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:...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced the release of the 2019 Social Impact and Sustainability Report Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity. Protecting the Planet. The report builds on the company’s commitment to create a more sustainable future, while striving to make a more positive impact in the lives of its employees, guests and in the communities where the company operates. In November 2019, MGM Resorts launched its new social impact and sustainability vision called “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet.” A core component of that vision included a set of long-range goals through 2025 and an alignment...

NATIONAL REPORT—For good reason, becoming more environmentally friendly is now a priority among many property owners worldwide. With the threat of a looming climate crisis, it makes sense that those who can adjust to become more eco-conscious and environmentally friendly do so. As such, this article will be looking into small changes that don’t require heavy expenditure or lots of man hours to put into place that can be done either by yourself or with the help of a professional. We’ve been sure to weigh up the environmental cost of each change to make sure the fix isn’t as harmful...

LAS VEGAS—The Southern Nevada Water Authority, organizers of the annual WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI), announced it is cancelling this year’s event, originally scheduled for September 30 to October 1 in Las Vegas. “After much deliberation, we’ve decided the conference would be less effective and appealing if social distancing measures are still in effect,” said WSI Program Chairman and SNWA Conservation Manager Doug Bennett. While this year would have marked WSI’s 13th anniversary, organizers will instead offer a series of webinars this fall, featuring leading water-efficiency professionals who were slated to speak at the event. Bennett said more details about...

ATLANTA—Throughout the current pandemic, Atlanta’s historic Stonehurst Place has continued to provide a safe place to stay for travelers in search of boutique luxury—all with a dose of eco-friendliness thrown in. The eight-suite property, owned by Barb Shadomy and first constructed in 1896, has features including a solar thermal system for water heating, a greywater recycling system, and rainwater purification system. “My partner and I purchased Stonehurst in 2007 and after 14 months of intense renovation, I returned the grand old lady back to her youthful self—with a few modern and green improvements,” Shadomy says. “We have not closed during the current...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—Bradley Corp. introduces the next generation of its award-winning WashBar series. This new extension delivers Bradley’s exclusive clean+rinse+dry functionality along with an ultra-modern, edgier profile designed to make a statement in upscale commercial washroom applications. The next generation WashBar features a thin, L-shaped design that gives the feel the all-in-one fixture is floating above the sink for an innovative and sleek aesthetic. And with only one connection point to the sink, the unique design provides more open space for easier cleaning while providing a striking design element. Designed in collaboration with award-winning international design firm platinumdesign, this new model...

PETALUMA, CALIF.—We know that washing our hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases such as COVID-19. But hands-free hand washing can even further reduce the spread of harmful germs that can make us sick. Bacteria and viruses can linger on faucet handles for days, where they can easily be picked up when turning the water on and off. Sonoma Forge’s Sans Hands Automated Faucet Technology eliminates the need to touch the faucet handles, thereby eliminating the transfer of harmful pathogens from turning on and off a traditional faucet. With no visible sensors, Sans Hands...