tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27670402382411583852024-03-14T11:43:20.316-07:00green lodging newsGlenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-30680606391981653892010-07-27T05:56:00.000-07:002010-07-27T06:26:08.835-07:00Sustainability's Role in Defining 'Boutique,' 'Lifestyle'Earlier this month, the <a href="http://www.blla.org/">Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association</a> (BLLA) announced plans to develop a universal standard and criteria for defining boutique and lifestyle lodgings. I spoke with Frances Kiradjian, founder and chair of the organization, to learn whether or not a lodging's commitment to sustainability would be a criterion in determining whether or not it is considered a boutique or lifestyle lodging. Kiradjian told me that she was not yet ready to make a commitment that it would be required but she said, "My inclination is that yes, it will make it."<br /><br />Kiradjian said BLLA's goal is to have its definition of boutique and lifestyle lodgings complete by the beginning of 2011. BLLA is surveying hoteliers, consumers and others in order to develop its criteria. The BLLA Advisory Board will make the final decision on the definition.<br /><br />In the press release distributed about the new standard, BLLA did not mention that it is also developing a certification program for boutique and lifestyle properties. Within the certification program, Kiradjian said, there will be questions that address a property's green programs. Watch for more details at <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/">www.greenlodgingnews.com</a>.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-68524474296115951162010-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:002010-07-22T08:32:25.538-07:00Kentucky, Arkansas Step Up Green Tourism EffortsThe list of states with green lodging certification programs and/or green-oriented travel sites just keeps getting longer. The Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky recently launched its <a href="http://www.kentuckybb.com/green-lodging.php">Green Lodging Certification Program</a> and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism just launched its <a href="http://www.greentravelarkansas.com/">www.greentravelarkansas.com</a> website. According to my count, there are now 29 states, two cities and one region that have some form of green lodging program or green travel website. (<a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/Certification-Programs">Click here</a> for list.)<br /><br />The Arkansas site lists green properties but there is no certification program yet in that state. Hotels and inns, to be listed, must follow some of the guidelines described by the American Hotel & Lodging Association in its <a href="http://www.ahla.com/green.aspx">Green Resource Center</a>. Participants in the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky's program are required to have an on-site audit and must report on their progress annually. "A third-party audit gives a level of credibility that self-certification cannot achieve," said Todd Allen, the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky's Green Lodging Certification Committee Chairperson.<br /><br />While the Arkansas site certainly lacks teeth when it comes to criteria for lodging inclusion, it is good to see the state beginning to emphasize the importance of sustainable travel. It is even better to see Kentucky launch a program with strict guidelines for participation.<br /><br />If your property is in a state that currently has no green lodging certification program or does not promote itself as a green destination, don't you think it is time to lobby for change? Contact the leaders of your state hotel and lodging association and tourism office and ask why your state is being left behind.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-64949295129703854542010-07-20T07:06:00.000-07:002010-07-20T07:39:59.031-07:00Hotel Plants Trees for a Job Well DoneWhen one or a group of your employees excel at something or reach a goal, how do you reward them? As part of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego's Roots Rock initiative, staff who achieve high customer service survey scores have trees planted in their honor. This is according to an article posted on the <a href="http://sandiegonewsroom.com/news/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42484:hospitality-goes-green-some-of-san-diegos-biggest-hotels-practice-sustainable-living&catid=38:energy&Itemid=17">San Diego News room website</a>. Since the beginning of the program, 200 trees have been planted as part of the American Forests' Global ReLeaf program. It is not the first time the <a href="http://www.hardrockhotelsd.com/">Hard Rock Hotel</a> has joined up with <a href="http://www.americanforests.org/global_releaf/">Global ReLeaf</a>. During Earth Day this spring, the hotel planted a tree for every guest.<br /><br />According to the article, the tree planting program is just one of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego's green initiatives. The property also recycles bottles and cans as well as kitchen grease and actively seeks out produce and fish from local vendors. The hotel also has a towel/linen reuse program, motion detectors to turn off lights, and the hotel's company car is a Toyota Prius.<br /><br />I am sure your employees would first appreciate financial compensation for a job well done. In addition to that, however, having trees planted in their name is a great idea. The American Forests' Global ReLeaf program is just one program to consider. The <a href="http://www.arborday.org/">Arbor Day Foundation</a> is another great organization. They will even send you trees to plant. In what ways are you rewarding your employees and helping the environment at the same time? I would love to read your thoughts.