CHEVY CHASE, MD.—One of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the United States—PM Hotel Group—also happens to be one of the ones most committed to corporate responsibility. The Chevy Chase, Md.-based company has its own Director of Sustainability + Facilities (Christie Berlin), manages four LEED hotels, including one LEED Platinum (Home2 Suites by Hilton Silver Spring, Md.) and purchases 100 percent green energy. “We started 10 years ago with 11 hotels,” Berlin says. “We now manage 51 and are working on three development projects at the moment.” “This company has always been committed to corporate responsibility,” Berlin adds. “It definitely...

PARIS—Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its award-winning Fairmont Sustainability Partnership, now part of Accor’s Planet21 program. In continuing to set the industry standard in sustainable practices, Fairmont along with Accor has announced the goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. A commitment has also been made to eliminate any remaining single-use plastics in guestrooms, meeting areas, and restaurants across all hotels by the end of 2022. “Thirty years ago, our forward-thinking team literally wrote the book on environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry with the very first edition of our famed Green Partnership Guides,”...

CORK, IRELAND—Johnson Controls, a global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, published its 2021 Sustainability Report, highlighting bold new environmental, social and governance commitments and progress towards the company’s sustainability goals. “At Johnson Controls, sustainability is our business,” says George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. “This year saw us continue to pioneer new and important paths to sustainability, including our issuance of a green bond in the U.S. capital markets—among the very first industrials to do so. We welcome and embrace the enhanced attention and urgency around tackling climate change and making gains across environmental, social and governance pillars....

MCLEAN, VA.—Last year was undoubtedly one of the worst years in the history of the lodging industry but that bad year saw the continuation of one of the industry’s most notable success stories—Hilton’s Home2 Suites extended stay brand. Designed with “sustainability being a key pillar,” according to Global Brand Head Leonard Gooz, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the brand. As of December 31, 2020, there were 463 open and 409 in the pipeline. According to Hilton, the 500th Home2 Suites is expected to open by the end of this quarter. STR says Home2 Suites saw the most supply...

ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.—World Centric announced a new and unique collection of certified compostable molded fiber single-use cutlery and serving utensils. This collection of wood-free, plastic-free products provides the foodservice industry a more environmentally conscious option to traditional disposable cutlery and serving utensils and is suitable for a broad range of common food serving and meal prep uses. Currently, available items include 6” and 3” spoons, 6” sporks, and 10” serving utensils capable of hot or cold use. Additionally, molded fiber 6” forks and knives will be available in Spring 2021. World Centric is the first in North America to offer...

WILLIAMS, ARIZ.—The Iron Horse is back and healthier than ever thanks to a strict diet of oil used for cooking French fries and chicken wings. The oil comes from fast food joints and hotels in the region and Williams-area including the Grand Canyon Railway and & Hotel’s restaurants themselves. While such a diet might be hazardous to the health of humans, The Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) uses recycled waste vegetable oil as fuel for Locomotive No. 4960, a steam engine built in 1923, to keep it running and running green. Eight times from April through October, all are welcome aboard for...

SILVERTHORNE, COLO.—The Pad team isn’t just talking about their commitment to sustainability for their new boutique hotel/hostel that opens this summer in Silverthorne, Colo., they’re taking action and joining more than 3,000 global sustainability leaders in pledging to adopt a new business model and culture that prioritizes purpose alongside profit. The Pad, a 36-room boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms, was recently certified as a pending B Corp with plans of achieving the full B Corp certification once they’re eligible after being open for 12 months. The Pad is on track to becoming the first B Corp certified company in Summit...

NATIONAL REPORT—Disposing of used oil is not a small feat, especially for people in the manufacturing and automotive industries. It is also as challenging for commercial and home kitchens when disposing of used cooking oil. Fortunately, for the industries, businesses, and homeowners, used oil recycling is possible in many localities making the disposal processes effortless. Besides making it convenient to get rid of the used oil, recycling also provides businesses with financial benefits. It is also beneficial to the environment as recycling prevents the oil from ending up in landfills, sewers, and water drainages. The following are the most crucial...

SAN DIEGO—World Amenities, Inc., a global supplier of signature skincare brands and custom amenities, announced that it has moved most of its product and product packaging to North America. Based on demand for shorter lead times for its products, World Amenities management decided to evaluate the benefits of relocating its manufacturing. Over the last two years, Owner and Managing Director Paul Hodge and his team met and negotiated with prospective production facilities. They found moving manufacturing to North America serves all parties’ interests—World Amenities, its customers, product end-users, and vendors. The benefits of relocating manufacturing operations to North America include: Eliminating...

NATIONAL REPORT—The well-known benefits of being in and around water have been supported by scientific research, confirming that taking a vacation by a lake can increase general wellbeing while lowering stress levels. After a year of uncertainty and restrictions, vacationers are looking for outdoor space and a greater connection to nature, and, as a result, the enduring popularity of lakefront hotels, lodges and campsites shows no sign of fading. A weekend getaway or a longer lakeside stay offers the opportunity to relax and cool off with a swim, or take part in activities on the water such as boating or water skiing....