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...

PORTLAND, ORE.—According to recent research, 67 percent of meeting and incentive professionals have taken environmental considerations into account when planning a conference or incentive program (IMEX 2007). The corporate model is fast changing to one where sustainability is no longer fringe, but mainstream. This year promises to be an unprecedented year for the global meetings industry. In response to this trend, the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) is helping to prepare meeting professionals to meet the challenges of a sustainable approach and experience how greener meetings are creating better meetings. On the heels of a successful annual...

NEW YORK, N.Y.—Organic Spa Magazine has debuted to serve the growing number of consumers committed to integrating personal wellbeing with an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Published quarterly in print by Oceans Publishing Company, LTD., Organic Spa Magazine is available year-round through a Web-based interactive digital edition. The Winter 2007 digital edition is accessible at www.organicspamagazine.com. The magazine’s editorial content leads with a cover story entitled “Green Spa Retreats,” featuring hand-picked vacation destinations in Mexico, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Italy. Another feature, “Paving the Way”, introduces readers to nine highly respected thought leaders who are driving the sustainable spa movement...

NEW YORK—Travelers in the United States will be able to enjoy Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee at all of the Holiday Inn brand’s nearly 1,000 hotels nationwide by June. The commitment by Holiday Inn, which will be the largest hotel chain to serve Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, means that at least 30 percent of the beans used to brew the more than 55,000 cups of coffee served at the hotels every day will come from farms that meet rigorous environmental and social standards. These standards include biodiversity conservation, worker protection, healthcare and education for children of farm workers. “Holiday...

GREENSBORO, N.C.—The greenest hotel in North America? If not, it is certainly among the top few. Dennis Quaintance, CEO and CDO (Chief Design Officer) of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels, developer of the 147-room Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C., has his sights set on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The property, still under construction, will use 40 percent less energy and 35 percent less water than a comparable hotel. It is expected to open in August or September. What makes the eight-story Proximity Hotel so different than a typical luxury property? The roof is a good place...

LONDON, ENGLAND—Recent months have given evidence of a marked increase in the world’s determination to address environmental challenges. Above all, a tipping point has been reached on climate change and in particular its impact on the environment. In response, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched an international campaign to call to dialogue the issues on climate change. The campaign will run full pages in authoritative publications including The Daily Telegraph, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal and travel trade media around the world. An online forum has been created to encourage open dialogue on the issues...

SAN JUAN, P.R.—Key players from the U.K. tourism industry had the opportunity to exchange views on climate change with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), its environmental division the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at a meeting held in London last week. The encounter, organized by the Caribbean Council for CHA and CTO, enabled representatives from tour operators, airlines, travel associations and government officials to exchange views on how best the industry in the Caribbean might develop a carbon-neutral approach. CAST Director Deirdre Shurland set the stage by tabling two fundamental...

DALLAS—In January, when Pineapple Hospitality and Lodging Hospitality revved up their planning for their first Green Hospitality Conference, they expected about 75 people to register. On Wednesday, March 14, however, about 175 people attended—many signing up the day of the event. That surprise surge in attendees proved that owners and operators are hungry to learn about environmental trends and how to operate more profitably while conserving natural resources. “We were extremely pleased with the attendance,” says Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality, Saint Charles, Mo. “The number of hotel companies represented was impressive and we appreciated the support...

SAN FRANCISCO—The Serrano Hotel in San Francisco’s theater district has partnered with two unique Bay Area green businesses—3 Phases Energy and DriveNeutral—to offset its output of carbon dioxide and support renewable energy efforts. “We are totally committed to making effective changes in our environmental and socially responsible practices, without compromising the quality, service or integrity of the experience we provide our guests,” says Michael Pace, general manager at the Serrano Hotel, one of 41 Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants throughout the country. “Renewable energy and offsetting our CO2 output are two effective ways for our hotel to make a...