KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA—IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces the eco-friendly InterContinental Sabah Kota Kinabalu Resort, in partnership with leading Taipei real estate broker Zhancheng Tourism Development, a subsidiary of Sinyi Realty Inc., a listed real estate brokerage company in Taipei. The 450-room new-build beachfront resort, located in Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah state in northern Borneo, marks a new milestone in the impressive growth of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Malaysia. Opening in 2027, InterContinental Sabah Kota Kinabalu Resort will adopt environmentally friendly practices throughout its design, construction and operations, and provide guests with immersive, close-to-nature stays through experiences that value, protect...

CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS—When the developers of the new eco-luxury hotel located about 20 minutes from downtown Austin describe their new property as being “heavenly,” they are not kidding. The hotel, which consists of 12 dome-style villas, a 200,000-gallon natural water pool, and restaurant is called “The Heavens.” Set to open in mid-2025, each villa is named after a constellation and features handcrafted stained-glass windows, bottle artwork on the ceiling representing the constellation, and reclaimed cedar wood furnishings. Developer Dan Mages says four of the villas are completed and the rough plumbing has been completed for the fifth one. “We call them...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched its new groundbreaking report, “Water Roadmap for Travel & Tourism”, revealing total water intensity by global Travel & Tourism continues to decrease as the sector continues to grow. Despite being one the fastest growing sectors, accounting for one in 10 jobs globally and contributing 10.4 percent of global GDP in 2019, Travel & Tourism’s water usage ranged between 3.5 percent and 5.8 percent of global available freshwater, in 2021 and 2019 respectively. While this is a lower share than other key sectors, such as agriculture and food, which accounted for 70 percent...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, announced its pledge to bring clean water to one million people throughout Africa in partnership with the world-renowned nonprofit, charity: water. The pledge equates to a commitment of $50 million. Kalahari Resorts is authentically African-themed, inspired by a trip to Africa over 20 years ago by the owners and founders, the Nelson family. Known for their four award-winning waterpark resorts in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, the Nelson family opened the first Kalahari Resort in 2000 and continue to own and operate the resort brand today. Kalahari recently...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has reached a sustainability milestone by recertifying all of its previously ecolabeled hotels according to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s new, tougher environmental requirements. More than 88 percent of Scandic’s hotels are ecolabeled and the company is continuing its efforts to ensure that all hotels are certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is the official environmental certification in the Nordic countries. It updates its requirements approximately every four years, and the most recent update in 2023 included higher environmental goals. To continue to be certified, Scandic’s ecolabeled hotels have now undergone a rigorous recertification process...

NEW YORK—WINT Water Intelligence, a leader in cutting-edge water management and leak-prevention solutions for construction, commercial, residential, and industrial applications, has been selected for the coveted ESG Impact innovation program for 2023. ESG Impact is run by RealTechX, the programs arm of leading real asset technology investor, Taronga Ventures. The program supports technology and innovation solutions addressing critical environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) priorities in the real asset industry. The ESG Impact innovation program in 2023 supports 12 emerging global technology solutions to achieve sustained growth through deep partner collaboration, mentoring, and investment opportunities. “Water conservation, particularly the identification and control...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Newsweek has included Whirlpool Corp. on its list of America’s Greenest Companies for 2024. This recognition for Whirlpool highlights the company’s continued commitment to sustainability through innovative products and efficient operations. “We are honored to receive this recognition from Newsweek which is a testament to the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. Our employees work every day to improve life at home for our consumers by delivering products that are water and energy efficient without compromising performance,” said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and Sustainability. “We take proactive steps to ensure we’re doing all...

NEW YORK—WINT Water Intelligence, a leader in cutting-edge water management and leak-prevention solutions for construction, commercial, residential, and industrial applications, has been selected for the coveted ESG Impact innovation program for 2023. ESG Impact is run by RealTechX, the programs arm of leading real asset technology investor, Taronga Ventures. The program supports technology and innovation solutions addressing critical environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) priorities in the real asset industry. The ESG Impact innovation program in 2023 supports 12 emerging global technology solutions to achieve sustained growth through deep partner collaboration, mentoring, and investment opportunities. “Water conservation, particularly the identification and control...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Auto-Chlor System, a national leader in the production, installation, and service of energy-saving dishwashers, offers the U34 SpaceSaver Dishmachine. The U34 fits under a 34” table or countertop, making it ideal for behind-the-bar and café-like settings. Even with its space-saving design, the U34’s internal washing capacity accommodates full-size standard 20x20 dish racks. With a 90-second wash cycle, it can wash up to 37 racks an hour. The U34 dishmachine features Auto-Chlor’s proprietary water-saving technology, making it a highly efficient and cost-effective machine. Water efficiency doesn’t mean compromising on power. With a built-in water pressure regulator, the U34 ensures a powerful,...

PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water solutions and services, announced findings from the inaugural Ecolab Watermark Study. The global consumer research examined the state of water stewardship through water’s importance, usage, connection to climate and responsibility among key consumer populations around the world. By 2030, the planet is set to face a 56 percent water deficit, according to the World Resources Institute, and 1.6 billion people will lack safely managed drinking water, according to the United Nations. It’s amid this pressing water crisis that Ecolab developed the Ecolab Watermark Study to identify trends, help educate and generate action across industry stakeholders, specifically those...