LAS VEGAS—Like a professor teaching his students, Kip Richardson taught a little bit of Sustainability 101 during “Beyond Green: ‘The Talk,’” at the HD 2007 Expo and Conference. A packed room of attendees listened to Richardson, director of business development for Portland, Ore.-based Ankrom Moisan Architects. What is sustainability? Richardson said it is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” “Sustainability touches everybody,” Richardson added. “This is not a political issue. It is a human issue. Almost every hotel brand is talking about it,...

DANVERS, MASS.— Osram Sylvania announced the company’s Global Care sustainability initiative. The program represents the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. “Global Care will drive positive results to the triple bottom line addressing social, economic and environmental needs,” says Charlie Jerabek, Osram Sylvania president and CEO. “This initiative represents our dedication to meeting customers’ lighting needs with a sustainable approach to product design, development, manufacturing and distribution.” Global Care is the latest milestone in Osram Sylvania’s long history of environmental achievement. A five-time Energy Star Award winner, the company recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its...

PHOENIX, ARIZ.—Aramark Parks & Resorts, a division of Aramark Harrison Lodging, announced that it has offset 100 percent of its traditional energy consumption with alternative energy solutions at its national and state park managed properties—selecting Earth Day 2007 to commemorate its first year of sustainable energy use. “Aramark Parks has continually developed cutting edge environmental and greening initiatives,” says Bruce Fears, president of Aramark Harrison Lodging. “Since protecting and preserving the environment is a personal passion of mine, it has been extremely rewarding to have participated in developing such innovative Aramark programs including PlanetEVERgreen, Green Suites EcoRooms; Sustainable...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper, which has long taken a proactive stance on the environment, will represent the premium paper industry on a panel on sustainability at The CRO Conference on May 10 in New York City. Neenah’s Trip Jobe and Interface Group’s Neel Bradham will face off with sustainability advocates on ways corporations can engage in a higher level of sustainable practices. “Neenah Paper is delighted to represent the premium paper industry and to be a gold sponsor of The CRO’s Sustainability Conference,” says Trip Jobe, the company’s director of marketing. “Neenah’s customer base gives us unique views on...

BOULDER, COLO., NEW YORK—The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the largest global luxury hotel brand, announced the launch of the Leading Green Initiative. This innovative program will enable and encourage guests to make a conscious decision toward greener travel by actively supporting Sustainable Travel International (STI), a leading nonprofit organization focused on responsible tourism. The Leading Green Initiative is a carbon neutral program whereby The Leading Hotels of the World will directly absorb the cost to offset guests’ energy consumption for stays at any of its 440 hotels worldwide. “We are extremely proud to be the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Six prominent spas are forming a network dedicated to bringing environmentally sustainable operating practices to the burgeoning spa industry. The Green Spa Network (GSN) seeks to help spas and spa professionals reap the financial and social benefits from implementing environmentally friendly business practices. The intention of the organization is to synergize greening efforts among network members as a way to support spas in reducing their ecological impact, while improving energy efficiencies and reducing operational costs. With nearly 14,000 facilities generating $9.7 billion in annual revenues, spas are a leading leisure industry and naturally suited to be at...

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA.—The Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort, a Stone Mountain hotel surrounded in natural wooded beauty and lush greenery, has received designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS). As the only hotel in America certified under Audubon International’s Business Program, the Georgia resort joins a renowned, worldwide environmental initiative by eco-aware businesses and Audubon International. “The Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Business and Corporate Properties gives people an opportunity to do something good for the environment where they live, work and recreate,” says Shawn Williams, staff ecologist for Audubon International. “The system...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc. has published its 2006 Sustainability Report, which details the corporation’s efforts in the areas of economic progress, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It provides data on related activities for 2006. “Sustainability at Ecolab is much more than just a green product line,” says Bruce Cords, vice president of Environment, Food Safety and Public Health. “Sustainability is something we work to integrate into all that we do as part of our business development and daily practice.” Highlights of the report include: Continued advancements in research and development. From solid formulations to innovative packaging...

TORONTO—As an environmental ambassador and industry pioneer in responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced it has launched the third edition of its acclaimed Green Partnership Guide, a comprehensive how-to text for companies looking to “green” their operations. The ultimate source for companies looking to introduce or expand their green policies, the latest edition of Fairmont’s authoritative manual once again opens the vault on the brand’s environmental best practices. Forwarded by world-renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, the Green Partnership Guide focuses on key areas such as energy management, water conservation, and innovative community...

LAGRANGE, GA.—Milliken Contract invites customers to renew the Earth by planting a tree in recognition of Earth Day 2007 at www.milliken.com/treesforall. “We hope that everyone is observing Earth Day by reducing waste, increasing recycling efforts and enjoying nature,” says Bill Gregory, Director of Sustainable Initiatives for Milliken Floor Covering. “Trees for All reminds us to live sustainably.” During Earth Day week, Milliken will present its first Chain of Green award encouraging sustainability throughout the supply chain. Milliken Contract is planting a tree to commemorate Citi’s commitment to sustainable choices at the opening of Citi’s Elk Grove, Illinois...