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-81650065236282990622010-07-14T06:31:00.000-07:002010-07-14T06:58:56.859-07:00First LEED Gold Hotel to Become DoubletreeAccording to two newspaper reports, <a href="http://www.gaianapavalleyhotel.com/">The Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa</a>, the United States' first LEED Gold hotel, will become a Doubletree hotel by the end of the year. The current owner of the hotel in American Canyon, Calif., is Butterfly Effect Hotels LLC. The transition to a branded hotel is an interesting turn of events for the property that was the vision of Wen-I Chang, who also launched the Gaia at Anderson hotel in Anderson, Calif. I had an opportunity to speak with Wen a number of times several years ago and he always emphasized how happy he was not to have a connection to a brand. As the economy changes, so too can attitudes toward branding.<br /><br />According to a report in the <a href="http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/article_7db20d92-8e39-11df-9151-001cc4c03286.html">Napa Valley Register</a>, the ownership group is expected to raise rates at the 132-room hotel by $15 to $20 a night. The hotel is currently running a 65 percent occupancy. The hotel, managed by Marin Management Inc. of Sausalito, Calif., will maintain its green features during the transition. The hotel has a solar photovoltaic system on its roof and includes touches such as chemical-free landscaping, 100 percent recycled tile, a guest van that uses alternative fuel, waterless urinals, and plates on guestroom doors that include the name of a wild animal, bird or flower. Inside the lobby is a real-time display of how much energy the hotel is using and saving.<br /><br />Frank Huang, a partner in Butterfly Effect Hotels, expects the Doubletree branding to bring in 25 percent more business.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-54510799387581673702010-07-12T05:57:00.000-07:002010-07-12T06:15:26.868-07:00Faraway Inn's Recycling Helps FelinesI often hear from hoteliers and innkeepers about their recycling efforts. I recently wrote about the <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/w-san-francisco-approaches-80-percent-waste-diversion">W San Francisco and its almost 80 percent waste diversion rate</a>. I have reported about many other interesting projects, including composting and even holding an e-waste recycling day (the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C. did this). In the past week I heard from Doreen and Oliver Bauer at the <a href="http://www.farawayinn.com/">Faraway Inn</a> in Cedar Key, Fla., about their unique recycling initiative.<br /><br />The Bauers are offering their inn as a collection point for spent inkjet cartridges, used cell phones and ipods, digital cameras and laptops. They mail the items to a company that properly recycles or disposes of them. In exchange for sending in the items, the inn receives a check made out to their favorite nonprofit organization. "To date, we have received $150 back for mailing in trash," the couple says.<br /><br />The Humane Society of Inverness is the recipient of the money. The organization helps to neuter/spay feral cats. The Bauers kick in additional volunteer time to help the nonprofit. "Our island cats are spayed/neutered/vaccinated and given a clean bill of health before being released back into their environment to live out their lives kitten free," the Bauers said.<br /><br />No matter the size of your property--the Faraway Inn has just five employees--you can still make a difference in your community and reduce the flow of waste to landfills. You can write to the Bauers at <a href="mailto:info@farawayinn.com">info@farawayinn.com</a> to learn more about their efforts.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-68440199786869872102010-07-08T04:39:00.000-07:002010-07-08T05:23:24.047-07:00Electronic Publishing is Risky BusinessWhen I started my career in trade publishing, things were much simpler. There was no Internet, no e-mail, and computers had a little more memory than a calculator (it at least seemed that way). While working for Hotel & Motel Management magazine, I was part of an effort to produce a print publication approximately twice a month. Things occasionally did go wrong but usually errors were minor. If you did not catch a mistake before the publication was printed, it was too late.<br /><br />In today's world of electronic publishing, where everything is constantly "live" and can be updated or changed easily, it is easier to correct mistakes. However, the electronic world presents its own challenges as well and any travel-related business dipping its toes into electronic publishing needs to be careful.<br /><br />As most of you know, I produce an electronic newsletter each week. I recently redesigned the newsletter along with the Green Lodging News website. As part of this transition, I began to work with a new company that distributes electronic newsletters. Everything went fine the first couple of weeks. Yesterday, however, I received an e-mail from the company claiming that someone on my list had been spammed with my newsletter. Turns out this person represents an organization called Spamhaus. I had never heard of Spamhaus and of course I do not intentionally spam anyone. In fact, anyone not wishing to receive my newsletter can opt out with one easy click.<br /><br />Because of this one person making a spam claim, my account was shut down. I will certainly find another company to use but the lesson learned here is that no matter how clean your e-mail distribution list is, you are always vulnerable to spam claims--whether because of the efforts of a competitor, an unhappy customer or reader, or someone (a guest) who happened to forget that they signed up for your e-mail publication.<br /><br />Electronic publishing is a risky world indeed. The lesson learned here? Always have a backup plan. Just one person clicking a spam button can stop you in your tracks.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-3123174376924352952010-06-30T10:49:00.000-07:002010-06-30T11:16:00.034-07:00Engineers--the Unsung HeroesIn gaining efficiencies in a hotel--especially a large hotel--it is often the director of engineering who has the most impact on whether or not an energy management, water or waste initiative is successful. Yet, engineers rarely get the credit they deserve. Why not? When was the last time you saw an industry association, at the national level, present an award to an engineer for reducing a property's carbon footprint?