The Green Meeting | News Source for Sustainable Events

USGBC meeting planners first in U.S. to be certified for green event management

2009-03-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

The U.S. Green Building Council’s conferences and events team has earned certification under the new British standard for planning sustainable events, known as BS 8901. The event planners at USGBC are the first in the U.S. to earn the distinction. The USGBC team produces over 100 events annually, including Greenbuild International Conference & Expo and the USGBC Federal Summit. Third-party monitoring of Greenbuild 2008 earned the USGBC planners the certification.

“At each Greenbuild, our Conferences and Events team works closely with our vendors, host communities, exhibitors and attendees to cut down on natural resource use and reduce carbon emissions, while gaining feedback about ways to continuously improve the show,” said Kimberly Lewis, Vice President of Conferences and Events, USGBC. “Certification under the British standard validates our processing, execution and post-event monitoring and incentivizes us to continue to transform the global meetings industry.”

BS 8901 provides standards for meeting and event planners and suppliers to show a commitment to more sustainable operations. It requires groups to produce greener events every year.

This year’s Greenbuild show will take place November 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Ariz.

Marriott Golf gets greener

2009-02-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

Marriott Golf has announced that 17 international properties will achieve certification as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by the end of this year. The news comes after the company successfully achieved such certification for 24 North American properties in 2008.

“With so much success in 2008, expanding the program to include our international properties was the next logical step and truly elevates our position as an environmental leader in worldwide golf course management,” said Robert Waller, senior director of grounds, Marriott Golf. “We are committed to promoting the game of golf in an eco-friendly way, and working with Audubon allows us to do that while also maintaining the integrity of our premier courses.”

Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries are designed to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats.

“We are very pleased with the enhanced level of commitment Marriott is showing by expanding Audubon Certification to their 17 international golf properties,” said Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audubon International. “This program directly enables golf courses to protect the environment by improving the quality of land, water, and air, along with conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife habitats. These proven environmental management practices will help preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf for many generations to come.”

Pittsburgh convention to focus on green business opportunity

2009-02-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

From March 30-31 in Pittsburgh's green David L. Lawrence convention center, Green$sense 2009: Beyond Buildings will focus on the importance of green manufacturing and economic development. It is produced but the Green Building Alliance, a green buildings and products advocate.

"While many traditional drivers of economic growth are struggling, green sectors are experiencing some economic growth and are poised for even more," said Diane Bossart, education manager, Green Building Alliance. "By attending Green$ense, attendees will gain insight on how to capitalize on these green opportunities by learning from and networking with experts, as well as exploring how practical applications will translate into environmental, economic, and social benefits for our region and our communities."

Speakers are to include Jerome Ringo, of the Apollo Alliance, an authority on green jobs. Further, Bryan Howard, manager of Federal Advocacy from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will speak about what the recent economic stimulus package means for green jobs, infrastructure and business opportunities.

San Francisco boosts green options for meeting planners and visitors

2009-02-23T06:00:00.003-06:00

The San Francisco CVB has teamed with Greenopia, a guide to sustainable lifestyles, to create a new web site for visitors to the city. A "green leaf" award system will highlight and rate organic and sustainable products and offerings in San Francisco. The hope is to boost business for earth-conscious businesses while giving visitors and meeting planners easy access to eco-kind vendors. Restaurants, interior designers, and even grocery stores will be rated on a scale of one to four green leaves. There will be 50 categories of businesses included in the green scheme.

“The SFCVB’s partnership with Greenopia will benefit visitors by giving them information about local businesses that are committed to the environment," said Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the SFCVB. "It will benefit SFCVB members by providing the means and motivation to ‘green’ their businesses. And it helps the strengthen San Francisco’s leadership as a green destination.”

Property aims to become Illinois’s First LEED-certified luxury hotel

2008-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

The 144-room Hotel Arista in Naperville, Ill., has opened its doors and soon expects to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The new property, which is 45 minutes from Chicago, is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

According to the Arista, its facility uses 30 percent less water and 21 percent less energy than other hotels of similar size because it has been designed to meet LEED specifications. Furthermore, its cleaning products are free of chemicals. During construction, builders also cut construction waste significantly.

