SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—Sustainability will have a prominent place on the agenda at the Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) World Education Congress, to be held July 11 to 14 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. Eight educational sessions will touch on topics such as corporate social responsibility and green meetings, and attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a community service project. MPI has incorporated the principles of the first sustainable event standard, British Standard 8901, into the Salt Lake City event. This includes planning for the event, on-site implementation of the event, and a...

COOPERSBURG, PA.—Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., and Exceptional Innovation have announced a partnership that combines Lutron technology with interface and integration software created by Exceptional Innovation. This new solution merges all guestroom technology into one integrated system, offering hotel guests pushbutton control of lighting, window treatments, HVAC, and more through a personalized interface. The Lutron Hospitality Solution also directly connects guests to every service and profit center in the hotel, so they can instantly make restaurant reservations, book spa appointments, contact the concierge, even reserve tee times—all through the same intuitive interface. Plus, the solution brings guests the latest information regarding...

WASHINGON, D.C.—World Energy Solutions, Inc., an operator of online exchanges for energy and green commodities, announced that Great Addresses, a leading independent hotel management company in Washington, D.C., has successfully greened the energy portfolios of its flagship properties through transactions on the World Energy Exchange and World Green Exchange. Great Addresses worked with World Energy to first secure a 36-month electricity contract, with 10 percent green power, for its premiere D.C. lodgings, The Carlyle Suites Hotel and The Savoy Suites Hotel. Then, spurred by the savings from that transaction, Great Addresses invested in a three-year strip of Renewable Energy...

ATLANTA—When NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas opens in late July 2009, it will run on 100 percent renewable energy. The loft-style boutique hotel brand has signed an agreement with TXU Energy to become the supplier’s first hotel customer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to purchase 100 percent Renewable Energy Certificate-based electricity. “This is a huge initiative as we look to become an even more eco-friendly brand,” said Patrick O’Neil, executive vice president of operations for NYLO Hotels, which already incorporates renewable energy in all of its other locations. “TXU Energy is our neighbor in Las Colinas, and we are proud to work...

SAN FRANCISCO—Kimpton Restaurants, a collection of 45 chef-driven restaurants in the United States and Canada, and a recognized environmental pioneer, announces three new sustainable initiatives. As the latest addition to Kimpton’s EarthCare program, guests can enjoy in-house purified still and sparkling water, increased eco-friendly wine selections, and sustainable seafood dishes at restaurants in 21 cities. Thirty percent of wine lists will feature eco-friendly selections by January 2010, including organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines from small and large producers. Only sustainable seafood selections will be offered at restaurants, in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program (currently in place). In-house...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—Continuing a long-term commitment to sustainable and innovative business practices, Oakland-based Numi Organic Tea announced its latest initiative toward minimizing impact: a partnership with Big Tree Climate Fund on a twofold offsetting program, including the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and carbon offsets. From its inception 10 years ago, Numi Organic Tea has committed to operating a sustainable business through ethical sourcing, ecological packaging and core values focused on protecting the health of people and the planet. “We are excited today to continue to raise the bar for corporate environmental practices by launching this exciting new initiative,” said Ahmed...

HIDDEN VALLEY, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA—The Solar Eco Cabins and Interpretive Centre at Hidden Valley Cabins are an inspiration for the tourist industry and the community to follow, Stephen Pahl, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, said recently. “Hidden Valley Cabins is Australia’s first fully carbon neutral resort and tour business, and they have recently achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification,” he added. “The official opening of the Solar Eco Cabins on April 4 is the culmination of the McLennan family’s commitment to environmental improvement over more than 20 years and they have achieved a model that should inspire the rest of the tourist industry...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics has introduced its newest FRESH innovation, LIVING FRESH with Tencel+Plus. Tencel+Plus is the only Eucalyptus fiber engineered for hospitality. LIVING FRESH with Tencel+Plus includes a Eucalyptus fiber and cotton blend. Valley Forge quietly introduced LIVING FRESH to the largest hotel brands earlier this year. There are currently five major hotel companies with LIVING FRESH in their product testing phase and each company is rushing to be the first to market with the new product. “Another phenomenal aspect of LIVING FRESH with Tencel+Plus is the incredibly soft hand and the fact that no fabric softener is...

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—NYLO Providence/Warwick has received Green Hospitality Certification from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). In a ceremony before Rhode Island’s hospitality industry elite, the 163-room, urban loft hotel was honored for its outstanding conservation and recycling programs. NYLO Providence/Warwick is the state’s first hotel to run on 100 percent renewable energy. Through a partnership with People’s Power & Light, the property offsets its entire electricity usage with a mix of local and regional solar, wind, biomass and hydroelectric power sources. “Despite New England’s high energy costs, NYLO is deeply committed to sustainability,” says Christine Nevers, general manager,...

ST. LOUIS, MO.—The board of directors of the International Association of Conference Centers introduced a rigorous Code of Sustainability at the 28th annual conference in March to encourage member properties around the globe to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices in nine areas: education and awareness, waste management, recycling, reuse, water conservation, purchasing, energy management, air quality, and food & beverage. According to Lois Berg, chair of IACC’s Sustainability Committee (director of administrative services at The Johnson Foundation, Inc. – at Wingspread Conference Center), the Code will “allow member properties to commit to sustain and support IACC’s Environmental Policy, adhere...