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...

ORANJESTAD, ST. EUSTATIUS—The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) is preparing to host a conference from September 25 to 27, during which delegates will discuss critical issues relating to the island’s sustainability.The theme of the Statia Sustainable Conference (SSC), “Powering Sustainable Development,” is identical to the proposed theme for this year’s World Tourism Day by the World Tourism Organization. The objectives of the STDF is to gather all sustainability related sectors and link as a team to additionally educate and inform the public regarding the importance of sustainable practices. By influencing the community in the right direction of sustainability...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, August 21, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership (GPP) will host a webinar on “Sustainable Energy Use in the Hotel Industry.” The webinar will feature information about sustainability in the hotel industry, including success stories from two EPA Green Power Partners that have incorporated green power into their sustainability initiatives, as well as support available to hotels that want to go green. By addressing the environmental impacts of the sizable resources and energy needed for hotel operations, many in the hospitality industry are on the cutting...

ITHACA, N.Y.—Those attending the 2012 Cornell Hospitality Research Summit (CHRS) will be able to choose from more than 80 research-based, industry-focused presentations. Scheduled for October 8 and 9, 2012, at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, the CHRS features top-level presentations from a balanced mix of hospitality industry leaders and academic researchers. The conference’s goal is to provide fact-based, strategic information that will help the industry move forward. An overview of the CHRS schedule is available from the Center for Hospitality Research (CHR), which is producing the conference. Early registration for CHRS at a reduced rate is now open....

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—The GBTA Foundation, the education and research foundation of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), has named the five winners of the Project ICARUS Gold Medal award: IHG, Symantec Corp., Sabre Holdings, Enterprise Holdings and PwC. Gold Medals are given to travel buyers and suppliers actively integrating sustainability efforts into their travel programs.The Project ICARUS Gold Medal program recognizes organizations that are taking action in the drive for greater sustainability within the travel profession. Project ICARUS is the first global travel management sustainability body, with representatives from buyers, suppliers, academics and subject matter experts from Europe, North America,...

ATLANTA—The Ray C. Anderson Foundation announces the launch of its new website to spread the message championed by Interface, Inc. founder and sustainability icon, Ray Anderson, named by Fortune Magazine as America’s Greenest CEO.“We really wanted to honor our father’s life by re-focusing on how the Foundation can continue his legacy,” said Mary Anne Lanier, trustee and daughter of Anderson. “This launch is just the beginning for us. We already have plans in place to expand the site as an educational resource and are looking forward to issuing our first grant Request for Proposals in 2013.”Anderson was globally acclaimed...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), being held this year in Monterey, Calif., from September 17 to 19, features a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be part of sustainability leaders from around the world, including featured keynote presenters: Sydney Allicock, executive director, Surama Eco-Tourism (Guyana); Trip Van Noppen, president, Earthjustice (USA); and Amy Carter-James, co-founder, Guludo Beach Lodge and Nema Foundation (Mozambique).“By bringing together industry professionals and community stakeholders from around the world, the ESTC helps strengthen opportunities to learn from experienced ambassadors working directly with communities and conservation programs,” says Dr. Kelly Bricker, chair, The International Ecotourism Society...