Not enough companies and suppliers use video to highlight their programs and products. It is a missed opportunity. E-mails that include videos that have been sent out by Green Lodging News have consistently been opened and clicked through more than those without videos. Getting a message across that you want folks to remember is so much easier using video. In case you missed it, prior to the holidays, Hilton released the latest installment of its new “Extending Our Stay” video docuseries, which is focused on sustainable travel and creating meaningful change in the world as part of the company’s “Travel with Purpose”...

ATLANTA—ASHRAE’s new global headquarters will operate at net-zero-energy (NZE) performance following the recent installation of a large photovoltaic (PV) system. “Completing the installation of our PV system marks a tangible milestone for ASHRAE that will demonstrate to others how to successfully move on the path to NZE status,” said 2021-22 ASHRAE President Mick Schwedler, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “This project is special because it’s a testament to ASHRAE’s leadership and commitment to sustainability and showcases innovative built environment technology. We are extremely proud of this important accomplishment.” In January 2020, ASHRAE began a $20 million renovation project on its new global headquarters building,...

A Sustainable Tourism Destination Management certificate is being designed and produced by Cornell STAMP with eCornell to be distributed worldwide, via cooperation with the Travel Foundation and the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and with support from the German Corporation for International Cooperation. Lead instructors are Megan Epler Wood and Dr. Mark Milstein, who will be joined by a wide range of experts from leading institutions and destinations worldwide with illustrative case materials. The certificate will be offered through an 8-module online learning program with 40 hours of video and additional resource materials. The program will challenge professionals and students to advance their skills to document social and environmental...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Furniture retailers and manufacturers have responded more than ever to guidance that helps protect forests and contribute to sustainable use of wood and other materials, according to a new report. The 2021 Wood Furniture Scorecard, from the National Wildlife Federation and Sustainable Furnishings Council, assessed 118 furniture retailers on their wood sourcing policies. “We’re witnessing an industrywide shift toward sustainability, which is noticeable not only through the growing number of companies voluntarily getting involved in this process, but also by the increasing scores of the companies that have been scored in previous years,” said Barbara Bramble, Vice President of International Wildlife Conservation and...

ENGLEWOOD, COLO.—Bona US, a global, sustainably-driven company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining, and restoring premium floors, has announced that it purchased 35 acres in Monroe, N.C., where it will add on to its existing facility. The new, 280,000-square-foot building officially broke ground recently at an event hosted at the facility. Bona expects the building to be completed in late summer 2022. “As our business continues to grow, investing in our current factory site aligns with our core commitment for a sustainable future,” said Phil Nicolette, Senior Director of Operations and Supply Chain, Site Manager - Monroe, Bona. “By...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa, and Turkey is expanding its footprint in Eastern Africa with the opening of the first Mantis property in Kenya. The Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge is set to become a highlight property for the brand and the group, offering direct access to the Mara-Seregenti game reserve: the ideal location for unique safari experiences. Mantis was founded in 2000 by global entrepreneur and conservationist Adrian Gardiner and features a diverse collection of extraordinary destinations around the globe. Since joining forces in 2018, Accor and Mantis have worked together...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and vital resources, has again been recognized for its corporate sustainability leadership by global environmental non-profit CDP, earning inclusion on CDP’s prestigious A List for tackling water security. This is the third consecutive year Ecolab has been recognized on the Water A List. Ecolab also earned an A- ranking on CDP’s climate list. “Proactive water management and stewardship are critical to addressing our world’s environmental challenges. Our inclusion on CDP’s water security A List reflects the work we do every day...

EMERYVILLE, CALIF.—SCS Global Services announced it has achieved “Best Verification Company” in Environmental Finance’s 2021 Annual Market Rankings, a peer-voted market survey. This award signifies the company’s dedication to rigorous validation and verification of offset projects, so that its clients can deliver high-quality verified carbon credits to the global markets. “SCS Global Services is honored to receive this recognition again,” said Christie Pollet-Young, Director of Greenhouse Gas Verification at SCS Global Services. “It is independent confirmation of our efforts to ensure the legitimacy of carbon offset credits through indepth validation and verification, in accordance with internationally recognized standards.” Environmental Finance surveys the...

BANGKOK—To reinterpret the regal ambiance of a bygone era dating back 700 years, 14th-century Six Senses Fort Barwara has been sensitively transformed into a 48-suite resort, including five specialty suites, in a conservation effort that has taken more than a decade to complete. It offers a resting point during a busy touring itinerary of Rajasthan. It is within easy striking distance of Ranthambore National Park for guests looking to take a walk on the wild side with the local tiger population. Reinterpreting Royal India Originally owned by a Rajasthani Royal Family, Six Senses Fort Barwara incorporates two original palaces and two temples...

SINGAPORE—A new methodology to guide hotels on how to set a net zero pathway has been released by a group of global hospitality, travel, and tourism sector organizations. The Net Zero Methodology for Hotels provides detailed guidance on how hotels can approach the technical aspects of net zero, such as what should be included in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, milestones to be reached by target years such as 2025, 2030 and 2040, and how to approach decarbonization through renewable energy. The methodology also provides guidance on alignment with frameworks such as the Science Based Targets Initiative, Race to...