PARK CITY, UTAH—The 56-suite Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City’s only 100 percent wind powered and 100 percent carbon-neutral “eco-tique” hotel, has taken an additional step towards sustainability by adding solar power to its host of green initiatives. The 18-panel system was appropriately launched on the first day of winter, the darkest day of the year, and is now generating green power for the lodging property’s spa and courtyard. Andy Beerman, Treasure Mountain Inn’s co-owner and general manager, said the solar system cost about $35,000. The inn’s owners were unable to obtain tax credits for the installation because the inn is...

ENGLEWOOD, COLO.—Building on its successful Destination Earth environmental sustainability program, Destination Hotels & Resorts has created a new platform for all group and meetings business which is built on green practices to reduce waste, conserve water, better manage energy output and more. “A ‘green’ meeting will now be standard throughout all group, meeting and conference center properties in the Destination collection,” said Mark Hickey, senior vice president of operations for the company. “Basic principles of waste reduction, water conservation, as well as sustainable food and beverage practices are among the customary meeting offerings. However, there are different shades of green...

UVITA, COSTA RICA—When a property is part of a nature preserve and adjacent to a national park, there is the expectation that special care will be taken to minimize one’s environmental impact. The operators of La Cusinga Lodge in Uvita, Costa Rica, which is located in a preserve that borders the Ballena Marine National Park, do recognize their responsibility and are setting a standard for other eco lodges around the world to follow. Up and running since 1996, it is only within the last year that La Cusinga has been connected to the grid. Even with that “advancement,” the...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Market will be emphasizing sustainability more than ever as World Market Center Las Vegas announced a major effort to forward green initiatives beginning with the 2010 Winter Las Vegas Market, February 1 to 5, 2010. The introduction of “One Good World,” a sweeping new program that already encompasses the many eco-friendly practices at World Market Center’s trade complex, will further equip retailers with the insights, information and strategies needed to respond to the rising consumer demand for sustainable furnishings—and reduce one’s own carbon footprint in the process. The effort includes a new sustainable products locator program, showcased...

SEATTLE—Bell Harbor International Conference Center has completed a one-year research study to calculate its carbon footprint, in an effort to become a more eco-friendly meeting and event destination. As a result, Bell Harbor is better prepared to work with groups to identify ways to reduce an event’s carbon footprint and ultimately lessen its impact on the environment. “As Seattle’s premier conference center, we are happy to be leading the charge in making greener meetings available to our guests,” said Greg Werry, general manager of Bell Harbor International Conference Center. “Our waterfront location on beautiful Puget Sound is a constant reminder...

DALLAS—Meeting Professionals International Foundation, in cooperation with AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions, recently announced the beginning of the Events for Communities of Sustainability (ECOS) Project, an in-depth, project-driven platform for enhancing sustainable meetings. The ECOS project, which premiered in Canada in the fall, is a framework to support sustainability in the meetings and business events industry. This one-of-a-kind project will focus on four significant areas including: food, water, shelter and education. The program also supports MPI’s commitment to the U.N. Global Compact and all eight Canadian chapters have voiced their commitment to participate in the program. “We are extremely excited at the...

GARDEN GROVE, CALIF.—Sterling Sleep Systems’ modular mattress system will be part of the winning Sustainable Suite that will be on display at Hospitality Design Expo 2010. The mattress system was included in the winning Sustainable Suite Design Competition entry by WATG, a destination design firm. WATG led the creative design and specification process, in conjunction with IDEO, an innovation and design firm which brought expertise on human-centered sustainability. The U.S. Green Building Council, in conjunction with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and NEWH, organized the Sustainable Suite Design Competition—a competition for interior designers to showcase the best hospitality...

TEMPERANCE, MICH.—MTS Seating, a leading manufacturer of hospitality stackable seating, was recognized by Consumers Energy of Michigan for its commitment to renewable energy through the Green Generation program. As one of the top 10 largest participants in the program, MTS utilizes more than a half a million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. This equals nearly 20 percent of the company’s total annual consumption. “For an operation of our size, purchasing even a small percentage of renewable energy can have a noticeable impact on our carbon footprint,” said Phil Swy, CEO of MTS. “We also recognize the importance of supporting...

HONG KONG—The InterContinental Hong Kong has launched CarbonCare Events. According to the hotel’s managing director, Jean-Jacques Reibel, the InterContinental Hong Kong is the first hotel in Hong Kong and currently all of Asia to offer CarbonCare Event solutions to its meeting and event customers, in partnership with Carbon Care Asia. Upon request, Carbon Care Asia can provide the hotel’s meeting and event clients with a variety of carbon care solutions and packages—including a simple event assessment, carbon measurement, suggestions for carbon reduction, plus options of carbon offset, along with official verification options. InterContinental Hong Kong is demonstrating its commitment...

ORLANDO—The second annual Green Lodging and Hospitality Conference, held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla., from December 9-11, featured a strong group of speakers but failed to attract the crowd one might expect from one of the largest hotel centers in the world. Attendance was 175 for the event, including approximately 50 vendors. The conference was hosted by the TREEO Center, University of Florida. Highlights of the conference included a keynote presentation by David Jerome, senior vice president for corporate responsibility, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and presentations with titles such as “Green Lodging from 10,000 feet, How...