<br /><br />I just had an opportunity to interview Brian Gorski, director of engineering at the Hyatt Regency in Boston. He has worked at the hotel since 1993. After 18 years at the property, Brian has a tremendous amount of knowledge about what makes the property efficient or inefficient. Thanks in part to Brian's work, the hotel was just awarded the EPA's prestigious Energy Star rating. Brian told me the hotel's electricity consumption has dropped by a whopping 42 percent since he started working there. At one time the hotel consumed 12.3 million kilowatts of electricity per year; now the property consumes just 7.1 million kilowatts annually.<br /><br />There are many things that have contributed to the plunge in power consumption: training, investments in new lighting, a guestroom energy management system, motion detectors for lighting, variable frequency drives, new heating and cooling systems, and much more. Brian has helped lead the effort to update heating, cooling and other equipment that has seen its better days. The hotel's owners have spent about $3 million on updates over the last 10 to 12 years.<br /><br />Behind the scenes of our nation's largest hotels, engineers like Brian are having a huge positive impact on reducing our industry's environmental footprint. If someone like Brian works in your hotel, be sure to give that person the credit and recognition he or she deserves.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-79134899507588981122010-06-24T06:30:00.000-07:002010-06-24T07:08:42.187-07:00Smoking Ban Takes Effect July 1 in KansasNext week will be an important one for proponents of smoke-free bars, restaurants and other public places in Kansas. On July 1, a statewide smoking ban will go into effect covering those areas. Governor Mark Parkinson signed the ban in March earlier this year. The law was the work of a bipartisan coalition in the House and Senate, as well as numerous doctors, nurses and health professionals.<br /><br />Hotels will still be allowed to permit smoking in 20 percent of their guestrooms. That is bad news for the housekeepers who will have to clean those rooms. Many studies have proven the danger of secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Health officials in Kansas estimate that 4,000 Kansans die from smoking-related disease every year, about 300 through secondhand smoke. The Kansas Health Policy Authority estimates the smoking ban could result in more than 2,000 fewer heart attacks and a $21 million reduction in hospital charges for heart attacks alone. Unfortunately, the state exempted state-owned casinos from the smoking ban.<br /><br />As of April of this year, 38 states and the District of Columbia had local laws in effect that require 100 percent smoke-free workplaces and/or restaurants and/or bars.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-55039530640261511262010-06-22T09:45:00.000-07:002010-06-22T10:11:41.164-07:00Hyatt Commits to Green Key Eco-Rating ProgramThose organizations competing with the Green Key Eco-Rating Program--a joint partnership between the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and LRA Worldwide--will certainly be interested in learning more about today's announcement involving Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Hyatt just announced its commitment to the Green Key program for its hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Green Key is one of the many green lodging certification programs available to hoteliers.<br /><br />Why should those who run Green Seal, Green Globe, Audubon Green Leaf and the other programs be concerned? Green Key, which already dominates the Canada market, appears to be pulling ahead in the race for certification business here in the United States. Just launched in the United States last September, Green Key has already been adopted as the certification program for the State of Indiana, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has committed its U.S. hotels to the program, Accor North America is piloting the program, Sofitel Luxury Hotels adopted the program for its U.S. hotels, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association just partnered with HAC and LRA Worldwide to offer a discount for its members interested in pursuing Green Key certification.<br /><br />Yes, Green Seal has all of Kimpton's hotels and U.S. Great Wolf Resorts locked up, and Audubon Green Leaf is the accepted program in New York State, but Green Key appears to be pulling ahead in the race for acceptance. (Green Globe is not making much headway with U.S. hotels.)<br /><br />Will Green Key continue its momentum? Time will tell. It will definitely be interesting to watch.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-81768782635991544842010-06-17T06:08:00.000-07:002010-06-17T06:35:57.123-07:00Do USGBC Standards Ignore Public Health?A report recently released by Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) challenges the U.S. Green Building Council to strengthen their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards when it comes to human health. EHHI is a nonprofit organization composed of doctors, public health professionals and policy experts who specialize in research that examines environmental threats to human health. In the report, "LEED Certification: Where Energy Efficiency Collides with Human Health," EHHI says even USGBC's Platinum level award does little to ensure that hazardous chemicals are kept out of certified buildings.<br /><br />The lead author of the study, John Wargo, Ph.D., professor of Risk Analysis and Environmental Policy at Yale University, says the following: "Although the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification program has effectively encouraged energy efficiency in buildings, tighter buildings often concentrate chemicals released from building materials, cleaning supplies, fuel combustion, pesticides and other hazardous substances."