PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, has released its 2018 corporate sustainability report, Accelerating Meaningful Change, which highlights its work with leading companies throughout the world to reduce environmental impact and drive cost savings. The 2018 publication is Ecolab’s 12th annual corporate sustainability report. “Whether it’s saving water or reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, there’s a growing realization that these priorities go hand-in-hand with business growth and profitability,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr. “By the nature of our work, we help companies achieve their operational and sustainability goals.” Highlights from...

KOHLER, WIS.—Kohler Co., a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, has released its third public Social Impact report. As in years past, the report examines Kohler’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and positively impact local and global communities. The company’s report centers on three key programmatic areas: Stewardship, Innovation for Good (IfG) and Sustainability. This year, a new format offers the report in two different versions, one focusing on key metrics and the other highlighting achievements through visual storytelling focusing on people, events, actions and partnerships. Kohler’s social impact work continues to be...

One of the most important words to look for when considering energy-efficient equipment for your hotel is “variable.” I come across it often. In some cases, the technology has been available for years; in other cases, not. The main idea with “variable” is to not be running on 100 percent all the time. This past week in my feature on the very green Revisn aparthotel in Raleigh, N.C. you will see mention of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and air-conditioning system. By operating at varying speeds, heat recovery VRF units work only at the needed rate allowing for...

LOS ANGELES—ICERA has unveiled the latest iteration of one of its most popular one-piece toilets—the Canto. A sleek new look gives a modern twist to this transitional model with a sculptural silhouette that is softened by smooth curves at the base and a lid shape that mirrors the lines of the matching Canto vanity. It pairs comfort and function with a clean, sophisticated design aesthetic. The Canto includes all ICERA’s signature plumbing technology, including the EcoQuattro flushing system that combines flushing power, exceptional cleanliness, and minimal water usage. As a high-efficiency toilet consuming only 1.28 gallons per flush, the Canto...

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—Boxed Water Is Better will kick off its No-Plastic Pledge campaign on World Ocean Day, June 8. As part of the campaign, the company is asking people to give up plastic bottles for 30 days or more. Participants can follow @BoxedWater to support and share the message. One can also follow #BetterPlanet to join the plastic pledge community. According to Boxed Water Is Better, 8.8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year. A total of 150 million metric tons already float in our oceans. The average American uses 167 plastic bottles annually. Pledge kits are available...

As reported this past week on Green Lodging News, The Duffie Companies’ Home2 Suites by Hilton Silver Spring (Silver Spring, Md.) is on its way to becoming LEED Platinum—the highest level of green building certification available through the U.S. Green Building Council. Earlier in May, MGM Resorts International announced that MGM Springfield, located in Springfield, Mass., has received the world’s first LEED New Construction Platinum level certification for a gaming resort. The Home2 Suites by Hilton Silver Spring and MGM Springfield join these other LEED Platinum hotels or resorts in the United States: Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, N.C.; Hotel Skyler...

SILVER SPRING, MD.—With 13 years of building to LEED standards under its belt, it is no surprise that The Duffie Companies’ first hotel project would be a LEED one. With the Home2 Suites by Hilton Silver Spring (Md.), however, The Duffie Companies has gone far beyond basic LEED certification; the hotel is on the way to becoming one of just seven LEED Platinum hotels or resorts in North America. Unique to the hotel is its location, says Shane Pollin, Director of Development for The Duffie Companies. “This community has no other hotels nearby,” he says. The property is located on...

LAS VEGAS—Diamond Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, has partnered with the We Are Water Foundation to launch an initiative that encourages travelers to make a rational and sustainable use of water. As part of the initiative, Diamond Resorts will be educating members, owners, guests and team members to make a reasonable and sustainable use of water within all of the company’s European properties. With help from We Are Water, Diamond Resorts will hold programs aimed at informing people of their water usage and encouraging them to make simple changes, such as reusing bath towels...

Name: Emily Smith Title: Director, Corporate Strategy Company: Park Hotels & Resorts Years in Current Position: 2.5 years Primary Responsibilities: “I am in the corporate strategy group—a two-person team. I help investors invest in our company, work on our earnings reports, and help maintain our website. Over the past six months my job has evolved to include ESG (environmental, social, governance). ESG has become about 50 percent of my duties.” Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “The installation of Melink Intelli-hood systems in all kitchen exhaust and make-up units at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The savings have been incredible—an annual energy reduction savings of more...

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA—Situated on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia, The Datai Langkawi is a luxurious ecotourism resort nestled in the heart of a 10 million-year-old rainforest. In an exciting milestone, The Datai Langkawi is the first in the world to join the EarthCheck ECO (Terrestrial) Certification Program. EarthCheck ECO is the culmination of a journey that began in 1987 and continues to this day. Using a science-based approach, the program helps travel and tourism organizations increase efficiencies, reduce their environmental footprint, support local communities and maximize guest experience. “Over 500 million years ago, Mother Earth created what is known as...