LONDON—InterContinental Hotels Group announced that its flagship IHG Green Engage program will be rolled out across the company’s global estate of over 4,700 hotels as of January 1, 2015. IHG Green Engage is an online environmental sustainability tool, which gives hotels the ability to track how much energy, carbon and water they are using, as well as assessing how waste is managed. This allows them to see how much they are spending and saving and to feed data directly to IHG’s corporate clients as part of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.The IHG Green Engage system comprises more than...

NEW YORK—There are just two weeks until the many green activities begin at this year’s Hospitality Leadership Forum, International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS) and Boutique Design New York (BDNY). Events will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center November 8 to 11 in New York City. Recently, three NEWH Green Voice Conversations were added to the extensive schedule of sustainability-focused sessions. The Green Voice Conversations will take place as part of BDNY.The first Green Voice Conversation will take place Sunday, November 9 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The topic will be, “Where Does Your Wood...

MIAMI—On Tuesday, October 14, the Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) honored hotels and allied businesses that are leading the adoption of sustainable hospitality practices at its 2nd Annual Sustainable Hospitality Awards. Award winners were selected from nominated local hotels and businesses that are advancing sustainability practices through implementation, promotion and education of guests and employees.The GMBHA’s Sustainable Hospitality Council celebrated 21 outstanding hotel properties and businesses that are advancing the principles and practices of sustainable hospitality, resource conservation and preservation of South Florida’s unique environment.Keynote speaker, Diana C. Beltran Gonzalez, Learning & Delivery Manager, Global Learning...

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...