NATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is about synergy and how every piece of the pie contributes to overall sustainability—and this includes cleaning solutions. Many organizations are now promoting their sustainable business operations through the cleaning products they select to maintain their facilities. This is where citric-acid-based cleaning solutions come into focus. These are environmentally friendly cleaning solutions made from renewable resources that have a reduced impact on the environment—and—contribute significantly to sustainability. According to Hannah Joannse with ProNatural Brands, a marketer of these products, citric-acid-based cleaning solutions promote sustainability in several ways, including: They are biodegradable. This term is bantered around quite a...

DORAVILLE, GA.—SSB Hospitality, LLC, a division of Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (SSB), announced the launch of Serta iComfortECO Hospitality, a new quilted hybrid mattress that features all the comfort, support and cooling that Serta is known for while incorporating more sustainable materials. “For decades, hotels have come to trust Serta to deliver industry-leading comfort and together, we are committed to introducing new innovations that provide brand-defining sleep experiences to guests,” said Brian Coughlin, Vice President and General Manager of SSB Hospitality. “Serta iComfortECO builds on Serta’s performance legacy in the hospitality market by marrying the latest in support and comfort...

LONDON—American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), the world’s leading B2B travel platform, has published its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The report highlights significant accomplishments and advancements made by Amex GBT in its sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), social impact, and governance initiatives. CEO Paul Abbott said, “2022 was a seminal year for Amex GBT. We became a public company, defined our purpose, and set out bold commitments to drive change in our industry and leave a legacy of positive societal impact.” “At the beginning of 2022 we pledged economic, social, and environmental commitments to power progress...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The aim to reduce food waste and offer more low carbon foods in the hospitality industry is set to be a key focus for the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s (SHA) partnership with World Resources Institute (WRI). The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and WRI have a shared commitment to helping the hospitality industry reduce its food-related emissions by 25 percent by 2030. By shifting to low carbon foods and reducing food waste the industry can maximize its action on climate change and meet its targets for addressing the climate crisis. The partnership aims to engage employees and customers by bringing the latest science...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. (See the recent press release.) The report highlights significant new steps that should cut utility costs, save time for franchisees, and increase the company’s ESG commitments. Among the steps highlighted in the release is the hiring of Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Sustainability for Choice Hotels. That hiring was announced in April 2022. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Brumagim about Choice’s ESG initiatives. Here are the results of that interview in Q&A format. GLN: Prior to your appointment, nobody was leading the ESG charge at Choice. (Unless...

SEATTLE—Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, announced the summer 2024 opening of Hotel Westland, a carbon positive, adaptive reuse hotel in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Construction recently began on the 120-room hotel to modernize the historic structure, giving it a second life and ensuring it lasts for generations to come. Operated by Aparium Hotel Group and architecturally designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with interiors by Curioso, the boutique lifestyle hotel will highlight historic character maintained from the building’s 1907 construction, modern guestrooms and amenities, Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, and a signature restaurant, fueled by an authentic connection to...

CALHOUN, GA.—Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, has earned a place among America’s Climate Leaders presented by USA Today. Mohawk was the only flooring manufacturer among the businesses recognized for making the greatest reductions in their carbon footprint. “To be ranked as one of America’s Climate Leaders is a great honor and reflects the great work being accomplished by thousands of our associates across our global operations,” said Malisa Maynard, Mohawk’s Vice President of Sustainability. “We are continuing to identify new and innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions while creating sustainable products that improve homes and public spaces...

HOUSTON—Climate change has become increasingly front of mind, with many organizations looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment. One “tool in the toolkit” is the purchase and use of carbon offsets, allowing organizations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting a variety of sustainable projects. What Are Voluntary Carbon Offsets? Voluntary carbon offsets are something organizations can purchase to support projects around the globe to either reduce emissions entering the atmosphere or remove carbon dioxide (CO2). These offsets are generated from a wide variety of sustainable projects, such as wind and solar...

AHLA last conducted The Lodging Survey with STR in 2018. It provided valuable information on numerous trends in lodging, including ones falling under Sustainability. AHLA and STR no longer conduct that survey. A very valuable replacement to that survey is the 2022 Green Lodging Trends U.S. Market Report. It is based on U.S.-specific data gathered for the 2022 edition of the global Green Lodging Trends Report (GLTR). The newly available U.S. report from AHLA—representing its Responsible Stay program—is based on data from 17,000 U.S. hotels. There were two data collection methods: direct participation by responding to the GLTR survey on...

HORSHAM, PENN.—Luigi Lazzareschi, the CEO of Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, has been recognized as a 2023 Store Brands Game Changer. For the past three years, Store Brands has recognized private-label organization leaders and brands across the world whose innovative ideas are driving positive change in the industry. Lazzareschi was recognized for his leadership in technological and personnel investments to enhance Sofidel’s sustainability efforts. “It’s our priority to create an inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for people and the planet,” said Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO, Sofidel. “I’m honored to be featured as a 2023 Store Brands...