May 25, 2018


Dear Boston Green Tourism Members,  

Our next meeting will be Thursday May 31 from 2:30 to 4:00 at  the  Lenox Hotel. This is the meeting that we rescheduled twice due to snowstorms.

I thank our hosts: Daniel Donahue, Samantha Sorrin, Scot Hopps and Tedd Saunders.
I hope you can come!
 
Dan 
 
 
SPEAKERS


T edd Saunders CSO, Sa unders Hotel Group,  & CEO, EcoLogical Solutions


Scot Hopps Vice President, Operations & Sustainability,  Saunders Hotel Group

Samantha Sorrin Director of Responsibility,  Saunders Hotel Group

Mr. Saunders, Mr. Hopps and Ms. Sorrin will discuss the Saunders Hotel Group's expansion of their sustainability program. The new and broader program, called Genuine Responsibility, will include a focus on wellness for guests and staff, and greater engagement with the community. 







Stefan FitzAssistant Director of Food and BeverageSeaport Hotel & World Trade Center

Mr. Fitz will describe the 2017 green highlights for the Seaport Hotel.  He'll focus on new technologies that the hotel has incorporated, and on actions the hotel has taken to improve its sustainability message to clients and employees alike.



 
Brad JonesPrincipal, High Performance Buildings,  Cadmus

Mr. Jones will discuss retrocommissioning for hotels. He'll tell us common findings and recommendations for improving energy efficiency, equipment performance and guest comfort.



 
Michelle Lee Guiney, Total Recycle Program Manager, Waste Management 

Ms. Guiney will examine the recent changes to recycling markets, how they impact hotels and how hotels can respond effectively. 

Bring your questions for Michelle!


IDEAS 

The Greener Way to Buy, Use and Dispose of Carpet
 
Today, it's easier than ever for hotels to minimize the environmental impact of their carpeting.
 
Buy Greener Carpet
Most commercial carpets have earned the Carpet & Rug Institute's (CRI) Green Label Plus label. That means that they're low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). So, they don't off-gas much, if at all. 

Buyers might also avoid carpet with phthalates and PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), and favor carpet with recycled-content.
 
Glenn Hasek of Green Lodging News, noted that many carpet-makers have achieved great success in greening their products throughout their life cycle--from sourcing raw material to the carpets' end of life.
 
For example, Shaw Industries Group announced that its manufacturing process is now carbon neutral. Interface's Proof Positive carpet tile is even better--its carbon negative. This means that Interface takes carbon out of the atmosphere.
 
Maintenance
Proper cleaning extends carpet life and improves indoor air quality. It removes dirt, allergens, dust mites and other substances.
 
Carpeting should be kept dry, because it attracts mold during periods when it stays wet.
 
 
Purchase Less
Hotels that install carpet squares can replace just the squares that are stained or worn, rather than whole sections of carpet.
 
Some properties don't carpet their allergy-friendly rooms, because it's easier to remove allergens from wood or tile floors.
 
As mentioned, excellent carpet care enables hotels to buy carpeting less often.
 
Recycle
Carpet is recyclable. It's made into new carpet, padding or plastic resins that are used to make other products.
 
The RecyclingWorks MA website lists 14 haulers that take carpet from Boston businesses to recycling plants.

 
NEWS 

ehotelier, May 25
 
Hilton announced the most ambitious environmental goals of any major hotel chain.  By 2030, they plan to:
  • Cut their carbon emissions by 61%!
  • Reduce their water use by 50%.
  • Send no soap to landfills.
  • Eliminate plastic straws.
  • Buy sustainably-sourced meat, poultry, produce, seafood and cotton.
Their baseline year appears to be 2008. Hilton's 5300 properties have already cut energy and water use by 20% and waste by 30%.

Hilton's goals are even more aggressive than other leading chains. (However, comparisons are imperfect, because other chains haven's established their 2030 goals.)
  • Marriott: By 2025, reduce carbon 30%, water 15%, waste 45% and food waste 50%.
  • IHG : By 2020, reduce energy 22%, water in water-stressed areas 15%. Their baseline year is 2012.
  • Hyatt: By 2020, reduce water by 25% and achieve a 40% recycling rate. New hotels must earn LEED or an equivalent certification. 

It's clear that many hotel chains are taking their environmental responsibility seriously. They're making big investments to improve the environment, appeal to guests and lower their operating costs.


 
ARTICLES 

AccorHotels, April 23

Sixteen Accor hotels have tested linens and towels made from unbleached cotton. The products' color is called, "eccru," which is the natural color of cotton. Accor's surveys show that guests like the products' appearance. 

All Accor properties will convert to unbleached linens and towels by 2021.
 

Glenn Hasek, Green Lodging News, April 10
Marriott announced that it will use shower amenity dispensers that hold body wash, shampoo and conditioner in their Courtyard, Fairfield, Residence Inn, Springhill Suites and TownePlace Suites brand hotels. 

This move will save the average hotel $1,000 to $2,000 per year, eliminate 250 pounds of plastic from the waste stream, help Marriott reach its 45% recycling rate goal and save housekeepers' time.


 
2018 MEETINGS

The following meeting will be 2:30 to 4:00. 

May 31 The Lenox Hotel
October 11 The Langham, Boston

* We'll have one more meeting in the fall. I haven't scheduled the date yet.

See you May 31 at the Lenox!
Boston Green Tourism
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