LOS ANGELES—MindClick SGM announced that Marriott International will spend 75 percent of its 2013 furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) budget with suppliers that are part of the MindClick Hospitality Sustainability Performance Index (HSP Index). The HSP Index measures suppliers’ corporate social responsibility, environmental operations, and product sustainability efforts.Marriott is incorporating MindClick’s supplier scorecard as an integral solution in greening its global supply chain, following a year as a member of the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium. Led by MindClick, a sustainability consulting firm, Consortium members worked together to establish a supplier sustainability rating system for the hotel industry.“Utilizing the MindClick...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—The Refinishing Touch, a provider of on-site environmentally safe and sustainable furniture asset management services, has honored 29 businesses with Sustainability Awards. The awards recognize eco-conscious companies within the hospitality industry that have successfully implemented furniture asset management services to reduce their carbon footprints.To qualify for the awards, hotels and resorts must demonstrate a commitment to implementing environmentally-friendly practices, particularly furniture asset management tactics including refinishing, remanufacturing, and reupholstering that reduce their carbon footprint and minimize landfill waste. The program, spearheaded by business environmentalist and The Refinishing Touch president and CEO Mario Insenga, is also designed to inspire...

TROY, OHIO—The Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS) announced plans to award a $5,000 grant to the organization judged to have the best-executed foodservice sustainability project. Applications are currently being accepted for the sixth annual HCFS grant, and the recipient is going to be announced at the 2013 National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago.“On behalf of the HCFS, we’re very pleased to again offer a $5,000 grant to a foodservice organization that demonstrates leadership in sustainability best practices,” said Rick Cartwright, vice president, ITW Food Equipment Group and an HCFS Fellow. “We’re searching for examples of foodservice sustainability...

PORTLAND, ORE.—Global nonprofit Sustainable Travel International announced the release of a new website and brand identity in support of its 10th anniversary. The site represents a new chapter for the company, inspired by its first decade in which it helped thousands of destinations and businesses design and implement sustainability programs that contribute to localized economic development, preserve cultural-heritage, and support environmental conservation.With a decade of experience under its belt, Sustainable Travel International has refined the tools and solutions it offers to businesses and destinations; each designed to be scaled for wide-reaching impact. The organization plays an important connector role,...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Worldwide announced a 5 percent reduction in its carbon footprint over 2010 based on energy per square foot, as it releases its second annual Sustainability Report.“We view sustainability as part of our culture, and a fundamental part of how we responsibly do business in communities around the world,” says Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO, Wyndham Worldwide. “We are proud of our continued success in this area, which is the result of incredible collaboration and innovation by our associates together with our franchisees, suppliers, and business and community partners. Their dedication and combined efforts continue to produce...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will combine the 30,000-foot view from the industry’s preeminent experts and the grassroots vision of destinations working toward sustainability during its annual meeting from September 25 to 28. The event will be held at various locations in the Washington, D.C. area. The Open Forum, to be held at the Washington Hilton on September 26, is free and open to the public. The meeting’s aim is to provide strategic and practical takeaways for anyone interested in developing sustainable tourism initiatives that protect the world’s natural and cultural resources.The Open Forum will include a...

NATIONAL REPORT—The NEWH Sustainable Hospitality Committee announced its Green Voice Webinar Series for September 26 & 27. On September 26 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. the topic will be, “Meta-Trends in Sustainability—Shaping Our Future.” On September 27 the topics will include: “Water: Beyond High Efficiency Fixtures,” 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; “2030 Challenge for Products,” 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and “Implementing Change,” 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.“We are excited to offer our first of many Sustainable Webinars that are both a cost- and time-effective way to learn about the future of sustainability,” says Dina Belon, NEWH vice-president...

AVALON, N.J.—Anyone walking by the Concord Suites at street level would have no idea there is a 434-panel, 104 kW solar system on the property’s rooftop. The panels lie flat on the roof to take full advantage of the sun that shines down on the 90-suite hotel in Avalon, N.J. Since the $500,000 system was turned on late last December, it has performed great and with no problems, says Susan Cawley, general manager. In fact, from its turn-on date through June 30 of this year, the system generated all of the electricity the hotel needed. The expectation is that...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. recently released its second full comprehensive Sustainability Report, using guidelines set forth by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In it, Marriott announced $2.5 million invested in its environmental portfolio over the past three years, and significant contributions to workforce development for disadvantaged youth around the world to help them gain skills and jobs. Through a global portfolio of partnerships called “World of Opportunity,” Marriott has been a catalyst for addressing rising youth unemployment with programs such as the Youth Career Initiative (YCI) in nine countries, SOS Children’s Villages and The Prince’s Trust in 24 European...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—In taking responsibility for the local community and environment, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton is embracing the spirit of sustainable development by initiating and supporting specially selected projects.In line with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s newly launched “Think Planet” campaign—the international hotel group’s ambitious energy saving program which aims to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent over the next five years—the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton hotel in Johannesburg has dedicated itself to making a difference by changing all light bulbs within the hotel as well as actively participating in Earth Hour initiatives.This simple strategy has already resulted in...