HOUSTON—Waste Management released its 2018 Sustainability Report. Titled “Change for the Better,” the report highlights progress toward reducing Waste Management’s (WM) greenhouse gas footprint, recycling viability, technology utilization and helping employees, customers and communities to be safe, resilient and sustainable. “The world is changing more rapidly than ever,” said Jim Fish, President and CEO of Waste Management. “To sustain and succeed in the face of this change requires agility, adaptability and, above all, a resilient spirit. We see these qualities tested and proven countless times each day by our employees who manage the environmental needs of our customers. This year’s...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources, has signed an agreement to support Clearway Energy Group’s 419-megawatt (MW) wind farm, Mesquite Star, in Fisher County, Texas. Construction of the Mesquite Star wind farm is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2019. Through a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA)—Ecolab’s first—the company will support construction of 100 MW of new renewable electricity capacity within the Mesquite Star wind farm. The renewable electricity generated under Ecolab’s 100 MW VPPA is expected to cover 100 percent of the...

PARIS—Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, a leading brand within the AccorHotels Group, announces the release of its 2018 Sustainability Report Update, “Made with Sustainability in Mind”. This report covers the brand’s strategies and actions to continuously improve its sustainability performance throughout the years of 2015, 2016, and 2017. Previous Sustainability Reports were issued in 2012 and 2015. The 2018 Sustainability Update provides insight as to how Swissôtel tackles areas which are most important to its internal and external stakeholders based on materiality assessments conducted by the brand’s sustainability management team and third-party experts. The report includes updated performance data, recent case...

CHICAGO—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched LEED Zero, a new program that will address net zero operations and resources in buildings. “Net zero is a powerful target that will move the entire industry forward,” said Melissa Baker, Senior Vice President of Technical Core at USGBC. “For years, LEED projects around the world have aspired to net zero milestones. We are recognizing the leadership of these projects—and formalizing our commitment to focusing on carbon and net zero across the entire LEED community. These new certification programs will encourage a holistic approach for buildings and places to contribute to a regenerative...

BURBANK, CALIF.—The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continued its more than 20-year commitment to conservation last month by awarding more than $5 million in grants to support 76 organizations working to protect the magic of nature around the world. The fund also recognized 13 people across the globe with the Disney Conservation Hero award, for their tireless efforts to save wildlife, protect habitats and inspire communities to take part in conservation efforts. “The Walt Disney Company has a rich history of respecting, protecting and preserving our natural resources and wildlife; as such, we are proud to award these latest grants to people and...

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA—Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu has launched new immersive guest experiences within its 64-acre Rasa Ria Reserve to showcase the unique Borneo rainforest, home to numerous plants and animals found only on the island. Located in the 130-million-year-old jungles of Malaysian Borneo, the Rasa Ria Reserve’s enhancements focus on local nature conservation and education through scenic walking trails, hiking to the Ria Lookout, a Discovery Centre, Canopy Walkway, Waterfall Garden Area, and an Adventure Point with a climbing wall and playground. Through these new facilities and programs, guests can explore some of the world’s...

ATLANTIC BEACH, FLA.—The Global Ecolabelling Network, in cooperation with the German Blue Angel and the German Environment Agency, hosted an educational and inspirational event in Berlin in late October to highlight the success of ecolabelling around the globe, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Blue Angel and the first annual World Ecolabel Day. Gathered at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, members of the Global Ecolabelling Network and guests saw presentations on sustainable raw materials and human rights due diligence in product supply chains given by the German Environment Agency and Oeko-Institute. A...

ATLANTA—Attaining environmental benefits and lower cost of ownership are driving more commercial fleets to electrify, according to a UPS and GreenBiz study released last month. In the “Curve Ahead: The Future of Fleet Electrification” report, industry leaders identify the main motivations and barriers to electrification, as well as strategies to move the commercial electric vehicle market from niche to mainstream. The top motivation to go electric for 83 percent of large businesses surveyed is sustainability and environmental goals. A lower total cost of ownership—factoring in both direct and indirect costs and savings over the life of the vehicle—is the second biggest driver, cited by 64...

MALDIVES—The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has opened and features 70 villas and suites, 41 on island and 29 over water. Each villa is shaped with an eco-friendly double roofing to create ideal natural ventilation. Outdoor rainforest showers are a distinctive feature. Poised over the sea on stilts and with an area of almost 200 square meters each, the overwater suites are among the largest a resort has to offer in the Baa Atoll region. Developed by Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan and Asia Capital PLC, Sri Lanka, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort heralds the Westin brand’s wellness positioning in the Maldivian...

NEW YORK—Hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group announced plans to launch Your Nature, an Unscripted Eco Resort by Dream Hotel Group, in Antoing, Belgium in 2020. Your Nature is a Belgian eco-friendly resort located on the French border in a 700-acre forest belonging to the Princes de Ligne. This latest hotel signing represents a major milestone for Dream Hotel Group as it continues to grow its portfolio of lifestyle brands in Europe. Set to open in 2020, Your Nature, an Unscripted Eco Resort by Dream Hotel Group, is a one-of-a-kind leisure destination designed with sustainability and conservation in...