The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) announced that Green Key rated hotels can now include their Key ratings in AAA/CAA travel guides. AAA/CAA will now be supporting green certified hotels that are also “Diamond-rated” properties by encouraging promotion of their Key rating in TourBook advertising both in Canada and the United States.

“We are very pleased that AAA strongly supports environmental management and sustainability throughout the lodging industry and we look forward to extending this benefit to all Green Key hotels in North America,” said Tony Pollard, HAC president. “The consumer numbers show that the greening of hotels across North America is becoming more significant than ever and demonstrates why all hotels should make Green Key an important component of their overall greening efforts.”

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American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) has decided to scrap its green designation and certification system for its 11,000 hotel members. As an alternative, the group is planning to develop a set of guidelines to outline several minimum environmental principles.

The AHLA plans to coordinate efforts with the US Green Building Council (LEED) to create more hotel-friendly standards rather than deal with the investment and challenges surrounding a hospitality-focused program for the U.S, yet does not wish to “take sides” regarding the environment and potentially create conflicts between member hotels.

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Carlson Hotels Worldwide today introduced a comprehensive new "green guide" outlining sustainability strategies and practical steps for environmental responsibility, that can be applied across all of Carlson's five hotel brands. Entitled "Practical Guide to Greening Your Hotel," the green guide is part of Carlson Hotels' global initiative to develop programs, policies and partnerships based on responsible business practices.

The new guide and strategy were announced at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Fall Conference taking place here this week. Carlson Hotel brands include Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts' Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

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The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) launched its green strategy at its board of directors meeting on Sunday, November 9. The strategy focuses largely on minimum environmental guidelines, which are culled from a total of 88 overall guidelines targeting effective energy, water and waste management. The guidelines will be continuously added and built upon, with the next set focusing on design and construction, materials and resources, chemicals and cleaning, and indoor air quality.

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Investing in renovations that make hotels more sustainable will increase their value, slash operating costs and attract customers who are trending toward more sustainable hospitality experiences, PKF Capital managing partner Henry Bose told a conference here on green hotels.

“For every dollar you can add to the bottom line of a San Francisco hotel, more than $11 is added in value,” Bose says.

Bose said that so far there are too few hotels that have earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification to compare their financial performance against traditional hotels. But he indicated that his firm, in conjunction with PKF Consulting and Research, is planning to produce a study on the issue.

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A new, landmark study on the impact of an emerging global “green economy” on the world of work says efforts to tackle climate change could result in the creation of millions of new “green jobs” in the coming decades.

The new report 1/ entitled Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World, says changing patterns of employment and investment resulting from efforts to reduce climate change and its effects are already generating new jobs in many sectors and economies, and could create millions more in both developed and developing countries.

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There are few things better than having the opportunity to visit beautiful parts of the world. What can make it even more satisfying is to stay in a place that is doing its part to help preserve the beauty around it. Below is just a sample list of properties taking extra steps to help sustain Mother Earth…

Las Casitas del Colca, Colca Canyon, Peru
www.lascasitasdelcolca.com
Opening April 15, 2008, the new luxurious Orient-Express property boasts 20 individual casitas offering supreme privacy and exclusivity in simple, unpretentious surroundings. Supporting the work of celebrated local figure Sister Antonia, Las Casitas del Colca’s surrounding land is lent to Mother Antonia’s Mission to grow crops to feed anyone in need. Guests can donate to this admirable cause or even volunteer at the soup kitchen.

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Vancouver, B.C., always at the leading edge, Opus Hotels has introduced another precedent-setting green initiative. This time it’s hybrid car drivers-not to mention the planet they benefit-reaping the rewards.

June 2 marked the beginning of the summer hybrid rewards incentive that sees guests who arrive in hybrid cars, which consume less gas, being rewarded with complimentary valet parking. Reservation and bell staff are on-board to identify and pass on the benefits to environmentally-friendly guests. The trial-run closes on August 31.

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NBTA Announces Environment-Friendly Meetings Practices, New CSR Awards

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA), the leading business travel industry association, today published details of its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the NBTA International Convention & Exposition, the largest business travel event in the world. The association also announced plans for new Business Travel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards Program.

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Thai Airways has initiated projects to support and create increased awareness amongst the company's employees in the areas of environmental awareness and climate change.

• “THAI Plants Life for Planet Earth"- The company's “THAI Plants Life for Planet Earth" project continues THAI's reforestation efforts at the Education Center for the development of Hui Sai in Cha-am district, Petchburi province. Water tanks will be provided to the center, for the transport of water used in further developing forest area. (The project will be conducted for the second time on June 14, 2008)

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