A statement released by the hotel outlines its meeting facilities: "The hotel features over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space on three different levels: prefunction space and a divisible ballroom on the ground floor, intimate space highlighted by natural lighting on the second floor, and an executive boardroom with adjoining outdoor space on the 12th floor."

Michigan meeting property earns green recognition

2008-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Doubletree Hotel Bay City | Riverfront has won Green Lodging Michigan Steward certification from the Michigan Department of Labor and Growth. The certification program recognizes properties that conserve energy, cut water use, promote clean air, slash waste and employ clean energy.

"This accreditation is the mark of environmental responsibility of hoteliers who are committed to 'green' business practices that make environmental and economic goals their top priority," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley. "Green Lodging Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our lodging facilities and the thousands of jobs related to Michigan's hospitality industry."

The Doubletree Hotel Bay City | Riverfront has 16,000 square feet of meeting and convention space in the hotel's conference center. Meeting attendees can take advantage of the hotel's linen reuse program, recycling initiative and low-flow fixtures.

"We take great pride in earning the Green Lodging Michigan Steward certification," said Thomas Kos, general manager of the Doubletree Hotel Bay City | Riverfront. "As a premier hotel in the state of Michigan, we are an organization of caring people who are making a positive difference, leading economically and environmentally."

Doubletree is part of the Hilton Family of Hotels. By 2014, Hilton has pledged to reduce energy use by 20 percent; carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent; waste by 20 percent; and water consumption by 10 percent.

Xanterra takes lead in sustainable cuisine

2008-12-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Xanterra Parks & Resorts has announced a 29 percent jump in its sales of sustainable foods in the last year and 196 percent in the last four years. A pioneer in sustainable practices, the hospitality company has served more than $4.1 million of sustainable foods served to its guests.

“Our chefs have created some of the most innovative sustainable offerings we’ve ever seen,” said Chris Lane, vice president of environmental affairs for Xanterra Parks & Resorts. “Sourcing sustainable, locally grown and organic ingredients can be challenging, particularly in remote locations, and our chefs have become quite adept at securing the products they need to create sustainable menu items.”

Included in the company's concept of "sustainable foods" are organic, fair trade or products verified by a third-party as eco-friendly.

Seven years ago, Xanterra began its move towards sustainable cuisine by promoting use of sustainable seafood in its restaurants. The company used standards developed by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fisheries. For example, Chilean Sea Bass, Atlantic Swordfish, Blue Fin Tuna and Shark were barred from Xanterra menus for environmental reasons.

Since then, according to Xanterra, the sustainable food service program has grown to include "Oregon Country Natural Beef; Kurobuta Pork; Montana Ranch Natural Lamb; Kobe-style Beef; Amaltheia Dairy goat cheese; Timeless Farm legumes; organic Fair Trade-certified Coffee from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters; local dairy; wines produced using sustainable practices; organic soy milk; farm-raised trout, shrimp and abalone; organic legumes; locally grown produce and hormone- and antibiotic-free elk, bison, chicken and venison."

Xanterra operates multiple conference centers and specializes in providing hospitality at U.S. national parks.

Despite economic woes, travelers aim to be green on the road

2008-11-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

A new survey from Deloitte has found that, despite the U.S. economic downturn, more travelers try to be green. The study found 48 percent of respondents will take the environment into consideration when traveling -- a 7 percent boost from last year's survey.

"People are looking to bring their green living habits to their travel experience and they are increasingly demanding more sustainable lodging options," said Adam Weissenberg, Deloitte's U.S. Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure leader.

According to Deloitte, 80 percent of travelers expect hotels to recycle; 75 percent expect energy efficient lighting; 60 percent expect energy efficient windows; 57 percent expect eco-friendly cleaning products; half expect low-flow plumbing fixtures and local transportation alternatives; and 40 percent expect the hotel to use renewable energy.

"Hospitality executives looking to acquire new customers and grow in these difficult economic times can benefit over the long term with investments in sustainability initiatives, including retrofitting existing properties to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and building new properties to LEED standards," said Weissenberg. "We anticipate that the regulatory environment around issues such as carbon emissions accounting, reporting and compliance will likely become more stringent in the coming years. Hospitality companies should prepare now for pending legislation on these issues to mitigate risk and seize sustainability opportunities."