<br /><br />EHHI is especially concerned that the LEED program is now providing the false impression that the buildings it certifies protect human health. EHHI says USGBC's Platinum rating is attainable without earning any credits for indoor air quality protection. (Green Lodging News reported earlier this year that LEED certified hotels can include smoking rooms. <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/Content.aspx?id=4466">See article</a>.)<br /><br />EHHI recommends that numerous changes be made to the LEED program so that it becomes more health protective. To learn more about EHHI's findings and recommendations, <a href="http://www.ehhi.org/leed/">click here</a>. The report is a very important document.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-62509999660754382602010-06-15T05:45:00.000-07:002010-06-15T06:09:29.625-07:00The Story of Snow White the GoatBlanche Neige (Snow White) is the name of the goat recently adopted by <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/queenelizabeth">Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal</a>. Snow White will supply the milk that will be used to make cheese for the hotel's Beaver Club. (Do I detect an animal theme here?) A registered "show goat" with an impressive pedigree, Snow White was adopted from the local Fromagerie du Vieux St. Francois as part of the property's ongoing commitment to supporting local cuisine and small artisan producers. While living at the fromagerie, Snow White will produce cheese for the menu at The Beaver Club, as well as for sale at the Fairmont Store.<br /><br />The Beaver Club's Chef Martin Paquet will be using the goat cheese in a variety of dishes to complement the restaurant's renowned cuisine, from entrees to desserts.<br /><br />Snow White is a Saanen breed of goat, which originally comes from the Saanen Valley of Switzerland and is registered with the the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation. Snow White is, of course, a lady. She will not live at the hotel but at a local farm.<br /><br />This a great idea and a great way to engage guests, especially children visiting the hotel. Now if the hotel would just adopt seven chickens. Then they would have...you guessed it I am sure...Snow White and the Seven Chickens.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-81659269460147438802010-06-10T06:19:00.000-07:002010-06-10T06:41:04.924-07:00A Loo Loo and a Bathroom BrakeI never thought much about the unwrapping speed of a roll of toilet paper until two vendors came along to offer similar products that slow that speed. That's right, there are products available that can slow the speed at which your guests unravel the rolls of toilet paper they use. I heard from company No. 1 last year: <a href="http://www.toiletpapersaver.com/">Biway Products</a>. That company sells what is called the Loo Loo. It is a product made from expanded polymers that fits over the paper roller. The roll of toilet paper is then placed over it. The Loo Loo, because of its shape, helps to slow the pace at which paper unrolls. According to the company, the Loo Loo will save 20 to 50 percent on each roll used.<br /><br />The second company, <a href="http://www.bathroombrake.com/">Bathroom Brake</a>, makes a similar product that helps put the brake on toilet paper rolling. It is even scented to...well, you know...help cover unpleasant odors that tend to linger in that general area. The company says its product will save 25 percent or more of wasted paper.<br /><br />Be sure to check out these products and let me know what you think. Especially in a hotel, where toilet paper flies off the shelves, doing something to minimize paper waste makes sense. According to Biway Products, 45 billion rolls of toilet paper are used in North America each year. That equates to a lot of trees being felled and a lot of water and air pollution.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-43432191708138532662010-06-08T06:20:00.000-07:002010-06-08T06:46:39.720-07:00The Wind Beneath Their WingsOf the numerous renewable options for power generation, wind power is certainly one of the most expensive. Yet, there are some hotel, resort and even inn owners that have invested in wind--even though it will be many years before seeing a return on their investment. What is driving these folks to spend up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars on wind turbines?<br /><br />Having the ability to meet a portion of their electricity needs is certainly one of the reasons for their investments. But it seems that what many owners are trying to do is make some type of statement. What kind of statement? That they are committed to renewable energy and the protection of the environment in general. That they are willing to spend what is necessary to brand their property in a highly visible manner as one that is progressive and green. That they are willing to be groundbreakers--even when there is no ROI in sight.<br /><br />I recently wrote about the <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/Content.aspx?id=4785">Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa</a> in Whitefield, N.H. The owners of that property spent $500,000 on their 100-kilowatt wind turbine. The marketing manager for the Mountain View Grand said the owners paid for the turbine out of their own pockets because "it was the right thing to do." The owners of the <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/Content.aspx?id=2532">Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort</a> in Hancock, Mass., paid about $4.2 million for their 1.5-megawatt wind turbine. The expected payback time on their investment? About eight to nine years. For most property owners, eight or nine years is too long to wait to see a return.<br /><br />I frequently come across individuals who have deep pockets and who are willing to invest in technologies that require ROI patience. Some make good decisions to make their green statements; others do not. Without owners willing to set examples for others, however, new technologies such as wind turbines will never mature in our industry. I commend those investors for showing leadership--even when the business case is questionable.