Environmentalism/Sustainability

Dunkin' Donuts opens its first LEED certified restaurant in Florida. Energy-efficient insulated concrete foam walls, lighting, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures are just some of the LEED enhancements in place.

Wyndham Hotel Group is ushering in an era of innovation that focuses on next-gen guest room technologies, sustainability, and connectivity for its guests. In this exclusive interview, HT sits down with senior level executives to discuss the company's deliberate strategy for tying IT development to revenue goals, and the 1,000 page document that paved the way. Also go inside the Wyndham guest room for a look at some of the proprietary solutions that are already boosting guest satisfaction, and a preview of what's still to come.

As more and more Americans embrace an environmentally conscience lifestyle, the question remains: "Does this trend really represent a market opportunity for the hotel and travel industry?" The answer is yes.

FOCUS Brands, a franchisor and operator of brands such as Carvel and Cinnabon, was searching for a document management solution that would reduce back office costs and improve productivity. They never expected to find an application that would yield environmental benefits as well.

The Calgary Marriott Hotel achieves a 4 Green Key rating through the Hotel Association of Canada's (HAC) Green Key Eco-Rating Program.

Telkonet receives four new patents for advances in power communications technology and in-room energy management solutions.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection awards the Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites Lake Buena Vista the Green Lodging designation for adopting guidelines to support green savings initiatives.

INNCOM's e4 Smart Digital Thermostats allows guests to opt-in to a host of environmentally friendly programs while altering staff of guest preferences.