World Water Day is Saturday, March 22. World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is also about taking action to reduce your property’s water consumption. Green Lodging News dedicates a section of its website to water conservation. There are currently more than 1,200 articles in that section that is filled with hundreds of water conservation best practices and ideas. What steps have you taken to reduce water consumption? Can you do more? Reducing water consumption is one of the cornerstones of every company’s overall sustainability initiative. The 2030 Agenda...

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it has become an integral selling point in the hospitality industry. Travelers are increasingly conscious of a hotel’s sustainability efforts and environmental impact. It’s finally become a proactive focus rather than a reactive afterthought. With this, it’s high-time that property managers and engineers recognize that successful, whole-property water management is more than just fixing leaks and implementing low-flow fixtures. By dedicating resources to automation, real-time monitoring, water recycling and predictive analytics, properties can optimize their water usage to be more eco-friendly. Tech is Evolving Technology is playing an enormous role in advancing comprehensive water management...

VISTA, CALIF.—The plumbing industry is set for a significant technological transformation in 2025, reshaping facility management, cleaning, and maintenance, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc. He attributes this transformation to advancements in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, and enhanced water efficiency technologies. Among the key trends he foresees are the following: 1. Remote Monitoring: New smartphone apps will provide real-time data on building water pressure, flow, temperature, leak detection, and enable water shutoffs. This enables managers to be more proactive in water management 24/7, preventing costly water damage, eliminating emergency cleanups, and improving water...

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—Palladium Hotel Group has announced the expansion of Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica, a project promoted by Grupo Empresas Matutes. This transformative development will add more than 948 new rooms and is expected to create around 1,500 direct jobs in the destination, along with 2,600 to 5,700 indirect job opportunities. The expansion will further strengthen the brand’s presence in Jamaica, introducing the TRS Hotels adults-only luxury all-inclusive brand and the Family Selection concept at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts. Details of the expansion project were revealed during a groundbreaking ceremony on February 18. The event was attended by...

VISTA, CALIF.—According to the United States Geological Survey, most U.S. water supplies contain elevated levels of calcium and magnesium, classifying them as “hard water.” This creates several challenges for cleaning professionals tasked with cleaning restroom fixtures. For instance, mineral deposits from hard water can cause: Calcium buildup on porcelain and the interior surfaces of toilets and flush urinals; Soap scum formation on glass surfaces; Staining and residue build-up on countertops; Surface dulling after repeated cleaning; and Reduce the effectiveness of professional cleaning solutions. And the situation is worsening as more states tap into aquifers. These underground water sources have stored water for...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, a leading provider of innovative water solutions, kicked off its 125th anniversary year celebration with the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report highlights Zurn Elkay’s progress in addressing critical water challenges and improving operational sustainability, including advancements toward its 16 timebound goals. Notably, the company reduced its energy intensity by 23 percent from its 2021 baseline, surpassing the 15 percent reduction target set for 2024. Zurn Elkay is also on track to meet its goal of a 50 percent reduction in GHG intensity by 2030, achieving a 38 percent reduction since 2021. The...

NATIONAL REPORT—Many organizations delegate the HR department to manage their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and sustainability is an incremental component of such efforts. However, an organization’s sustainability efforts go beyond building a strong employment brand for current and prospective employees. It also affects a company’s bottom line. Hotels, for example, ensure guests continue to choose their property amongst the rest by providing great customer experiences, high-quality services, and a comfortable stay. Recently, another factor affecting travelers’ hotel choice and perception of a hotel brand is on the rise in importance: sustainability. Sustainability is becoming a core focus as it...

NATIONAL REPORT—If you knew the history of the leather that you buy, would you still buy it? While there are degrees of severity, depending on the supplier, the leather that you specify for furniture, headboards or other items often has a dirty past—from the breeding of the animal (most likely a cow) to the processing of the leather from that animal. Factors to consider when buying leather range from its geographical source—China, the largest leather producing country, or maybe Brazil, where cattle ranching for beef and leather production is the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon—to its biodegradability. There...

NATIONAL REPORT—Ambitious climate and decarbonization efforts have heightened the demand for electrified and energy-efficient buildings. Regulatory frameworks are evolving from simple incentives to stringent compliance measures. Recently, states and cities have enacted building performance standards (BPS) that mandate energy performance and emissions reductions, as well as implementing benchmarking and transparency policies. As a result, real estate operators must meet these standards to mitigate financial risks associated with non-compliance, further motivating them to enhance performance. Simultaneously, utilities and third-party program administrators are tasked with meeting multi-year energy savings targets, concentrating on initiatives like peak demand reductions. This alignment of incentives fosters...

NATIONAL REPORT—Renovating the landscaping and operations of a lodge property requires a thoughtful approach that balances functionality, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. Lodge owners and lodging professionals hold the keys to designing effective outdoor spaces that align with eco-friendly practices, enhance guest experiences, and reduce operational costs. Explore this guide and consider these five low-impact tools for simplifying lodge lawn renovation. 1. Compost Tumblers: Efficient Waste Management Compost tumblers are essential for turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Enclosed systems accelerate the decomposition process, allowing you to recycle garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings,...