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,...

LAS VEGAS—Full Nature Farms, a global leader in vertical farming and agricultural technology innovation, announced the launch of its groundbreaking Rocket 2.0 Smart Irrigation Platform. Rocket 2.0 has been honored with the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Sustainability & Energy/Power category, marking a significant milestone in sustainable farming technology and underscoring Full Nature Farms’ commitment to transforming global agricultural practices. To see how Rocket 2.0 revolutionizes agricultural water management and sustainability, visit Full Nature Farms at CES 2025 at the Venetian Expo, Level 2, Halls A-D (Booth #50832). Since its founding in 2019, Full Nature Farms has established itself as a powerhouse...

Looking at the hospitality industry across the U.S., properties are constantly working on ways to improve their water management processes. In many cases, an important part of this puzzle is optimizing water conservation efforts to save money and resources, make progress on sustainability goals and more. With this in mind, we saw properties make positive strides in 2024 towards embracing and implementing water-saving techniques—especially those that leverage technologies like predictive analytics, smart sensors and AI. Overall, this trend will certainly impact how industry players enter 2025. Let’s dive in. Common Challenges and Barriers There have been a few consistent challenges over the years...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation was named by TIME and Statista as one of the World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth 2025. Zurn Elkay ranked No. 31 overall of the 500 public and private companies making the list and No. 10 among U.S. companies. “We are pleased to be recognized for our strong financial performance and sustainability initiatives,” said Todd A. Adams, Chairman and CEO of Zurn Elkay Water Solutions. “Our efforts have a compounding impact each and every day, to the environment, to our customers and to our financial performance. We take a holistic, action-oriented approach to delivering solutions to some...