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-39248189352649247212010-06-03T06:19:00.000-07:002010-06-03T06:53:59.610-07:00Delta Chelsea Offsetting 109 Percent of FootprintIt is not easy for a large hotel building to be carbon neutral--especially one that has 1,590 rooms. There are just two ways to make it happen: be powered entirely by wind, solar or other renewable energy sources; or by purchasing carbon offsets in combination with energy-saving efforts. The <a href="http://www.deltahotels.com/en/hotels/ontario/delta-chelsea/">Delta Chelsea</a>, Canada's largest hotel and located in Toronto, has offset 109 percent of its annual carbon footprint through the LivClean Eco-Stay program. For 2009, 7,845 tons worth of carbon offsets were purchased. Through the LivClean Eco-Stay program, guests are asked to donate $1 upon check-out and all funds are sent to LivClean to purchase carbon offsets on the hotel's behalf.<br /><br />There are some who say purchasing offsets is the easy way to get to carbon neutrality but the Delta Chelsea has done a lot on its own to reduce its environmental footprint. From 2005 to 2009, it reduced its carbon emissions by 64 percent. The hotel diverted 84 percent of its waste stream to recycling in 2009 and was selected as the winner of the 2008 Energy & Environment Award by the Hotel Association of Canada.<br /><br />"As a business operating in a large community such as Toronto, the Delta Chelsea recognizes and respects its corporate responsibility to make it a stronger and better place to live," says Josef Ebner, regional vice-president and managing director, Delta Chelsea Hotel. "As a quality organization, this is a key focus for our hotel and for our company. To that end, we will always consider the environment in our decision-making, striving to take action that will positively impact the environment and that will go beyond existing regulations and legislation."<br /><br />Congratulations to the Delta Chelsea Hotel for achieving "carbon neutrality."Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-82517049073124272662010-05-27T06:27:00.000-07:002010-05-27T06:43:48.799-07:00Sometimes It's Better Not to be Number OneA new study conducted by the University of Adelaide (Australia), Princeton University and the National University of Singapore ranks the world's countries based on their negative impact on the environment. The research involved 228 countries and took into account seven indicators of environmental degradation: natural forest loss, habitat conversion, marine life, fertilizer use, water pollution, carbon emissions and species threats.<br /><br />The country having the worst environmental impact is Brazil, followed by the United States, China, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, India, Russia, Australia, and Peru. The study found that the wealthier the country, based on gross national income, the greater the likelihood of being an environmental offender. It's a good thing the study was done prior to the recent oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.<br /><br />Something tells me we won't be seeing the results of this study in any collateral promoting the United States as a tourism destination.<br /><br />Thanks to Robert Kravitz at <a href="http://www.alturasolutions.com/">AlturaSolutions Communications</a> and <a href="http://www.green2sustainable.com/">Sustainability Dashboard Tools</a> for sharing this news item with me.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-25164002795701646972010-05-25T05:50:00.001-07:002010-05-25T06:12:39.536-07:00Numerous Sites Providing Oil Spill Updates<a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/Content.aspx?id=4750">Green Lodging News</a> just reported on the Florida Keys Tourism Council and its efforts to keep visitors to that area updated on the impact of the oil spill on the Keys area. The Council's website has been getting a lot of traffic. Information from official authorities, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is updated daily.<br /><br />Living Green Magazine, an online publication, is providing live updates from the oil spill on <a href="http://www.livinggreenmag.com/gulf_spill.html">its website</a>. The site's Gulf-spill section includes the latest news from major media sources, blogs from the staff of the Natural Resources Defense Council, videos and photos from the oil spill zone, hotline phone numbers where people can report beach and wildlife endangerment, links to organizations asking for donations and volunteers, and ideas for how people can take action wherever they are.<br /><br />The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also established a <a href="http://www.epa.gov/bpspill">website</a> to inform the public about the oil spill's impact on the environment and the health of nearby residents. The site contain's data from the EPA's ongoing monitoring along with other information about the agency's activities in the region.<br /><br />Additional information on the broader response from the U.S. Coast Guard and other responding agencies is available by <a href="http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />Of course all of the major news agencies are providing updates as well.<br /><br />Let's hope BP finds a way to stop the massive oil leak soon. It is already too late for some areas of the Gulf Coast.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-80561772050993717272010-05-20T06:10:00.000-07:002010-05-20T06:52:49.161-07:00Too Much Silence in Response to Oil Spill?What should the proper response of the U.S. travel and tourism industry be to British Petroleum's oil leak disaster? (BP defines it as the "<a href="http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7062283">MC252 oil well incident</a>.") Of course it should be furious and prepared to seek compensation for physical damage (if and when that happens) as well as business lost. On Monday of this week, BP announced grants to each of the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to help their governors promote tourism around the shores of the Gulf of Mexico over the coming months. BP will provide $25 million to Florida and $15 million each to Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. That money will certainly help but if oil starts hitting the coastlines of the affected states in significant amounts, the states are going to need a heckuva lot more money to address the problem.