WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2023 Trends Outlook report, examining societal shifts and economic trends impacting the design profession and the role of design in addressing issues in our world. In 2023, ASID’s research finds that health and wellness continue to be top priorities in both residential and commercial design, with an emphasis on design solutions for the changing lifestyles and needs of older Americans. ASID’s research also explores how design is being impacted by the global mental health crisis, consumers’ demands for sustainability, and a new wave of technology that brings with it the need for...

FRAMINGHAM, MASS.—Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced its Chicago Smart Lighting Program (CSLP) has been awarded the Inspiring Efficiency Impact Award by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest for sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship. Completed in 2022, CSLP is the largest city-led wireless smart streetlight program in the United States. The project transformed the city’s streetlight system, reducing energy consumption and increasing visibility for public safety. Ameresco replaced approximately 280,000 existing outdated High Pressure Sodium light fixtures with new energy-efficient LED lights and created a...

NATIONAL REPORT—What can be gained by offering your operational staff a course that explains the theory and foundation of your hotel’s sustainability agenda? The answer: many things. From engagement to concrete key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing sustainability training sessions for hotel personnel can help move hotel businesses from just focusing on the single bottom line. Since the declaration of the Brundtland Report in 1987 and John Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line framework in 1994, heaps of research and business articles have been published, and many global and local decisions have been made about sustainable development. One of them is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change...

NEWARK, N.J.—Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, announced Erica Godun has been named Director, Sustainability. In this newly created position, Godun will be responsible for developing and supporting the firm’s sustainability-focused service offerings and be a resource for clients and team members on the application of project-appropriate green integration. She will create tools that enhance the firm’s internal training platform and delivery of environmentally responsible design solutions. Godun brings more than 25 years of experience in various phases of architecture and design to Ware Malcomb and has been passionate about environmental sustainability throughout her career. She is a LEED accredited...

ASHBURN, VA.—The nation’s 10,000 park and recreation agencies have the potential to implement community-wide sustainability measures that improve the environment while promoting human and ecosystem health and cost savings. A new report by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) highlights the activities and programs park and recreation agencies provide to create more sustainable and resilient communities. NRPA’s Sustainability in Parks and Recreation report highlights agency sustainability goals, sustainability practices, financial and political support for these efforts, and the challenges and barriers that hamper greater success in sustainability efforts. Based on the responses from nearly 200 park and recreation agencies, the report finds: Park and recreation...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton announced its renewed partnership with UAE-based agri-tech platform, Fresh On Table, at Gulfood 2023, with the aim of doubling the amount of local produce procured for the brand’s properties in the country. The ongoing deal between Hilton and Fresh On Table follows the success of last year’s collaboration that saw the two entities exceed their local food sourcing goals. The extended partnership promises a larger commitment in 2023, with increased targets and an intentional sourcing strategy, that reaffirms their dedication to championing local farms and produce. Hilton previously sourced 440 tons of local produce annually for its UAE properties,...

NEW YORK—WINT Water Intelligence continues to transform water management and sustainability solutions for the built environment with the launch of its powerful WINT3 platform. The next-generation WINT3 builds on WINT’s widely deployed water management solutions and technologies to help organizations mitigate water risk and proactively meet sustainability goals in a wide range of midsize and large facilities, including commercial buildings, multifamily residential, office, retail, higher education and others. “Water is the last unmanaged resource in buildings,” said Yaron Dycian, Chief Product and Strategy Officer for WINT. “This results in significant waste, carbon emissions, and damage from leaks. With the world’s water resources...

GULF BREEZE, FLA.—Innisfree Hotels recently announced that environmental expert Bethanne Edwards has joined the company in a new role as Director of Sustainability. The position is part of Innisfree Hotels’ focused commitment to sustainability in 2023 and beyond. The company’s “triple bottom line” approach to business—considering People, Planet, and Prosperity with each decision and striving to strike a balance between all three—makes sustainability a key factor in supporting the communities that Innisfree serves. Edwards says her initial attention will go toward reducing the company’s carbon footprint—including efficient energy and water use and minimizing waste—as well as engaging employees, guests, and local...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Verdafero Inc. to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Software/Utility Analytics for ESG Reports” category. Verdafero ESG InSights is a cloud-based software suite that offers dynamic utility data analytics across time, location, cost, occupancy, or other key hospitality indicators. Verdafero ESG InSights provides an analysis of your utility usage by gathering data on energy and water consumption, occupancy, weather, and other resource utilization patterns to make better informed decisions on your hotel’s operating costs and environmental initiatives. Verdafero ESG InSights is designed to provide a visual analysis of your Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse...

MILWAUKEE—Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp. published its 2022 Sustainability Report. The report uses the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, along with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and select Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to report Zurn Elkay’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and performance for the year. The report highlights Zurn Elkay’s progress on previously announced ESG targets while also announcing seven additional time bound ESG targets that help to provide even greater transparency and accountability. These newly established goals aim to further improve the company’s supplier diversity, air emissions, waste reduction, plastic bottle elimination, engineering...