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...

SEATTLE—Agrilicious has launched the first-of-its-kind national go-to source for all things local food. The website helps one find, select and celebrate the benefits of locally sourced food. Agrilicious is also about expanding the family-farmer connection, bringing together individuals, farmers, restaurants, grocery delivery, meal kit services, distributors, educators and food industry experts and advocates to share ideas, connect, and make a difference.Celebrating the best of food, farms and family, Agrilicious is not just for the foodies, locavores and farmers, it is for all those working with farmers to help get local food to the community. Most of all it is...

CONCORD, N.C.—America’s largest custom coffee roaster, S&D Coffee & Tea, has released its first Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the company’s core commitments, current initiatives, and forthcoming goals. The benchmark report was released to coincide with the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Symposium and Exposition held last month in Seattle.“S&D has, from its inception, placed a high value on efficiency, accountability, and positive partnerships,” says Vice President of Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives Tracy Ging. “We have now spelled out a specific, three-year strategy of intentional efforts to increase our contributions to sustainability, and we’re looking forward to...

NORTH SHORE, OAHU, HAWAII—Officials of Turtle Bay Resort are pleased that a conservation easement to preserve in perpetuity 665.8 acres of scenic open space on the North Shore, including Kawela Bay, has been secured with the State of Hawaii. This landmark agreement, which covers nearly 79 percent of the open space land owned by Turtle Bay Resort, was announced by Governor Neil Abercrombie at the Hawaii State Capitol.Added together with the 469 acres of open space land that Turtle Bay Resort and is protecting with a separate conservation easement, this brings the total amount of North Shore open space...

MADISON, WIS.—In spring 1994, John and Cathie Imes took the first step towards developing a pioneering bed-and-breakfast concept—an urban environmental inn. They purchased the Plough Inn, a former stagecoach tavern in the early days of Wisconsin’s statehood that had been a private residence for many years, before it was developed into an inn. The couple immediately set out to improve operations while showcasing an environmentally friendly approach. Twenty years later, their mission of providing the art of hospitality while serving as a model for sustainable business remains intact.“We are fortunate to have a business where working together as a...

BOULDER, COLO.—Renewable Choice Energy announced that it has joined Green-e Climate, and can now provide certified carbon offsets to green building projects under the new U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED v4 guidelines. The LEED v4 guidelines, which were released in November of 2013, provide universal criteria for green building performance, including new market sectors, new environmental impact categories, and clearer guidance to aid in the global adoption of green building practices.Under the LEED v4 Energy and Atmosphere Credit, certified buildings may receive points for use of green power and carbon offsets. The v4 guidelines require a longer-term commitment...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of its efforts to support sustainability practices in the foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association announced it has joined Share the Gulf, a coalition of chefs, restaurateurs, restaurant associations, seafood suppliers, fishermen, consumers and environmentalists working to protect their access to fish in the Gulf States.“The fresh, local seafood of the Gulf States is essential to the growth of the region’s economy and its varied foodservice businesses,” said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Assn. “We are committed to helping ensure this seafood is not only fished sustainably...

NEW YORK—Greenwood Energy, the North American renewable energy division of the Libra Group, announced the installation of a 500-kilowatt (kW) combined heat and power (CHP) plant at the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Lower Manhattan. This is the first CHP plant Greenwood has developed for Millennium Hotel and Resorts in New York City, and Greenwood is currently developing an additional plant at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in Times Square. These projects will represent a total installed CHP capacity of 1,250 kW when completed.The Millennium Hilton CHP plant features two highly efficient 250kW natural gas-fired cogeneration units to provide baseload electricity,...