BETHESDA, MD.—From human rights protections to sustainable hotel development, Marriott International yesterday launched a new sustainability and social impact initiative designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities. Under Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, Marriott’s new Sustainability and Social Impact Platform seeks to continue the company’s 90-year commitment to the communities it serves, the planet and people worldwide. “As the global hospitality leader with properties and associates across 125 countries and territories, Marriott International has a global responsibility and unique opportunity to be a force for good in all...

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF.—ICERA has unveiled an enhanced version of its Muse toilet. Its fashion-forward design is perfect for contemporary luxury bathrooms where style is a priority, while its precision engineering and eco-friendly technology makes the Muse II a smart choice for practical daily living. Crafted of vitreous china, this one-piece toilet is ideal for compact spaces, with a footprint that is the same as a traditional round toilet but offering the comfort and style of an elongated seat. The Muse II is notable for its Rimless Wash system with large twin jets at the back of the bowl and an...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services, was named to the Water A List by CDP, the nonprofit global environmental disclosure platform. The A List is comprised of 73 global companies that were recognized for their efforts to manage water more sustainably. Ecolab is among 10 percent of companies participating in CDP’s water program to be named to the Water A List. “We are proud to receive this recognition, which acknowledges our strong commitment to smart water management,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr. “Companies around the world are rethinking...

VISTA, CALIF.—One of the many ways commercial facilities are reducing water consumption is to use greywater. Greywater is referred to as “gently used” water coming from restroom sinks, kitchen sinks, showers, etc. These facilities are often “doubled plumbed,” with greywater going into storage tanks and water from toilets and urinals discharged into sewer systems. While some greywater may look discolored, even “dirty,” it is usually safe, even beneficial to use to irrigate vegetation, even though it should not be used for human consumption. Because facilities that are landscaped often use more water for vegetation than anywhere else, if water can be reused...

NAPERVILLE, ILL.—By the year 2030, water demand is expected to exceed sustainable supply by 40 percent, but only 42 percent of respondents from a recent survey conducted by Ecolab and GreenBiz Group cited water management as a strategic corporate initiative. According to the research, 82 percent of the 184 large businesses surveyed say they are not sufficiently using advanced tools and technologies to better manage their water use. To encourage better water management practices, Nalco Water, Ecolab’s global water management business, has created Water University, a hands-on training facility for Nalco Water clients and associates. The new Water University was...

PISCATAWAY, N.J.—American Standard, part of the LIXIL Corp., has been recognized with a 2017 WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year Award for the brand’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness about water conservation and the use of WaterSense labeled products. A two-time winner of this distinction from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Standard demonstrated the importance of looking toward the future through its research and development of new water-efficient technologies. The WaterSense program, sponsored by the EPA, supports product certification and encourages consumers to reduce their water usage through water saving products and services, as well as by making...

LAS VEGAS—The U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge has recognized Las Vegas Sands Corp. for energy-efficiency upgrades made throughout their properties including The Venetian, The Palazzo, and Sands Expo and Convention Center. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, Las Vegas Sands Corp. set a goal to reduce energy use across its hotels by 20 percent in 10 years. From 2011 to 2016, Las Vegas Sands Corp. has reduced energy consumption by 17 percent, saving more than 500 million kBtu. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, the Energy Department is partnering with more than 345 private businesses and public-sector organizations to achieve 20...

NATIONAL REPORT—As Green Lodging News has learned in its own research and by talking to industry suppliers, there are numerous ways to reduce the environmental impact of a towel. Certainly chemicals and laundry equipment come into play, as does whether or not that equipment is matched with an ozone laundry system. Of course towel reuse programs can make a huge difference as well. But can your choice of the towel itself—how it is made and what it is made from—help you reduce your annual laundry-related costs? Many suppliers say yes and each has its own unique story to tell....

KOHLER, WIS.—Kohler Co. has earned its fifth consecutive Sustained Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Kohler, the leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath plumbing products in the United States, has partnered with the EPA’s WaterSense program since 2007 and was recognized again in 2017 for its leadership in water-saving product innovation and consumer advocacy. In 2008, the EPA named Kohler the first recipient of its WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year Award. In each year since, Kohler has earned additional recognition from the EPA, including the agency’s first Sustained Excellence award in 2013. “Kohler is honored to be recognized...

ODESSA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Odessa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added a ClearWater Tech case study to its website. The case study focuses on the Holiday Inn Express in Atascadero, Calif. and its implementation of an EcoTex™ ozone system from ClearWater Tech. The system is saving the inn substantial amounts in gas, water, and other expenses. “The ClearWater representatives thoroughly covered how the process worked, how the installation would proceed and how much money I would start to save, primarily in gas for hot water,” explained the hotel’s General Manager, Amar Sohi. “Right away, I could see savings...