Talbott becomes latest Chicago hotel to win Green Seal Certification

2008-11-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Chicago's 149-room Talbott Hotel has become that city's latest hotel to earn Green Seal Certification. The effort is part of Chicago's Green Hotels Initiative, a city-run drive to make the Windy City's hospitality sector more eco-friendly.

The Green Seal program demands that hotels achieve benchmarks in waste reduction, energy use, water conservation and Earth-friendly procurement.

“The Talbott Hotel has been a venerable part of Chicago for 80 years and we are doing all we can to be a responsible member of the community for 80 more,” said general manager Troy Strand. “We have been very diligent to ensure the guest experience is not detracted from, but only heightened as a result of our efficiency.”

Notable efforts by the Talbott include the instillation of guest room thermostats that allow guests to employ and "eco-mode" setting to conserve energy. Also, the property is purchasing a one-month carbon offset for each guest that is meant to reduce the recipient's carbon footprint at home as well as at the hotel.

With over 2,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, the hotel can accommodate events with up to 200 attendees.

Canadian entertainment producers green industry event with iPods

2008-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Planners of Prime Time in Ottawa, a leading conference and trade show of Canadian entertainment producers, is cutting its impact on the environment by distributing an iPod Touch to each attendee. The devices will eliminate the need to print conference programs, floor maps and attendee directories. The iPods will also contain video content.

The event is produced by the Canadian Film and Television Production Association, along with the Association of Provincial Film Funding Agencies, Cisco Systems Canada, the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association, Jaywest Productions, Parliant Corporation and Precision Transfer Technologies.

"I feel a profound sense of pride knowing that the CFTPA was instrumental in bringing together several very impressive partners across different industries in Canada to show to the world that by being innovative and thinking outside the box we can all do our part to help address environmental issues," says Sandra Cunningham, Chair, CFTPA.

Prime Time Ottawa is scheduled for the Westin Ottawa from February 18-20, 2009.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide aims to make operations greener

2008-11-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last week, Carlson Hotels Worldwide rolled out a new "green guide" for a sustainability initiative to span the company's five brands — Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts' Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

The sustainability program was announced at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Fall Conference in New York.

"Carlson Hotels is focusing on specific issues such as reducing, recycling and reusing solid waste, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, conserving energy and water and improving indoor air quality that can have immediate impact on the environment and the communities where our hotels operate," said Carmen Baker, vice president of Responsible Business for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "As we look at all facets of our operations, this educational tool provides the information our hotels need to enhance their efforts and employ additional actionable opportunities."

The company is undertaking a series of environmental audits at its properties to determine properties' carbon emissions, efficiency and energy use.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide has 995 locations in 74 countries.

Bamboo banner stands marketed to trade show exhibitors

2008-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Post-Up Stand Inc. has launched a new product aimed at trade show exhibitors with an eco-conscious outlook: bamboo banner stands. The stands are intended to replace aluminum and plastic alternatives.

The maker said the bamboo stands are intended to satisfy market demand for green expo products.

"We wanted to create the bamboo banner stands because it's a popular market right now," said Alon Weiner, co-owner of Post-Up Stand. "Many of our clients who purchase multiple banner stands had requested that the materials be more natural. It's important to them, and it's important to the environment. It just seemed like the right direction to go in."

The stands are produced in two sizes and include a tote and a synthetic banner.

Atlantic City center begins installation of largest solar roof system in U.S.

2008-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

The first section of solar panels has been installed atop the Atlantic City Convention Center. The power system is to be the largest single-roof photovoltaic system in the U.S., with some 13,321 panels capable of generating 2.36 megawatts. The panels will cover 290,000 square feet, or two-thirds of the venue's roof.

According to the ACCC, the solar panels will prevent release of 2,349 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. The panels will operate under a 20-year deal with Pepco Energy Services of Arlington, Va.

In June, the center announced the plans for the solar array.

“With each step we take, the ACCVA continues to embrace green initiatives and stand at the forefront of the environmental movement,” said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the ACCVA. “Following Governor Jon S. Corzine’s lead in taking a proactive look at environmental issues, our outstanding team has worked in conjunction with Pepco Energy in order to develop this project which allows us to use our natural resources to run the convention center more efficiently.”

