NATIONAL REPORT—Data analytics has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to derive insights and value from data. This technique is now being applied to the environment to address some of the planet’s most pressing issues, as sustainability moves up in the agenda of many companies. In this article, we will explore the impact of data analytics on the environment and how it can be used to promote sustainability. What is Data Analytics? Data analytics refers to the process of examining and interpreting data to gain insights and make informed decisions. This can involve a variety of techniques,...

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...

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...

STRATHAM, N.H.—BioGreen360, a leading innovator in distributed food waste management solutions, announced it has entered into a national partnership with Sage Hospitality Group to develop a closed-loop program to divert 100 percent of their hotels’ food waste from landfill with the residual material being integrated into an array of all-natural compost and fertilizer products. The companies have agreed to roll out the BioGreen360 circular solution to food waste in a phased approach across Sage Hospitality Group’s portfolio of hotels. The first phase of the collaboration includes program installations at five properties in key urban and resort markets across the U.S. After...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is leading the way to make New Orleans one of the most sustainable destinations in America. Just since March, the NOENMCC has served a 4,000-guest meal, free of garbage cans; served a gourmet lunch in a dumpster using leftover foods; and plated its largest banquet since the COVID-19 pandemic using over 10,000 pieces of China. “We have worked closely with our internal and external partners to create event experiences that reduce environmental impacts, emphasize sustainability, and promote social responsibility,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “These practices are vital to...

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...

HONOLULU—Premier beach resort brand Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has successfully achieved Green Seal certification for key properties in Fiji and Hawaii. Outrigger is first in the State of Hawaii to earn the prestigious Green Seal designation as well as the first hospitality brand to achieve certification outside of the United States. Green Seal is a global nonprofit whose certification mark is a universal symbol that a product, cleaning service or facility meets the highest benchmark of health and environmental leadership. Outrigger’s owned/managed properties that are now Green Seal certified include: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel OHANA Waikiki...

NEW YORK—One of Manhattan’s most prominent luxury hotels—the 463 all-suite Conrad New York Downtown—keeps pushing the bar higher for sustainability leadership in the Big Apple. Since opening in 2012, the hotel has maintained its LEED Gold certification, implemented numerous water-, energy- and waste-saving initiatives, and it just recently became the first hotel in the city and one of the first in the U.S. to utilize Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology. The Sinclair in Fort Worth, Texas also uses this technology. PoE is used at the Conrad New York Downtown to power LED lighting in the lobby, in the newly renovated...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Force of Nature to its Green Product & Service Directory in the Cleaning Products/Disinfectants/Laundry category. Force of Nature is a toxic-free multi-purpose cleaning and disinfecting brand that is safe for guests and staff and saves up to 80 percent of cost versus traditional toxic cleaning products. The company’s portable appliances use electricity to convert tap water, salt and vinegar into an all-in-one cleaner, deodorizer, sanitizer, and EPA registered hospital-grade disinfectant as effective as bleach. Force of Nature uses a 60-year-old industrial technology called electrolyzed water, to create two new ingredients: Hypochlorous Acid (the disinfectant)...