LEED certification. For some in our industry, the mere mention causes a reflexive reach for wallets amidst protestations about ROI and guests who don't care, don't understand and won't pay for it. In 2008, we at Concord Hospitality Enterprises had many of those same concerns about incremental costs and value to consumers when we embarked on our first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) project, the Settler's Ridge Courtyard by Marriott in Pittsburgh, Pa., And indeed, it did cost over $500,000 more to build, but the annual savings exceeded our expectations so we persevered in figuring out how to minimize cost to maximize our returns and make sustainability as much a part of our company's culture as any of our cornerstones. READ MORE

The hospitality industry has seen significant change as green initiatives and sustainability have taken a more prominent role in today's world and in the consciousness of our guests and our staff. Hotel operators across the globe are held increasingly accountable to a “worldwide global citizenship” standard. This is a term that our team fully embraces here at The Westin Verasa Napa. We understand how significant this responsibility is and the importance of sustainability on a long-term basis. As a community leader, we are committed to positively contributing to our environmental well-being now and in our future endeavors. READ MORE

In response to the nation's Honeybee shortage and as part of the hotel's environmental stewardship program, Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown welcomed 105,000 Italian honeybees to their new home in May of 2009. The rooftop of Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is abuzz with four large honey beehives and their ecologically important residents. The bees enhance the hotel's culinary program, as does its interior courtyard garden which provides fresh herbs, edible blossoms, plants, trees and flowers to the surrounding Georgetown neighborhood. READ MORE

Sustainable Development is a fairly new concept in the hotel industry and though many hoteliers have included it in their strategy, it does not yet have the recognition it deserves in view of the better revenues and margins it can develop. The challenge comes from lack of concerted engagement of industry stakeholders, from owners to suppliers, from employees to customers. The Sustainable business model is still in its infancy and there is a long journey ahead, so let's be positive and Let's Get Engaged! READ MORE

Since opening our first hotel in 1957, Hyatt has always believed that the way we manage our business and operate our hotels defines who we are and what we stand for. With nearly 500 properties in 45 countries, it's critical that we conduct our business in a responsible way that that minimizes our environmental impact, increases value for our shareholders and makes a positive difference in the communities where we operate. In 2011, Hyatt formalized this long standing commitment with the launch of Hyatt Thrive, our company's global corporate responsibility platform, which is designed to help make our communities places where our associates are proud to work, our guests want to visit, our neighbors want to live and owners want to invest. READ MORE