With its LEED Green Building Program, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has certainly changed the way developers and architects approach hotel design and operations. Walking its talk, USGBC has made its new headquarters in Washington, D.C. a standing example of what to strive for. In fact, USGBC just announced that its headquarters has been awarded a prestigious triple Platinum certification in LEED, TRUE, and WELL. This trio of certifications reflects USGBC’s commitment to healthy, productive, sustainable, and responsible work environments. The headquarters, which also houses Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), reflects the changing office landscape, with a clear emphasis on decarbonization, indoor environmental...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, Hilton’s Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Global Head of Sustainability, Jean Garris Hand, testified on behalf of Hilton and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion. The hearing, titled “Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy,” explored how to build a sustainable travel and tourism sector while balancing the needs of businesses, visitors, and local communities. Garris Hand’s written and spoken testimony highlighted how AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative is rallying the hospitality industry behind efforts that are promoting energy efficiency, reducing waste, conserving water, and sourcing responsibly at...

BETHESDA, MD.—The Ritz-Carlton announced a new Ritz Kids program, designed to engage young guests with immersive and unforgettable travel experiences across all of its 15 hotels in Greater China. In key cities from Beijing to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sanya and Hong Kong, Leo the Lion, the program’s newest mascot, will engage with kids on bespoke activities and adventures around the hotels as they learn about local art, culture, cuisine, and nature. Kids will also receive a take-home Leo the Lion plush toy as a keepsake of their stay. As part of the newly evolved program, the highly popular Ritz Kids Night Safari also...

HORSHAM, PA.—The Business Intelligence Group named Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, a finalist in its 2023 Sustainability Awards program. The Sustainability Awards honor those who have made sustainability an integral part of their business practice. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Sofidel,” said Fabio Vitali, VP of Marketing, Sofidel America. “We’re proud to be recognized by the Business Intelligence Group for our efforts in helping to create a sustainable, resilient and fair future for all.” In 2022, 85 percent of Sofidel’s products were eco-labeled, and the incidence of plastic was reduced 38.2 percent compared to 2013. The company’s carbon...

The hospitality industry has experienced a significant transformation with the rise of social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have revolutionized how businesses connect with consumers. Simultaneously, sustainability has emerged as a crucial aspect of the hospitality sector, driven by increasing environmental concerns and consumer demands. In this context, harnessing social media trends can drive innovative approaches for sustainable hospitality. This article explores the impact of social media on the industry, the importance of sustainability, case studies highlighting innovative approaches, strategies for leveraging social media trends, and the challenges and potential pitfalls involved. Understanding Social Media Trends Social media trends...

LONDON—1 Hotels, the nature-inspired mission-driven hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Mayfair, its U.K. flagship and first European destination, developed in collaboration with Crosstree Real Estate Partners. Located on a fashionable corner of historic Mayfair overlooking the mature trees of Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair brings the beauty of nature to central London through vertical landscapes, sustainable design, farm-to-table food, and nature-inspired immersive experiences. The hotel’s proximity to prestigious galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and chic shopping on Bond Street, Mount Street, and Regent Street, plus important landmarks like the Royal Academy of Arts...

BATTLE CREEK, MICH.—FireKeepers Casino Hotel announces its pledge to sustainable business practices by joining the Renewable Energy Program offered by Consumers Energy. Through its enrollment in the program, FireKeepers Casino Hotel will not only source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable power sources but will also save over 273,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, reinforcing its dedication to clean and renewable energy sources for the next 20 years. In a step towards environmental responsibility, FireKeepers has committed to match its energy consumption of approximately 31,527 megawatt-hours per year with clean, renewable energy sources. This substantial effort reduces Michigan greenhouse...

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS—The St. Kitts Tourism Authority announced that St. Kitts has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Travel Weekly Magellan Gold Accolade for “Caribbean Eco-Friendly Sustainable Destination”. According to Travel Weekly, being selected a Magellan Award Winner is a tremendous achievement and proves you represent a high standard of excellence within the travel industry. Winners are chosen by the best names and most qualified judges in the industry. Entries are evaluated on a 100-point performance scale. The highest scoring entries are selected as winners of Gold Magellan Awards, the very top honor. With its commitment to sustainable living, thriving rainforests, and...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Assn. (AHLA) and IncentiFind announced a new partnership to help AHLA’s more than 30,000 members identify sustainability-related cost savings. IncentiFind, a leading green building incentive database, offers more than a half million incentives, including tax credits, grants, fee waivers, rebates, and bill credits. These lucrative credits support the implementation of green measures like energy efficiency, renewables, water conservation, and more, which are all directed at reducing bottom-line costs for hoteliers. As part of this partnership, AHLA members will receive special pricing on IncentiFind’s VERIFY Report, which identifies significant rebates and savings for asset upgrades, such...

CROSSVILLE, TENN.—The Crossville Native Metal collection, one of its new carbon-neutral porcelain tile series, has been recognized with a Planet Positive Award. The Crossville Native Metal collection was recognized as the winner in the Surfaces, Tiles, and Materials category. Recognizing the most creative projects and products from around the world that benefit people and planet, Metropolis’s Planet Positive Awards are judged by four expert juries across product categories. The winners represent the highest achievements today in design that addresses climate change, ecosystem health, human health, and equity. “Metropolis has been a trusted resource for the architecture and design industry for more...