The idea for the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system was hatched almost 30 years ago in 1993. Today, there are more than 100,000 buildings participating in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) certification program. Approximately 1,000 of those buildings are lodgings located around the world. According to USGBC, “LEED certified buildings are proven to save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier places for people. They are a critical part of addressing the climate crisis, meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.” The most recent version of LEED is LEED...

SINGAPORE—In an article published earlier this week on Green Lodging News, the introduction to Greenview’s just released 83-page Green Lodging Trends Report (GLTR) was summarized. In this article, Green Lodging News takes a deeper dive into the report, highlighting key results from this fourth GLTR. The GLTR is separated into 10 sections, with findings highlighted primarily in easy-to-read bullet-point format. The sections include Hotel Sustainability Basics, Management System, Community Impact, Health & Wellness, Responsible Consumption, Single-Use Plastic Elimination, Waste Management, Water Conservation, Energy Management, and Climate Action. The following are observations from each of the 10 sections, followed by highlights from...

SOLON, OHIO—Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), an independent global certification company, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, have deemed Tarkett Powerbond RS flooring as CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly—the world’s first soft surface flooring to receive this designation. “Powerbond was introduced in 1967 and, decades later, is still ahead of its time,” said Roxane Spears, Vice President, Sustainability for Tarkett North America. “Health and wellbeing are important topics for our customers. Powerbond RS was specifically developed to address potential problems associated with indoor air quality and building-related illness. This...

NEW YORK—The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) announced the launch of the WELL Equity Rating, a new rating designed to help organizations act on their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals, and improve company culture and employee health. Over 30 leading organizations—including AvalonBay Communities, Canderel, Empire State Realty Trust, JLL, Overbury, Shaw Industries and the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry—have already enrolled in the rating, demonstrating their commitment to creating places where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. By providing an evidence-based roadmap, the WELL Equity Rating empowers organizations to better address the needs...

SAN FRANCISCO—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of buildings that prioritize people, communities and the natural environment. Beginning in early 2023, the partnership will focus on streamlining the process for achieving dual WELL and LEED certifications through a two-way crosswalk and a coordinated third-party review overseen by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization for independently recognizing excellence in green building performance and practice globally. “This is the next chapter in our partnership with IWBI, which has brought global attention and leadership...

CHICAGO—Grounded in its ongoing efforts to inspire and empower travelers to pursue their individual wellbeing goals, World of Hyatt is introducing FIND, an experiences platform, through Hyatt’s industry-leading World of Hyatt loyalty program. With 200+ experiences across 85+ destinations in over 30 countries, the FIND platform is designed to complement members’ wellbeing journeys and meet them where they are. “We know travelers are eager to explore new destinations and are prioritizing their wellbeing now more than ever,” said Amy Weinberg, Senior Vice President, Loyalty, Brand Marketing and Consumer Insights, Hyatt. “The FIND platform allows for more opportunities to enhance World of...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The global wellness industry is currently valued at $4.4 trillion and wellness in hospitality and tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel segments. After the devastating onset of Covid-19, the importance of health, wellness and well-being topics has increased and many educational institutions, industries, organizations and academics are paying more attention to these subjects. As new academic courses and certificate programs commence, the problem of resources arises. For that reason, this book was written to support the global wellness industry, as well as students and instructors in schools and institutions that offer health, wellness and well-being-related courses. The first edition...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) announced a new partnership with the Boardriders Foundation and SeaTrees as part of its Every Stay Does Good program. Through Every Stay Does Good, SCP’s guests help to make the world a better place through special programs that advance the values of wellness, social good and sustainability. With the announcement, SCP will plant one SeaTree—or kelp—each time a guest stays at the SCP Seven4One Hotel or the Laguna Riviera Hotel. The program will help restore the marine ecosystem along the Southern California Coast and foster positive climate change. “We are honored to partner with Boardriders Foundation...

HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y.—Overlooking the mighty Shawangunk Ridge on 140 arcadian acres, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection recently opened as a new, environmentally conscious, luxury retreat, fringed by fiery fall forests and a slow-rippling river. A verdant escape in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, its expansive grounds encompass orchards, woodlands, a namesake farm, heirloom gardens and fields of native wildflowers. Nestled within are 65 bespoke cabins, cottages, and suites; Thistle, an Auberge Spa; Maplehouse cooking school; and exceptional dining destinations, including the resort’s signature restaurant Clay—all inspired by the region’s wild beauty. “Fifteen years ago, my wife, Kristin, and I came to...

SHARM EL-SHEIKH—Bluewater, a Swedish innovator of award-winning hydration solutions and beverages, has lashed out at the lack of decisive action by world lawmakers to halt the production of single-use plastic bottles despite growing evidence of the threat posed to planetary and human health. “Some 1.3 billion plastic bottles are purchased around the world every day and unfortunately many ultimately end up in landfill or the oceans after being discarded, subsequently then leaching a variety of potentially health threatening chemicals and microplastics into the environment,” said Philip Russell, Managing Director of Bluewater’s U.K.-based events company, in a landmark speech in the...