LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced that MGM Springfield, located in Springfield, Mass., has received the world’s first United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction Platinum level certification for a gaming resort. MGM Springfield, which opened in August 2018, is the company’s most recent development. Working closely with state and city officials, as well as the local community, MGM Resorts committed to designing and building a property that exemplifies the company’s values in support of environmental sustainability and positive social impact while honoring local history and architecture. A significant enabler of the LEED Platinum rating...

For those of you not familiar with Hersha Hospitality Trust, it is a real estate investment trust that invests in hotels (48 hotels, 7,644 rooms). The company is organized in Maryland, with its principal office in Harrisburg, Pa. Hersha created its award-winning sustainability program, EarthView, in 2010. Hersha just released its 2018 Sustainability Report. According to Hersha, since 2010 it has seen a $65 million increase in portfolio value thanks to EarthView. It has also experienced $11 million in savings. Compared to 2010, Hersha has seen a 15 percent reduction in energy per square foot, 41 percent reduction in greenhouse...

Hotels, motels and other lodging facilities frequently wash thousands of pounds of sheets, towels, pillow cases and other linens each day. While just 8 to 12 percent of the laundry operation represents initial equipment costs, a staggering 87 percent of the total laundry budget consists of operating costs: water, chemicals, electric, gas and labor. For lodging entities embracing green and other technologies to reduce costs, the laundry operation should be a focal point. Reducing Water Use  While today’s commercial washer-extractors are far more efficient than decades ago, manufacturers continue to fine tune operation. More innovative manufacturers have designed special spray heads...

NATIONAL REPORT—Yes, the hotel industry is always urging us to reuse our towels, for decades now. But, we’re gradually moving beyond that. Fairmont St Andrews Bay, for instance, is replacing disposable plastic water bottles with “special refillable water pitchers.” What’s the ripple effect? Well, they’re driving down the number of bottles dumped each year by a reasonable 55,000. In the meantime, Melia debuted as the third most eco-friendly hotel on the planet (behind InterContinental and Hilton) according to RobecoSAM, a sustainable investment agency. The long and short of it is that the hospitality industry is going green. So, if you’re serious...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News welcomes NuTek International to its Green Product & Service Directory in the Laundry/Ozone Systems category. NuTek’s Ozone Laundry Support Systems is a sustainable, On Premises Laundry installation that reduces water usage, conserves energy and provides superior disinfection—backed by 2018 microbial testing results verifying 99.99 percent disinfection against all common bacteria and viruses, including the CDC’s Top 9 Superbugs. As the only ozone laundry system to earn UL Recognition specifically for use with commercial washers, NuTek can connect to any programable, commercial washer. NuTek’s ozone technology generates an...

ClearWater Tech, LLC EcoTex from ClearWater Tech: Proven Technology, Proven Results The EcoTex name reflects the advanced laundry oxidation systems designed, engineered, manufactured, and distributed by ClearWater Tech, LLC. EcoTex systems enable commercial laundry professionals to replace expensive multi-step wash programs that use excessive chemicals and hot water with cold-water programs that use the power of ozone for disinfection and detergent activation. EcoTex reduces environmental impact, improves laundry quality, saves money, energy and detergent, while providing superior disinfection. Call ClearWater Tech at (805) 549-9724. ClearWater Tech, LLC » Email for Details »

GLENVIEW, ILL.—For the 12th consecutive year, ITW Food Equipment Group has earned the nation’s highest honor for energy efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has awarded ITW Food Equipment Group its Energy Star Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award for 2019. By maintaining a focus on energy savings and efficiency in the manufacturing of food equipment from its family of premium brands—Hobart, Baxter, Traulsen, Vulcan, Wolf, Stero and Wittco to name a few—ITW Food Equipment Group has earned Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence awards since 2010, as well as Energy Star Partner of the...

LOS CABOS, MEXICO—Solmar Hotels & Resorts, a collection of seven all-suite properties in Los Cabos, has embraced the destination’s emphasis on environmental stewardship by implementing sustainable regulations and developing eco-friendly projects. At Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas, a new resort fronting 1.2-miles of beachfront on the Pacific Ocean 15 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, 106 acres of the development’s total of 834 acres, has been preserved in its natural state. An additional 186 acres is dedicated to the golf course. Together totaling 292 acres, this parcel represents 35 percent of the development and has resulted in the creation of a low-density resort community. Utilities were...

AquaRecycle Take a Big Bite Out of Laundry Water & Sewer Costs! AquaRecycle manufactures systems that recycle 100 percent of laundry wastewater. That water is then reused within the laundry. AquaRecycle’s proven technology provides customers with 80 percent water and sewer savings and 50 percent energy savings. Our “Green Technology” can qualify your facility for LEED points. Payback of two years or less! Call (866) 272-9253. AquaRecycle » Email for Details »

LOS ANGELES—With the introduction of Karo II, ICERA has unveiled an iteration of one of its most popular toilets. This sleek design incorporates all the best features of the original Karo model while adding a squared tank and chic transitional lines. Its balanced proportions and advanced engineering combine to create an exceptional toilet that hits the mark in style, comfort and performance. Karo II is a one-piece elongated toilet that features ICERA’s anti-microbial MicroGlaze for an attractive finish that offers better hygiene and superior stain-resistance. The skirted trapway gives the design a clean finished look and allows for easier maintenance....