<br /><br />I checked the American Hotel & Lodging Association website and there still has not been an official response made to the oil spill. Why not? The U.S. Travel Association issued a statement early on that it was working with member organizations in the affected states to monitor the situation but it also still has not taken an official stance critical of the spill. Again, why not? We should all be furious!<br /><br />The truth is that our industry, like every single one of us, is extremely addicted to what BP was drilling for in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil, at least for now, is our industry's oxygen. While yelling about corporate irresponsibility and the damage being done to the water and life of the Gulf of Mexico, we should all be thinking about how to transition to cleaner, renewable energy. In the meantime, however, we do have every right to be furious. I just wish our industry would collectively express that more forcefully.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-20512525901676571572010-05-18T19:37:00.000-07:002010-05-18T19:50:05.015-07:00Doubletree's 'Teaching Kids to Care' Going StrongWhether helping Haiti recovery efforts or helping to protect endangered species, Doubletree's Teaching Kids to Care program has been very successful--one of the most successful chainwide community involvement programs in the lodging industry. I checked and I have posted almost 10 articles mentioning the program on the <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/">Green Lodging News</a> website. The program even has its own <a href="http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/promotions/teach/index.jhtml">Web page</a>.<br /><br />This spring, as part of its "Love Your Trees, Love Your Community, Love Your Earth" initiative, Doubletree is working with the Arbor Day Foundation to help educate kids about the importance of trees, environmental stewardship in the community, and their positive impact on the environment. Students are being encouraged to pledge and practice 10 easily doable tree conservation challenges.<br /><br />This Thursday, May 20, Shannon Dunavent, general manager of the Doubletree Guest Suites Fort Shelby/Detroit Downtown, along with her hotel team, will host a Community Urban Garden planting in Detroit. Students and teachers from Gompers Elementary School will help transform a courtyard of concrete into a "Made in Michigan" educational garden. More than 350 tree seedlings will be planted.<br /><br />The Detroit event is the culmination of more than 175 similar events that have been celebrated during the past month by 10,000 grade school students and hundreds of Doubletree employees as part of a global adopt-a-school initiative.<br /><br />Teaching Kids to Care is now eight years old and still going strong. Congratulations to Doubletree for touching the lives of more than 150,000 students in 200 communities.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-90035050741440405742010-05-13T06:30:00.000-07:002010-05-13T06:51:58.152-07:00Improving Economy Good News for CityCenterIt has been a long time coming but I will get to visit CityCenter for the first time next week while attending HD Expo in Las Vegas. I am looking forward to it. The project has already earned six Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold ratings from the U.S. Green Building Council. CityCenter has also won numerous other environmental awards since opening at the end of 2009. Sustainable features range from an 8.5-megawatt natural gas cogeneration plant to a fleet of stretch limos powered by compressed natural gas.<br /><br />It is pretty obvious that CityCenter did not open at the best time but it is what it is. According to an article in the Las Vegas Sun, the complex, which is owned by MGM Mirage and Dubai World, recorded an operating loss of $255 million in the first quarter of this year. That includes a $171 million write-down in the value of the project's condos. It has only been able to finalize sales of about 100 of its 2,400 luxury condominiums. The owners are also involved in a dispute with the project's chief contractor, Perini Building Co., over about $500 million in construction fees. Before accounting for the write-down and other charges, CityCenter incurred a loss of $32 million. When you think about it that way, things could have been a lot worse.<br /><br />Company officials and industry experts do see better things on the horizon for CityCenter and Las Vegas as the economy improves and groups and individual travelers return to the city. The project, plagued by problems from its beginning, does deserve a chance to shine--especially since it is one of the best examples of green building design in the United States. I will report back here after my visit to CityCenter next week. Have you been to CityCenter? If so, what did you think? I will look forward to reading your comments.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-72505563103586632872010-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:002010-05-11T10:40:30.595-07:00Author Takes Look at Voluntourism Hot SpotsVoluntourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry, at a rate of nearly double that of general tourism. What are you doing to capture the business of the tens of millions of U.S. travelers who care about giving back when they travel? Have you connected with organizations in your area that offer volunteer opportunities? Do you have a list prepared for meeting planners and others who ask about local options? Have you or your staff volunteered in the local community?