Joel Charron as Vice President, Sustainability Assurance. He will be based in Houston. In his new position, Charron will have direct responsibility for marketing and business development for iCompli’s suite of sustainability assurance services related to reporting in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. “Joel’s wide-ranging experience and industry knowledge in regards to sustainability reporting will be a great benefit to BPA,” noted Glenn Hansen, BPA President and CEO. “Given his previous efforts relating to reporting frameworks (including GRI 3.1 and G4), corporate social responsibility...

BANGKOK—Best Western International has unveiled a new luxury eco-resort in Malaysia. Nestled among the lush jungle-clad hills of the Malay Peninsula, Best Western Premier The Haven, Ipoh is one of the first properties in Malaysia to use 100 percent renewable energy, by harnessing the power of the wind and sun. The resort also harvests rainwater to use elsewhere in the property. “We are delighted to have been entrusted with the running of this stunning, environmentally-friendly resort,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East. “Best Western Premier The Haven, Ipoh, really...