Names: Kate Mikesell Titles: VP, Global Corporate Responsibility, Hilton and President, Hilton Effect Foundation Company: Hilton Years with Hilton: 11 Primary Responsibility: “My primary responsibility is helping Hilton as it continues to redefine responsible travel. I spend most of my time talking about resources and how we are measuring. Are we on pace? Are we falling behind? It is a lot of conversation with team members and community leaders.” Organization’s most significant accomplishment in global corporate responsibility: “Being able to say this is the direction we want to go and letting our team take over. The Hilton Effect Foundation and the impact it is...

PHILADELPHIA—Aramark announced that its global headquarters office space, located in Philadelphia, has received LEED Silver certification, by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), for its sustainable workspace design and construction. The building is certified under the LEED for Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C) rating system, which encourages the design and construction of commercial interiors that are good for people and the planet. Earlier, the 2400 Market Street building, owned by a joint venture of The Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds and PMC Property Group, was initially awarded LEED Gold certification as a new construction project. Both certifications underscore Aramark’s sustainability...

SARASOTA, FLA.—Purlin, LLC, maker of recyclable linens for the hospitality industry, has won the Lee School Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality category. The Lee Business School at UNLV and Ted and Doris Lee Family Foundation created a worldwide $1,000,000 Lee School Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the goal of discovering and funding innovative technologies and solutions that make the food and beverage, hospitality, casino, sports and entertainment and travel industries a safe place for employees and guests in the post pandemic world. Purlin’s prize in the hospitality category is $250,000. There were 250 submissions from...

NEW YORK—WINT Water Intelligence, a leader in cutting-edge water management and leak prevention solutions for construction, commercial and industrial applications, has developed a solution that detects and prevents leaks and other issues in chilled water systems and pipes. The solution prevents water damage by detecting issues, automatically shutting off water flows and isolating impacted areas. Damage from water leaks in buildings is one of the biggest sources of damage to facilities. Large buildings use chilled water systems to cool the facility and ensure that occupants are comfortable. These systems consist of lengthy piping networks filled with massive amounts of water...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—By 2030, there will be an additional billion people in the world, placing greater demand on natural resources. To help companies sustainably address growing demand, Ecolab Inc. has launched its ambitious 2030 Impact Goals to significantly increase the company’s positive impact within its own operations and through its work with customers. Ecolab’s new impact goals were launched with the recent release of its 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report, entitled Partners for Greater Purpose, which also highlights Ecolab’s work with leading companies to advance environmental and operational outcomes. “The next 10 years represent a crucial opportunity to reach higher and...

While shorter showers and not letting the shower water run are encouraged in at least one article on the U.S. Department of Energy’s own website, and the U.S. EPA has its own long-standing and successful WaterSense label program to reward showerhead water efficiency, President Trump believes the time is now to get less showerhead efficient. Following numerous public complaints from the president about low-flow fixtures designed to save water, the Department of Energy has proposed to change the definition of a showerhead. In the new proposal, different components within a showerhead would be allowed to count as individual showerheads. This...

NATIONAL REPORT—One thing that COVID-19 experts agree on is this: the fewer the touch points, the fewer the opportunities for infection. Much has been written so far about touchless check-in but another touch point beginning to receive attention is the water filtration system. Earlier this month, Vero Water, a leading provider of luxury still and sparkling water, introduced its VERO+4 featuring Touchless Technology to meet the heightened sanitation and safety requirements for HORECA establishments because of COVID-19. Similarly, FloWater announced the addition of a foot pedal mechanism to its already self-sanitizing FloWater Refill Stations, making them fully “Touchless.” In the...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—The global pandemic of Covid-19 is fast tracking infection control technologies and products in public restrooms. “While cleanliness has always been a goal in designing restrooms, coronavirus has underscored the need for hygienic, sterile and safe environments,” said Jon Dommisse, Director of Strategy and Corporate Development, Bradley Corp., a global manufacturer of restroom equipment. Companies, educational institutions and municipalities are all now evaluating new procedures and products for their restroom facilities. “Businesses are looking at short-term and long-term fixes for operating safely,” said Michelle Kempen WRID, WELL AP, ASID, with Kahler Slater, a Milwaukee-based architectural firm. “The goal is to...

HARRISBURG, PA.—Hersha Hotels and Resorts (Hersha Hospitality Trust) has released its 2019 Hersha EarthView Sustainability Report. The 35-page report summarizes Hersha’s 2019 impact and the strides it has made in its environmental, social, and governance efforts towards a more sustainable, connected, and inclusive world. For those of you not familiar with Hersha, a Real Estate Investment Trust, the company owns and operates 48 upscale, luxury and lifestyle hotels in urban gateway markets and coastal destinations. Hersha’s EarthView program has existed since 2010. According to Hersha, $100 million in portfolio value has been attributed to EarthView as of 2019. EarthView has...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Clean the World Foundation, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene and sustainability, has partnered with Las Vegas Sands to facilitate The Drop by Drop Project. A collaboration between Clean the World Foundation and initiative co-founder Sands, The Drop by Drop Project will reinvest capital from water stewardship efforts into innovative projects supporting local water champions in Macao, Singapore, and Las Vegas. Managed and operated by Clean the World Foundation, The Drop by Drop Project will be supported by water savings from Sands’ conservation programs. Drop by Drop supports water programs and nonprofit organizations focusing on four key areas:...