Water consumption is a significant but often overlooked source of global carbon emissions. Large amounts of energy are required to treat and transport clean, safe water—an essential but limited, scarce resource. In the United States alone, water treatment and delivery accounts for 13 percent of the country’s total electricity consumption, releasing up to 290 million metric tons of carbon every year—approximately 5 percent of total U.S. emissions and equal to the carbon output of more than 60 coal-fired power plants. In California alone, water-related consumption of electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel results in carbon emissions equal to 7 million passenger...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—With its Florida Green Lodging Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has one of the largest state-level hotel green designation programs in the United States. As of January 10, the Program had 319 designated Florida Green Lodging properties. The program is certainly one of the oldest as well, having launched in 2004. In its assessment of lodging establishments, the points-based Florida Green Lodging Program looks at the following five categories: 1. Communication and education (customers, employees, public). 2. Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. 3. Water conservation. 4. Energy efficiency. 5. Indoor air quality. Properties can earn one of four designations: One Palm, Two Palm,...

Bradley Company Sustainable & Touchless Handwashing Solutions Bradley’s versatile lavatory systems deliver a beautiful, sustainable and touch-free handwashing solution. Made of highly durable and maintainable Terreon® Solid Surface or Evero® Natural Quartz, these nonporous and seamless lavatories are hygienic, easy to clean and GREENGUARD-certified. Pair any lavatory system with Bradley’s popular all-in-one WashBar® models with touch-free soap, faucet and dryer—look for the unique angular bar shape for authentic Bradley quality and craftsmanship. Or select from an array of matching Verge™ soap dispenser and faucet sets. All of these touchless solutions provide advanced sensing operation and enhance the look and functionality of today’s...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Auto-Chlor System, a national leader in energy-efficient dishwasher production, installation, and service, presents the innovative AC TALL Space Maker Dish Machine, a key player in its advanced dishwashing technology range. Boasting a compact footprint of just 22” x 24” (occupying a mere 2.24 square feet), this dishwasher is designed to save 75 percent more space compared to conventional dish machines. This space efficiency makes it an optimal choice for environments with limited space but a high demand for efficient dishwashing. What sets the AC TALL Space Maker apart is its unique open front-loading door and a taller build,...

Cutting down on laundry volume has been the focus of our industry for decades now with the now standard towel/linen replacement opt-out programs. Only recently, however, has there been chatter about eliminating some towels entirely. In the past year I have run across several suppliers that are aiming to do just that. At this past fall’s Boutique Design New York, Magic Stone introduced its antibacterial bathmat made from natural stone that goes from wet to dry in seconds. According to the company, it can reduce annual expenditure on traditional floor towel bathmats by over 80 percent annually. The bathmats can...

NEW YORK—As organizations around the world face rising costs related to water damage and increased focus on water sustainability, WINT Water Intelligence is building on its success in 2023 to continue solving these challenges for insurance, construction, facilities, and property management companies. In 2023, WINT helped over 400 leading global enterprises mitigate water damage and reduce their environmental footprint; these customers saved a total of 652 million gallons of water which would have resulted in the release of 22,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. In addition, WINT’s solutions prevented over 900 water damage incidents with a total damage potential of tens...

BETHESDA, MD.—For many years Host Hotels & Resorts has been recognized for its ongoing sustainability leadership, and justifiably so. It was the first hospitality company and one of the first 20 companies globally to have its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). “ is very important,” says Michael Chang, Vice President of Energy and Sustainability for Host Hotels & Resorts. “It is prioritized by the investor community. It signals that your goals are credible.” Of its portfolio of 77 hotels, 11 are LEED certified. “Our sustainable financing strategies enable our responsible investment in LEED-certified...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added a Banyan Water case study to the Vendor Case Studies section of its website. The case study details how Banyan Water was able to help Hospitality Investors Trust, Inc. (HIT REIT) reduce water consumption and costs across its 50 properties. Banyan Water’s ability to track water usage in real time and prevent waste resulted in 10,523,385 gallons of water saved, a 72 percent reduction in water costs, and a two-year expected payback. A total of 514 water leaks were identified. A lack of real-time data, increased systems issues, and untracked water usage left HIT...

Success Metrics:     10,523,385 gallons of water saved 72% reduction in water costs 2-year expected payback Company Introduction: Hospitality Investors Trust, Inc. (HIT REIT) is a real estate investment trust with a diversified portfolio of hotel properties across the United States. Looking for a way to reduce water consumption and cost across their properties, HIT REIT needed a partner who could help them track their water usage in real-time and prevent waste. Portfolio Stats: Industry: Hospitality Active Properties: 50 Leaks Detected: 514 “We clearly see the results and financial benefits of this partnership. We now have unmatched water and system insights into our...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Shashi Hotel, a premier urban resort nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley in Mountain View, California by Shashi Group, announced that it has been awarded LEED Gold certification by USGBC. LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operational practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable. “At Shashi Hotel, our goal has always been to provide guests with the best customer experience possible, while also solidifying ourselves as the most disruptive and empowering technologically driven lodging...