Go Green Expo shows off environmental responsibility

2008-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

When Go Green Expo kicks off at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 23, the event will showcase a host of green measures planners have put in place to minimize the event's eco-impact.

Go Green Expo will utilize solar power provided by the LACC to generate electricity, tabulate the carbon output and offset emissions generated by the show, and use recycled and recyclable materials on the show floor itself.

"There couldn't be a more appropriate venue for this event," said Bradford Rand, CEO of Go Green Expo. "Events and expos can be incredibly wasteful and difficult on the environment and they don't have to be. We keep striving for ways to be as green as possible, from the energy used during production to the supplies used on the expo floor. We want people who come to Go Green Expo to feel like they’re in the right place."

Producers have signed on Brighter Planet to perform a post-event carbon audit of the show, an evaluation that is to include "electricity usage, on-site fuel use, staff travel, event vehicles, waste disposal and attendee travel."

Additionally, Go Green Expo has hired SolaRover, a provider of mobile solar power systems, to generate solar power to several areas at the event.

Other Go Green Expos are planned for 2009 in Philadelphia, New York and Atlanta.

Nation's largest trade show to track carbon output

2008-11-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Consumer Electronics Association has teamed up with Planet Metrics, a carbon management information company, to gauge and analyze carbon and other greenhouse gasses emitted by CES, the nation's largest trade show. The event takes place in Las Vegas from January 8-11.

"Having the ability to measure and track performance through time will enable CEA to understand the reality of actual carbon output, set reduction targets, effectively reducing the environmental impact of the show," said Andy Leventhal, CEO and co-founder of Planet Metrics.

Planners of CES expect more than 130,000 people. Planet Metrics will work to track attendees' carbon generated by travel, electricity, fuel use and hotel stays. The company has already been working with CES for several months.

"The greening of the International CES reflects the consumer electronics industry's commitment to environmentally sustainable practices," said Parker Brugge, vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability for CEA. "Attendees at the 2009 CES will witness the latest green technology innovations from among more than 2,700 exhibitors, and see how the industry's largest event takes a leading role in understanding and promoting pro-environment policies."

Greenbuild picks green caterer Undine

2008-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Newton, Mass-based Undine will provide food and beverage service to the 2008 U.S. Green Building Council's annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center (BCEC) in Boston, Mass. from November 19-21. The green food service will feature organic and locally grown foods to the estimated 30,000 attendees expected by the planners of Greenbuild.

"At our Greenbuild conferences, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint in as many ways as possible, including through our food and beverage service," said Kimberly Lewis, vice president of conferences and events for the U.S. Green Building Council. "Unidine's commitment to providing organic and locally grown food to our attendees and exhibitors aligned with our greening initiatives, and we look forward to working with them at this year's show."

Undine will use sustainable food preparation techniques and serve meals using packaging, paper prodcuts, and cutlery made from natural and biodegradable materials. Leftovers will go to area nonprofits.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Unidine to showcase our talents as a fresh food provider and our dedication to sustainable foodservice practices that compliment the U.S. Green Building Council's mission;" said Unidine president and CEO, Richard Schenkel. "Food service is not the first thing most people think about when it comes to green buildings but it is an important component that cannot be overlooked."

Green Globe partners with Green Hotel Certification

2008-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Green Globe International has teamed with Green Hotel Certification to co-brand a set of sustainability standards for tourism properties, hotels and resort destinations. The initial effort will focus on hotels and other properties in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe.

For a licensing fee, Green Certifications will use Green Globe's brand and logo to designate green hotels and other businesses in the hospitality sector.

"This co-branding alliance with Green Certifications is exactly the type of licensing arrangement that Green Globe International will pursue with qualified partners in the sustainability sector," said Steven R. Peacock, CEO and managing director of Green Globe International.

According to Green Globe, its standards for sustainability are used in 48 countries by tourism businesses.

"Green Hotel Certification has found the perfect partner to expand further in the Americas including the Caribbean as well as Europe," said Guido Bauer, president of Green Certifications. "Only one certification or re-certification process is required for hotels and resorts to reach both, Green Globe as well as Green Hotel Certification, awards. This partnership makes sense and provides advantages for all parties involved."

