SAN FRANCISCO—Verdafero Inc., a SaaS (Sustainability-as-a-Service) software and services provider, announced a partnering agreement with Hotel Sustainability Solutions, Inc. (HSSI).“This is a very exciting partnership for Verdafero,” said Dr. Alastair Hood, CEO of Verdafero. “With the skills and knowledge that HSSI brings in sustainability across many industries we feel that the combination of HSSI and Verdafero’s skill set and online tools will help HSSI customers gain great insight and information on their utility reduction efforts across all their properties and locations. We are very pleased to be working with HSSI.”Created by Verdafero from direct industry feedback, MyVerdafero—Utility Optimization Software...

SAN DIEGO—Courtyard by Marriott and MindClick Global, a leader in supply chain sustainability performance and sourcing solutions, announced the launch of the Rest Better sustainability program, a MindClick initiative to educate travelers on the environmental impact of implementing green hotel purchasing practices.“As a Marriott International brand, Courtyard places a high precedent on sustainability,” said Mari Snyder, Vice President Social Responsibility & Community Engagement. “Partnering with MindClick Global to launch the Rest Better program at our renovated hotel in Rancho Bernardo goes hand-in-hand with Marriott’s ‘Spirit to Preserve’ philosophy and demonstrates the ways we are taking better care of our...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide unveiled its annual Corporate Responsibility Report, noting that it has met another companywide sustainability goal ahead of schedule as well as made progress against the company’s full range of sustainability and responsibility commitments.Through continuous improvement and corrective action among its more than 4,000 hotels, Hilton Worldwide achieved its five-year goal to reduce water consumption by 10 percent and waste output by 20 percent in 2012, one and two years ahead of schedule respectively and continues its progress toward its goal to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent by the end of 2013. Since...

TORONTO—Sustainable Travel International has announced the launch of its Canada operations, in an effort to enhance the organization’s mission to collaborate with destinations, businesses and travelers to implement innovative sustainable tourism development and conservation solutions that protect the environment, support adaptation to climate change, maintain sense of place, and generate economic benefits.The new Canada office and nonprofit subsidiary boasts a high profile Canadian Board of Directors made up of leaders in the travel sector, and is a fully integrated extension of the organization’s international operations, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The new office increases the non-governmental organization’s reach...

NATIONAL REPORT—Getting guests to forego linen laundering is one way to reduce linen-related costs and their associated environmental footprint. Another way is to choose linen that is inherently environmentally advantageous—in other words, its reduced footprint is built into its very fibers. Still another way is to choose a supplier that not only is concerned about the product itself but also the supply chain behind it, how it is made, and what happens to it at the end of its life.When considering environmental impact, there is no perfect sheet or pillow case. Cotton, unless it is certified organic, requires a...

TORONTO—Canadian Linen and Uniform Service, a leading supplier of linen and uniform rental services in North America, announced the launch of a pilot program that will test three new types of alternative fuel vehicles in an effort to positively impact the environment and assess the impact on the company’s overall operations. Compressed natural gas (CNG), propane and plug-in electric vehicles will be tested this fall and throughout the upcoming year.“We have one of the largest fleets in the industry, so we have the capacity to put some resources towards reducing emissions while exploring the impact on fuel costs,” said...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Preserve as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Made with recycled yogurt cups, Preserve’s toothbrushes and razors are a colorful, eco-friendly choice for guests. All of the company’s products are made in the United States from 100 percent recycled plastic, and recyclable through municipal recycling where #5 plastic is accepted or through Preserve’s Gimme 5 retail-based and mail-in recycling program. Learn more by going to www.preserveproducts.com, or contacting sales@preserveproducts.com or (781) 893-2204, ext. 109.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Restaurant Assn. announced the release of its first-ever sustainability report, which looks at environmentally stable trends and initiatives within the restaurant industry, such as food waste reduction, composting, recycling and cost-efficient energy solutions.“Sustainability and waste reduction are increasingly important issues across the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs, National Restaurant Association. “We have seen incorporation of eco-friendly business practices from large chains to independent operators, as well as manufacturers and other supply chain partners. The National Restaurant Association is working to ensure operators have access to the education,...

CHICAGO—Kendall College School of Hospitality Management, ranked the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for hospitality careers, has released its first-ever trends outlook for the hospitality industry in 2014. 1. Global Going Strong: International Knowledge in Demand According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel and tourism industry is currently among the largest and fastest-growing industries worldwide, forecasted to support 328 million jobs, or 10 percent of the workforce, by 2022. A top 10 industry in the United States, travel and tourism provides one out of eight jobs, with that number increasing at an exponential rate, adding...

ORANJESTAD, ST. EUSTATIUS—The head of the Caribbean region’s tourism development agency has called for legislation to regulate the disposal of waste in Caribbean waters. Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 2nd Sustainable Conference in St. Eustatius last month, Hugh Riley, the secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), said the Caribbean had a responsibility to protect and preserve its water resources.The two day conference, organized by the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation with support from the CTO, had as its theme, “Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future.”Reflecting on the theme, Riley reminded delegates, including...