KENNESAW, GA.—In a significant step to reduce the carpet industry’s environmental footprint, The Mohawk Group introduces Encycle, a patent-pending, PVC-free (polyvinyl chloride) modular carpet backing system. A model of sustainable design, Encycle is the only carpet tile designed with three thermoplastic layers and zero water-based components, enabling complete recyclability back into itself without separation. The innovative new backing system also incorporates 35 percent pre-consumer recycled content by total product weight and utilizes 28 percent less virgin raw materials. “The Mohawk Group’s investment in the development of revolutionary products like Encycle underscores our commitment to sustaining a healthy...

LONDON—In line with most expert predictions, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research suggests that global travel and tourism will continue to grow at a steady annual rate of 4.2 per cent over the next 10 years. “Against such an optimistic background, the travel and tourism sector faces new and immediate challenges,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC president, at the official opening of a major trade fair in Portugal. “It is time to ask ourselves whether the industry is ready to manage this growth. Are the conditions in place for this growth to generate wide prosperity, or will opportunities...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Vail Resorts Inc. is among the Environmental Protection Agency’s top 25 green power purchasers. The company ranks ninth. Organizations that purchase electricity generated from clean, renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro make up the quarterly list. “These organizations are demonstrating that environmental stewardship and profitable business operations can go hand in hand,” says Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Purchasing green power is good for the environment and supports our nation’s efforts to increase the diversity in our energy supplies with alternative and renewable energy...

Next Sunday, hundreds of millions of people will gather in homes, restaurants and bars to watch the Super Bowl. As a Cleveland Browns fan (egads, it hurts to say that these days), I have little interest in the outcome, although I do admit it would be nice for Peyton Manning to finally win it all. I say that at the risk of forever alienating any Chicago Bears fan who happens to be reading this column. Here is one thing you probably did not know about the big game: The National Football League (NFL) will be planting trees and buying...

ARUBA—American Express has reiterated its unvarying support of the Caribbean hospitality industry through an ongoing calendar of programs and initiatives during 2007. “A strategic partnership is, by definition, mutually beneficial,” says Dianelys Rodríguez, vice president of destination business development, American Express Travel Related Services, at a press conference of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) during Caribbean Marketplace 2007. “We’re here to underscore that notion with action.” Caribbean Marketplace, presented by CHA with support from American Express, is the single most important tourism marketing event of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry. It marks the start of the...

ARLINGTON, VA.—Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings Inc. and a supplier of renewable electricity, announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply wind power to the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The six-month contract calls for Pepco Energy Services to supply the 332-room Willard InterContinental with nearly 2 million kilowatt hours of electricity generated from renewable resources per year. Facilitated by The Loyalton Group, an energy risk management firm in Washington, D.C., the contract stipulates that 10 percent of the energy will come from wind farms. “We at the Willard InterContinental...

LONDON—The tourism industry could do more to help protect the marine and coastal ecosystems on which it relies, according to the January edition of greenhotelier. Exploring the value of natural assets such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, whales, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, reef fish and other marine organisms, the magazine examines how tourism contributes to the degradation of marine and coastal environments and how its members can help redress the balance. The article, “Protecting Our Coastal and Marine Environments” looks at the vulnerability of our coastal and marine ecosystems to threats such as climate change and tourism-related development....

MILL VALLEY, CALIF.—Opening in June 2007 in Napa Valley, Solage Calistoga will prove that pampering guests and sustainability can go hand in hand. The first property from Auberge Resorts’ fresh new luxury brand will reflect a philosophy of eco-consciousness that focuses not only on environmental stewardship, but also personal health and wellbeing. “Solage Calistoga will give us an exciting opportunity to put our environmental beliefs into action,” says Mark Harmon, CEO and managing partner, Auberge Resorts. “We think it’s possible for a resort to operate sustainably without sacrificing style or luxury. We’re confident that our guests and staff...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Milliken Hospitality as a Green Product Directory partner. Since 1990, Milliken has reduced its environmental footprint by more than 85 percent while setting new benchmarks in green manufacturing. All of the company’s manufacturing plants have recorded zero waste to landfill since 1999. Milliken Hospitality’s numerous product lines reflect the company’s environmental concern. All Milliken Hospitality modular carpet collections are PVC-free, chlorine free, 100 percent renewable, 100 percent recyclable, meet stringent green certifications and reduce packing waste. Bio-based TractionBack adhesive-free installation improves indoor air quality by...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Mirage’s $7 billion City Center project, an 18-million-square-foot development that will encompass 76 acres of the Las Vegas Strip between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, is moving closer to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification one big bucket of dirt at a time. Construction has been underway for nine months now and foundations have been poured for each of the project’s seven towers. Set to open in late 2009, the mixed-use project will include the following: a soaring 60-story, 4,000-room hotel tower, casino and convention center; a five-star, 400-room Mandarin Oriental; 400-room Harmon...