Green roof completed for Vancounver convention complex

2008-11-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Last week, the premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell, took part in a ceremony marking the completion of the 2.5 hectare green roof atop the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center.

“The living roof … is going to be something that is recognized around the world,” said Campbell, according to Canada's Metro News.

The Vancouver venue will 350,000 plants and grasses native to British Columbia. The plants grow in a 6-inch deep layer of sand, mulch and lava rock that are irrigated by 27 miles of piping.

“There are more living plants on the roof of the Vancouver Convention Centre than flowers in all of Vancouver’s 200 parks," Campbell said.

The $751 million facility will be completed in March, and is being built to LEED Gold standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. According to Campbell, the center will use 70 percent less water than a similarly sized building, and be more energy efficient.

Big Island unveils sustainability web site for visitors

2008-11-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

In Hawai'i, the Big Island Visitors Bureau has created a sustainability web site that details sustainability efforts and gives tips for visiting the island in a responsible manner, including how to cut energy use, eat local foods and recycle.

The site also suggests green activities such as food, agriculture, marine recreation, Hawaiian culture and festivals.

Moreover, the new web site offers information about sustainable hotels, resorts, restaurants and tours. Links provide ways to offset visitors' carbon emissions.

"The model for sustainability on the Island of Hawai‘i and other Hawaiian Islands was already in place and practiced here for more than a millennium, well into modern times, by the first inhabitants, the native Hawaiians," according to a statement from the bureau. "They were masters at using the islands’ land and sea resources to support populations as large as that of today. The agriculture and aquaculture methods of Hawaiians are widely regarded as the most efficient in the Pacific. The Hawaiians understood and were keenly attuned to their environment and how to keep in balance with it."

The incentive to promote green travel is strong. According to the bureau, the Hawaiian Islands contain the highest number of threatened plant and animal species of any place on the planet.

Unicomm launches green travel summit

2008-11-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Event producer Unicomm LLC has announced the creation of the Green Travel Summit, a forum to explore eco-conscious business travel and meetings. The summit will take place at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif., on March 23-24.

Sponsors include American Express Business Travel, the National Business Travel Association, the Association of Travel Marketing Executives, Business Travel News, Successful Meetings and Meeting News.

“Environmental considerations form a central component of any corporate travel CSR initiative. NBTA is proud to co-sponsor the inaugural Green Travel Summit as a forum to address the latest developments in green travel," said NBTA President & CEO Kevin Maguire. "NBTA’s support of this new Summit expands on our ongoing CSR initiatives, including the recent launch of a corporate CSR Toolkit and a benchmarking tool.”

Planners expect 400 executives from the travel industry including corporate travel managers, incentive planners, marketing executives, corporate travel suppliers and destination marketers.

Participants will examine best practices in measurement of "green efficiencies," guidelines, carbon offsets and virtual meetings.

Oregon Convention Center hires sustainability coordinator

2008-11-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Oregon Convention Center has hired Brittin Witzenburg as the facility's first sustainability coordinator. Witzenburg will manage the center's efforts to recycle, reduce waste and cut carbon emissions.

"The creation of a new position designed solely to enhance the sustainable practices of the Oregon Convention Center is a significant step," Jeff Blosser, executive director of the Oregon Convention Center. "To date, we have each done our part to learn how to become ‘green;’ now, we’ll have the valuable benefit of Brittin’s expertise and experience to guide us."

Witzenburg has served as an energy analyst for the Oregon Dept. of Energy, where she headed the Oregon Resource Conservation Managers Network.

Recently, the Oregon Convention Center earned LEED-EB recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council. Witzenburg will oversee future LEED certification requirements.

EA Logistics picked as GreenBuild shipper

2008-11-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Green Building Council has selected EA Logistics Expo and Event Services Division as the carrier for GreenBuild 2008, in an effort to cut transportation-related emissions. EA Logistics provides a Delivered GrEAn® service that allows exhibitors to offset carbon emissions

"The environmental impact of show-related shipping can be enormous and the industry is just beginning to grapple with the need for eco-friendly transportation," said Mike Ellis, president of EA Logistics. "As the preferred green carrier, we will have an opportunity to demonstrate how the Delivered GrEAn® program can complement other greening efforts and make a real dent in the environmental impact of a major event."

