SAN FRANCISCO—TerraPass, a leading carbon offset provider, has launched a new online carbon calculator. By developing a deeper understanding for carbon methodology and creating more options for calculation, now both individuals and businesses of all types and sizes can obtain a carbon footprint reading with a few simple inputs of information.“TerraPass is committed to boosting awareness around sustainability by educating people,” says Christopher Duzich, Vice President of TerraPass. “To do that, we provide easy-to-use tools that help individuals and businesses build a better future for all of us. This new calculator empowers you with both the knowledge and opportunity...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide released its 2013-2014 corporate responsibility report. The report is Hilton Worldwide’s third corporate responsibility report, and its first since returning to public markets following a record-breaking initial public offering (IPO) in December 2013. The report highlights efforts, achievements and priorities across the four focus areas of HiltonWorldwide’s corporate responsibility strategy, Travel with Purpose: creating opportunities, strengthening communities, celebrating cultures and living sustainably.“2013 was a year of tremendous progress for Hilton Worldwide,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO, HiltonWorldwide. “As we build on this momentum, we are mindful of the need to achieve this growth in...

KUNFUNADHOO ISLAND, MALDIVES—It has been announced that the 2014 Slow Life Symposium at Soneva Fushi will focus on the concept of Planetary Boundaries (as pioneered by the Stockholm Resilience Centre), exploring how we can accelerate and scale initiatives like “Natural Capital” and “Social Capital” to shape the ground rules for tomorrow’s capitalism.Now in its fifth year, the conference brings together a group of 30 eminent representatives from the global world of business, science, travel and education for a four day symposium (November 13 to 16) and promises to, once again, provide an inspiring environment for collaboration with some of...

NEW YORK—From its inaugural Women’s Ownership Works or WOW Summit at the Courtyard/Residence Inn Manhattan Central Park, Marriott International will announce plans to have 1,000 or 25 percent of its existing global hotel portfolio owned by diverse owners, including women, by 2020. The WOW Summit brings together a small group of current women hotel owners with women exploring hotel development as part of their investment approach.“We have always had a culture of inclusiveness and want everyone to be aware of the opportunity to own hotels as an investment strategy that also has community benefit,” said Julius W. Robinson, Marriott...

TOANO, VA.—Lumber Liquidators, the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in North America, has launched a new section of its website, detailing the company’s longstanding commitment to protect the environment. The original content is rooted in the company’s “Lay It Forward” business strategy, which centers on the long-term benefits of quality hardwood flooring, protecting the environment and supporting the communities it serves.“Lumber Liquidators aims to be the industry leader in sustainability because it’s good for the environment, and because it’s good for the future of our business,” said Robert M. Lynch, President and CEO. “Delivering top-quality hardwood floors for...

BRANSON, MO.—The Branson Convention Center recently launched a task force of employees to investigate how the facility could lessen its environmental impact through green initiatives. After several months of research and planning the task force has begun implementing their recommendations with a new sustainability plan.“SMG has a long history worldwide of conducting business with a focus on being environmentally friendly,” said Branson Convention Center General Manager Marc Mulherin. “When SMG transitioned into the management role with the Convention Center we knew launching this task force would be one of our first priorities.”The initiatives of the Branson Convention Center’s sustainability...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment Corp. issued its fifth annual Corporate Citizenship Report, entitled “Serious Play.” Caesars has long been committed to being a positive corporate citizen that contributes to improving the economic, social and environmental quality of life wherever it operates. Caesars’ mission—inspiring grown-ups to play responsibly—is described in its latest citizenship report, which showcases the company’s positive impacts on society and the environment in 2013 and early 2014.Caesars tracks its corporate citizenship progress in areas including Responsible Gaming, Employee Development, Environmental Stewardship and Community Investment Performance. The latest report details the company's impact in 2013 and also provides more...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—MGM Resorts International received the Alliance to Save Energy’s highest honor, the Galaxy Star of Energy Efficiency Award at a special awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.. Each year, the Star of Energy Efficiency Awards are bestowed upon individuals, organizations, companies, government programs and learning institutions that have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency both in the United States and abroad.Secretary Alexis Herman, a member of the company’s Board of Directors and the Chair of its Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the company. MGM Resorts was honored for...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—This Saturday, thousands of Vail Resorts, Inc. employees will gather to complete 13 trail, habitat or school restoration projects across the United States and in Jamaica to commemorate Vail Resorts’ newly launched EpicPromise, a new brand platform designed to engage resort guests and residents of the communities where it operates in one of the company’s core values, “Do good.”Over the last five years, Vail Resorts has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through environmental and community support, including: •    Over $7 million in contributions to more than 235 nonprofit partners annually. •    Energy reduction of 10 percent and a...

VANTAA, FINLAND—Vancouver, B.C.-based Water Wall Turbine Inc. (WWT) has selected The Switch to provide a 500 kW full-power converter for its innovative self-floating power plant. This new commercially viable system extracts potential and kinetic energy from large, fast moving water currents for conversion into electric energy.The Switch will supply its first 500 kW full-power converter in October 2014 for WWT’s prototype project, which will be used for the Dent Island Resort, near Vancouver Island off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. System testing of the integrated equipment is planned for the first quarter of 2015.The vessel will power...