Something to think about...
via eHotelier Global Hospitality News on 6/30/09
In a major swipe at global sustainable tourism criteria and, in particular Green Globe, Justin Francis, boss of Responsible Travel today put his cards on the table.
July 1, 2009
Global Green Certification can’t work says responsible travel boss
June 26, 2009
Green Hotels....Back in the Game
I have kind of taken a hiatus of sorts in recent months from the world of green hotels. It's been pretty easy to do given the recent economic crisis. When one fire rages it outshines the others, but, they are still burning. In recent weeks I've spent time going over our corporate green / sustainability initiatives and plans. I've been reading about compact fluorescent bulbs and LED's, pricing green roofs and walls. I've even spent time revisiting our cost benefit analyses and chasing composters.
One thought has been how much I miss this. Maybe that sounds funny to some, but it's true. I miss this stuff. On the other hand however I had the overwhelming feeling that we as an organization were missing it too. This is not a fad as some have claimed. It's not about marketing. "Green" or whatever you choose to call it, is just better business. Our investors want it. Our wallets want it. Our guests want it, whether they are willing to pay more for it or not. It can be done, and it needs to be. It is a priority.
So, here is my public repentance and pledge to do better. Be patient with me, but I will do my best to make this blog as useful of a resource as possible. Maybe I'll even make you smile along the way. Maybe, right? Or maybe not, but it will be useful... and come on, you'll smile a bit.
So, let's get back in the game coach. All of us. If you need motivation. Talk to me. It is important; environmentally, fiscally, and yes, even socially.
June 23, 2009
It's About More than Just Looking Pretty
This article does not address hotels directly, but it is certainly relevant.
via Planetizen - Urban Planning, Design and Development Network by franny.ritchie on 5/13/09
Buildings are designed to ensure fully mechanized comfort. Architect Terri Meyer Boake argues that designers need to think in terms of a spectrum of comfort in designing the reduced-impact buildings of the future.
New State Certification Program Planned
There are currently about 18, and as you can see from the article below, soon to be 19 different state-level certification programs. As I've written about before I typically do recommend these programs because they are usually free and sometimes states require or at least give preference to certified properties when planning state meetings and conferences.
The stringency of the different programs varies significantly, so check out your local program before you dive in head first.
via Green Lodging News: News & Features on 5/21/09
COLUMBIA, S.C.—The South Carolina Hospitality Association, in partnership with the Division of Waste Management of that state's Department of Health and Environmental Control, is hammering out the final details of its green hotel and restaurant program. The self-certification program is expected to launch in July, according to Douglas OFlaherty, director of operations for the Association. It will be managed by the Division of Waste Management of the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The program will be open only to those establishments that are members of the Association. There is no cost to participate.
Green Seafood
When it comes to sustainability, the kitchen is one area of the hotel that needs the most work. Even the menu...
via eHotelier Global Hospitality News on 6/18/09
As a pioneering voice on environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce an extension of its brandwide Green Cuisine program to include sustainable seafood choices in support of a global effort to conserve precious marine species.
Bill McDonough Does it Again
via Green Building : Jetson Green by Preston Koerner on 3/31/09
William McDonough* has always been a beacon and true voice of environmental leadership, despite what a recent magazine article may be trying to say. Case in point, just last week he warned of a lop-sided focus on carbon during his keynote speech at the ParkCity conference in London (organized by Cabe and Natural England). If you've ever listened to Mr. McDonough, you know his speeches are captivating -- there's always a lot worth remembering -- but in this most recent keynote, one particular sound bite has been making the internet rounds. He likened buildings to "killing machines:"
I'm amazed there's so much focus on carbon, yet [architects are still] using toxic materials ... It's a nightmare -- you're effectively delivering a killing machine. We have to put as much focus on materials as on energy.
In essence, by not considering the toxicity of materials used in buildings, or stated differently, by prioritizing carbon and energy goals to the detriment of indoor air and environmental quality, buildings will end up harming their occupants. The point, I believe, is quite interesting: You've found a way to reduce the carbon impact of a building only to harm people in another way!
While the UK Green Building Council cautioned that the importance of cutting carbon could not be underestimated, David Strong, chief executive of Inbuilt, a sustainability consultancy, and former managing director of BRE Environment, said:
It's great someone as high profile as Bill McDonough has raised this issue, but this is about more than about just carbon and materials ... Buildings can be zero-carbon but fraught with other problems. It's the law of unintended consequences — if the air quality in a school is so bad, because it's so airtight, that all the kids are falling asleep, that's not a sustainable outcome.
We see this all the time with green building. Over emphasis on energy efficiency. Or green materials. Or green technology add-ons. Or not effectively minimizing water use. Or not prioritizing indoor air quality. With some of these decisions, the choices can be quite difficult, but these are the problems worth solving.
*William McDonough is the co-author of a wildly popular book known as Cradle to Cradle. He's also been called Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine (1999 & 2007) and received a Presidential Award for Sustainable Development. You can watch an excellent video of him speaking at Bioneers in 2000 or read more about him.
[=] Architects are creating toxic 'killing machines' by BD.
Photo credit: Stephen Vose for Discover Magazine.
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