<br /><br />In "Ecotourists Save the World," Pamela K. Brodowsky and the <a href="http://www.nwf.org/">National Wildlife Federation</a> detail 300 international voluntourism opportunities--from the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in Homer, Alaska to the Hen and Chickens Islands Weeding Project in North Auckland Peninsula, New Zealand. With each location the author provides a project description, location, contact information, cost, dates and duration, and field notes (level of fitness required, age limitations, etc.)<br /><br />According to the author, one in three amphibians, nearly half of all turtles and tortoises, one in four mammals, one in five sharks and rays, and one in eight bird species are now considered at risk of extinction. So, there is certainly a lot of work to do.<br /><br />How are you using voluntourism to put more heads in beds? I would love to read your comments.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-55613373477916239462010-05-06T08:51:00.000-07:002010-05-06T10:05:13.229-07:00Green Choice Program Criticized by StaffLast August I wrote about Starwood's Make a Green Choice program. (<a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/Content.aspx?id=3748">See article</a>.) Through the program, guests at Sheraton and Westin properties have the option of opting out of housekeeping for a day. Guests can choose to participate up to three consecutive nights. To participate, a guest must hang a "Make a Green Choice" card outside the guestroom door before 2 a.m. Guests are not eligible for the program the night prior to checking out of a room. For each night they participate, guests are given a $5 gift card to use at any of the hotel's restaurants. Guests also have the option of receiving 500 Starpoints as part of Starwood's loyalty program.<br /><br />The environmental benefits to Make a Green Choice are significant. Of course there are labor savings as well. I gave the program a lot of praise in my article and still believe the concept makes a lot of sense.<br /><br />According to <a href="http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100505/Hotel_green_100505/20100505/?hub=TorontoNewHome">an article</a> in "The Canadian Press" dated May 5, however, some hotel workers in Toronto are saying programs like Make a Green Choice are fake green programs. Workers at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto are saying that it takes three times longer to clean a room that has gone without cleaning for several days and requires more cleaning fluids. With so many guests participating in the program at that hotel, housekeepers have also lost work hours.<br /><br />This is one of those instances where a very good idea--one that results in greater business and environmental efficiency--causes unexpected pain. I can certainly understand the housekeepers' concerns. How would you solve a dilemma like this while still running a socially responsible enterprise? I would love to hear from you with your comments.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-82064568631335829012010-05-04T06:18:00.000-07:002010-05-04T06:53:21.861-07:00Hand Dryers Versus Paper TowelsKimberly-Clark, the U.S. paper towel and Kleenex maker, is causing a bit of a stir among restroom hand dryer proponents. A <a href="http://www.kcprofessional.com/uk/?PageRequest=washroom/Hand-Hygiene.asp">video on its website</a> cites two studies that found that hand dryers actually increase the amount of bacteria on the hands. According to Kimberly-Clark, jet air dryers without warm air increase bacteria on the hands by 42 percent while air dryers with warm air increase bacteria on the hands by 254 percent. Kimberly-Clark says its hand towels made from AIRFLEX fabric actually reduce bacteria by up to 55 percent.<br /><br />Assuming for a moment that what Kimberly-Clark is promoting is fact, are paper towels an environmentally preferable alternative to hand dryers? Here, Kimberly-Clark's case is shaky. While the company is obviously taking a poke at companies such as <a href="http://www.exceldryer.com/">Excel Dryer</a> and <a href="http://www.dysonairblade.com/homepage.asp">Dyson B2B, Inc.</a>, those hand dryer companies make a very strong case for reducing a hotel's environmental impact through the use of their products. According to Excel Dryer, their XLERATOR hand dryer reduces the carbon footprint of hand drying (when compared to paper towels) by 50 percent to 75 percent. For the same cost as one paper towel, Dyson's Airblade hand dryer will dry 22 pairs of hands.<br /><br />Back to the hygiene argument. Dyson says its Airblade hand dryer uses a HEPA filter to filter the air before it is blown on a person's hands. Excel Dryer, on its website, <a href="http://www.pitchengine.com/free-release.php?id=32436">cites studies</a> that prove that how one dries one's hands matters little when it comes to bacteria on the hands.<br /><br />What do I think? I have to side with the hand dryer folks. I just can't believe that cutting down trees, making paper and then transporting it is a more environmentally preferable option than hand dryers. What do you think?Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-36456276752719140542010-04-29T06:42:00.000-07:002010-04-29T07:14:00.385-07:00Victimized by the Reality of the Global EconomyWhen a client of mine e-mailed me yesterday and asked me to call her I knew there must be a problem. Turns out the company is having cash flow problems and is going to have to cut back on its advertising commitment for 2010. Given the long-term, friendly relationship I have had with the company, I am certainly not going to hold them to their contract; I understand today's economic reality.<br /><br />What concerns me is one of the reasons the company is having cash flow issues. It is having a more difficult time selling its products to U.S. hotel companies because those firms are buying their products from companies in overseas countries such as China instead. Those companies are able to sell my client's particular type of product for about one-third less. I know what you are thinking: "Tell me something I don't know."