EA Logistics calculates emissions for every shipment based on weight, distance and method of delivery, then purchases carbon credits which support renewable energy and forest restoration projects.

GreenBuild, the world leading sustainable building trade show, attracts more than 25,000 exhibitors and attendees annually. This year, the event takes place November 19-21 in Boston, Mass.

"GreenBuild is already an exemplary green event and a model of sustainability on many levels," said Anah Corley, Vice President - Business Development for Stetson Convention Services, the show’s general contractor and a leader in sustainable events. "As GreenBuild moves forward with their requisite sustainability guidelines, we want to support the exhibitor’s efforts and resourcing by including Delivered GrEAn® by EA Logistics as our preferred green carrier. By doing so, we’re expanding our program and creating a legacy of improved environmental practices amongst event participants."

Santa Monica hotel undergoes $30 million green makeover

2008-11-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

The Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica, Calif., has been redesigned and refurbished with the environment in mind. Along with a new restaurant, an elevated pool and a rooftop bar, the property has added a slew of eco-friendly elements. The property reopened in October following a $30 million makeover.

"Hotels are notoriously one of the biggest offenders to the environment, and we wanted to challenge this idea by incorporating easy elements to eliminate excessive and unnecessary waste," said hotelier Tehmina Adaya.

Among new green amenities, the Hotel Shangri La will offer reusable glass water bottles, hybrid parking discounts, nontoxic cleaning products, recycled stationary and paper products, a gray water system, aggressive recycling strategies and locally sourced food. Additionally, the new pool will be heated with solar energy.

The 71-room Art Deco property, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, features a 300-square-foot meeting room atop its roof, along with a 700-square-foot outdoor terrace suitable for events.

Green Waldorf=Astoria planned for Philadelphia

2008-10-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

A $420 million Waldorf=Astoria with a green ethos is on the drawing board for the corner of 15th and Chestnut in Philadelphia. The 58-story Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and Residences Philadelphia will feature a green roof, an active chilled beam HVAC system, and a high degree of building automation.

"We're convinced that being sustainable can enhance the guest experience and, surprisingly, we've found no shortage of extremely high-quality and innovative building products to use in this project from some of the most prominent and respected names in the industry," said Tim Mahoney, President and CEO of Mariner Commercial Properties, one of the project's developers.

Re:Vision Architects of Philadelphia, a premiere LEED consultant, will ensure the property meets the latest sustainability standards.

The new 175-room property will contain a state-of-the-art conference center, residences, a spa, lounges and restaurants. It will be the tallest mixed-use hotel development in Philadelphia.

Asian hotel company aims for carbon neutrality

2008-10-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

Alila Hotels and Resorts has signed on with the GreenAsia Group to make its operations carbon-neutral, beginning with its headquarters in Singapore. GreenAsia Group will analyze the hotel company's total greenhouse gas emissions which Alila plans to offset by supporting emissions reduction certificates from projects in Asia.

“As a luxury lifestyle boutique resort manager Alila Hotels and Resorts takes a proactive and serious approach to preserving our environment," said Mark Edleson, president and CEO of Alila Hotels and Resorts. " Measuring our carbon footprint, striving to reduce it and then offsetting the unavoidable emissions will ensure we continuously seek to set best standards in environmental sustainability. We are very happy to work with The GreenAsia Group in a comprehensive way that reaffirms our commitment to the triple bottom line framework for sustainability and delivers tangible benefit to local communities in some of Asia’s less developed countries.”

Further, the GreenAsia Group will create guidelines for Alila staff and managers to slash energy use and greenhouse emissions. For guests, the company will create a program to measure emissions generated by each stay, and provide a voluntary opportunity of offset pollution associated with their travel and accommodations.

“The GreenAsia Group is extremely proud to work with Alila Hotels and Resorts which has already built a strong consistent reputation for its leadership role in eco-tourism," said Raimondo Chiodi, director of The GreenAsia Group. "We will use science-based methods to provide a quantifiable unbiased measure of Alila’s carbon footprint and develop a broad-based programme for Alila to become the first carbon neutral company in Singapore.”