NATIONAL REPORT—While only a small percentage of hotels in the United States currently use steam cleaners in their daily cleaning, an increasing number of properties are discovering that steam cleaning is an effective way to disinfect, deodorize and clean while eliminating chemicals and using a minimal amount of water. Steve Marks, V.P. Sales for Vapamore, says steam cleaning goes hand in hand with other green cleaning methods and is ideal for the sanitizing and cleaning of mattresses, carpeting, drapery, furniture, grout, the coils in HVAC systems, any type of bathroom cleaning, and much more. “You can use it in the back...

Several years ago, when many hotel properties around the world were first starting to get serious about sustainability, they paid close attention to a book, Responsible Hospitality, written by Rebecca Hawkins and Paulina Bohdanowicz. This book is considered the first book to bring together environmental and sustainability concepts and help define how far the hospitality industry should go to achieve them. The book listed taking conservation measures, many of which were revolutionary for the day. Among them were the following: Older windows should be replaced with double- and triple- glazed windows to reduce energy consumption. High thermal mass construction materials...

PLACENCIA, BELIZE—Ray Caye is a small (20-unit) island resort with a very large focus on sustainability. The property is 17 miles off the coast of Belize and a short flight from Belize City, then a boat ride. It has been open for eight years but is reopening in January as Ray Caye. This is a decidedly upscale resort but there has been as much investment in environmental elements as in accommodations, according to Dasha Shivers, the resort’s General Manager. Seriously Solar On the solar front, the resort has a solar array of 100 KW (total of all installed solar panels); a...

DELAVAN, WIS.— Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), a national leader in comprehensive energy services, launched WaterWatch, a cloud-based water management service for property management companies and building owners. Water and sewer bills are rapidly becoming the highest utility expense, and one of the easiest ways for property owners and operators to control these rising costs is to avoid paying for water they don’t use, particularly when that water use comes as the result of leaks in faucets, irrigation systems, toilets, and more. In fact, the American Water Works Assn. reports that just a single leaking toilet has the potential...

NATIONAL REPORT—Environmentalism has spread through every industry it can touch, and hospitality is one of them. Guests have always wanted enjoyable, high-class hotel experiences, but they’re increasingly requesting sustainable practices along with this. They want to know they’re spending their money on morally conscious, socially responsible businesses. Environmental issues are too significant to ignore for many people, and part of being eco-conscious means aligning their spending with their values. If your hotel isn’t already a master in sustainability, you can quickly reach that level by applying some green practices. Staying on top of consumer trends and preferences enables you to...

MIAMI—VP Plaza España Design, a luxurious 214-room hotel located on Madrid’s famous Gran Vía, has earned the prestigous LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold certification, solidifying its position in the city as an example for environmentally conscious design and operation. The five-star hotel, which opened March 2018, scored well in several areas including its sustainable setting, innovative design, water and energy use efficiency, and use of quality materials and resources, all efforts which meet the priorities outlined by LEED for Spain. “We are honored to be one of the only hotels in Spain to achieve this important designation,”...

Unlike a bedroom where a new coat of paint, a few lamps and a fresh set of curtains can transform the room into a fantastic renovation piece, a bathroom requires much more complicated, informed decisions that are often tied to technological advancements. An outdated bathroom is not only aesthetically unpleasant; it also utilizes significantly more water and energy than it should, and would, if it incorporated contemporary products. Besides taking advantage of the opportunity to be responsible for protecting the environment while striving for substantial reductions in utility costs, innovative solutions are a great way to attract and retain...

The Boutique Design New York (BDNY) and HX: The Hotel Experience trade shows wrapped up this past week at the Javits Center in New York City. While HX looked the smallest it has ever been, together with BDNY the two shows were formidable to cover. On my radar this year was what was newsy and new. Here then is what I found most interesting at this year’s shows: The Humble Co. featured its bamboo toothbrushes, natural toothpaste and other products. The toothbrush handles are made of easily biodegradable bamboo and the bristles out of nylon, a durable material that degrades...

AMSTERDAM—YOTEL has opened its doors in Amsterdam. Complete with an all-day dining concept, a stunning deck and a one of a kind outdoor cinema, the 202-cabin hotel offers a slick experience enhanced by clever use of technology and sustainable design at a surprisingly affordable price. The brand’s first hotel in mainland Europe, YOTEL Amsterdam is at the epicenter of the up-and-coming Buiksloterham neighborhood, built on the sunny bank of the Tolhuis Canal. Home to start-ups and creative businesses, the area is also brimming with hip bars, experimental festivals and modern architecture, making it an ideal base for modern travelers. Cabins—YOTEL speak...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News welcomes Majestic International to its Green Product & Service Directory in the Linens & Towels and Robes & Slippers categories. Majestic International offers an eco-friendly robe and towel program that requires less detergent, saves 20 percent in drying time and reduces water consumption by 30 percent. The products are 100 percent natural and biodegradable yet thick and thirsty and luxurious. The biodegradable slippers made from jute will reduce landfills yet pamper guests. Call (203) 373-1853 or e-mail Wendy Thompson at w.thompson@majesticinternational.com for more information. Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.