<br /><br />My client has one of the best green stories to tell in our industry. Its products are recyclable and made from sustainable materials. Yet, because my clients' products are made here in the United States--where labor and other costs are higher--my client is bleeding business. Meanwhile, companies in places like China benefit and badly needed dollars leave the United States.<br /><br />In a traditional global economy, the companies that produce most efficiently at the lowest cost deserve to win. That said, in a global economy where sustainability and environmental responsibility are a priority, buying locally made goods is the most responsible thing to do, even if there is a cost premium. Those dollars invested trickle throughout the local economy and help everyone. Of course buying locally results in a much smaller carbon footprint as well.<br /><br />It is easy for me to say because I do not own and operate a large hotel but wherever you live--in the United States or elsewhere--support local companies first. It will be one of the most sustainable things you can do.<br /><br />Your thoughts?Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-50393022166344778662010-04-27T06:35:00.000-07:002010-04-27T06:57:14.937-07:00April National Geographic a Worthwhile ReadHere in Ohio where I am based, water conservation is not something discussed very often. The state typically gets its fair share of rain and Lake Erie provides a seemingly endless supply of fresh water. Many parts of the world are not so lucky. Better than just about any publication I have read, the April issue of National Geographic unveils the sobering truth about our world's supply of fresh water. I strongly recommend reading the issue that is dedicated 100 percent to water.<br /><br />Perhaps you have heard the statistics before: Though water covers our world, more than 97 percent is salty. Two percent is fresh water locked in snow and ice, leaving less than 1 percent for us. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will live where water is scarce.<br /><br />The hospitality industry can do a lot to help conserve water and use it more wisely--without necessarily impacting the guest experience. The <a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/WaterConservation.aspx">Green Lodging News website</a> includes many water conservation tips but the "no brainers" include: towel and linen reuse programs; low-flow toilets, showerheads and aerators; pre-rinse spray valves in kitchens; serving water only upon request in restaurants; recycling water from laundry operations; and planting plants and trees native to your local area. Smart golf course management is also important as 2 billion gallons of water are needed every day just to irrigate U.S. golf courses.<br /><br />What unique steps have you taken to conserve water at your property? Be sure to leave a comment at the end of this blog.Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767040238241158385.post-81363306377762159962010-04-22T06:22:00.000-07:002010-04-22T07:12:37.646-07:00An Earth Day Worth Celebrating<p>Happy Earth Day! For someone who edits and publishes a green publication--<a href="http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/">Green Lodging News</a>--Earth Day is the best day of the year and certainly worthy of being a national holiday. Ideally, Earth Day should be a day when all of us volunteer to help clean up our planet and commit to being better stewards of the natural resources Mother Nature provides us.<br /><br />I have been swamped with press releases the last few weeks from properties announcing Earth Day commitments and celebrations. Here are just a few examples:</p><ul><li>Hyatt Regency Aruba is holding an Earth Week. The property already hosted a trade show for local businesses to showcase their environmentally friendly products. Today, the property will have a tree planting.</li><li>At Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya, guests will tour the resort grounds and learn about the native flora and fauna and plant mangrove trees. Children will have an opportunity to create artwork using recycled newspapers and plastic bottles.</li><li>The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake hosted a day of activities including a T-shirt design contest, aluminum can recycling drive, and group cleanup of Geneva State Park.</li><li>Accor North America is holding its annual Accor Earth Guest Day. Activities include the cleaning up of local parks, collecting items for recycling, planting hundreds of trees, donating clothes and toys, and collection of used linens for donation.</li><li>In recognition of Earth Day and Arbor Day (April 30), students at partner schools of Doubletree hotels are committing to complete a series of "Tree Task of the Day" activities--everything from creating a recycling bin at home to creatively repurposing paper bags.</li><li>Chefs and other culinary officials who work for Delaware North Companies are pledging to refrain from using 90 percent of the fish and seafood species that are listed on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch "avoid" list.</li><li>Atmosphere Hospitality Management announced its new Adoba Eco Hotel & Suites brand. Each will be built to earn LEED Gold or Platinum certification.</li><li>Hilton New York team members and their families will participate in an Earth Day tree planting on Randall's Island.</li><li>Great Wolf Resorts is celebrating the one-year anniversary of earning Green Seal certification for all of its properties.</li><li>Pineapple Hospitality has launched a new website called <a href="http://www.greenerhotels.com/">GreenerHotels.com</a>. Hotels will have to be certified by one or more of six certification programs to be listed on the site.</li></ul><p>These are just some of the activities that have already taken place or will be taking place. This year's Earth Day is the 40th one. Be sure to take some time to think about what you can do to lighten your property's environmental footprint in the coming year. Once again, happy Earth Day!</p>Glenn Hasekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01875864661482132099noreply@blogger.com0