Environmentalism/Sustainability

No matter where you look these days, everyone is talking about "Going Green." Hotels across the nation are beginning to get in on the trend by initiating a multitude of eco friendly IT measures, from using in-room climate controls to installing virtual desktops using thin-client computers. Hospitality Technology sits down with these earthy innovators to bring you the technology that will reduce not only your carbon footprint, but your bottom line as well.

Through their partnership with Alcatel-Lucent, Hampshire Hotels and Resorts are improving guest experiences by leveraging an IP converged network. Guests can now receive increased access to entertainment and service options.

Fontainebleau's Miami and Las Vegas locations will rely on Apple technology to offer guests assistance and customizable vacation plans. As a result, hotel management expects to cut back on more than half a million pounds in saved newspapers alone.

SAFLOK launches Messenger ZigBee, an online bi-directional wireless access control system, at HITEC 2008. Properties can have the ability to control the in-room environment when occupied by staff and provide tailored customer service.

Hilton Hotels Corporation announces a list of environmental goals and objects targeted at improving the brand's sustainability performance. To be completed by 2014, the list includes reductions to Co2 emissions and energy consumption.

The builder of America's first LEED Gold hotel reflects on the experience and significance of going green. His environmentally-conscious efforts are at the forefront of technological advancement and social responsibility.

U.S. Green Building Council Awards The Palazzo Silver LEED Certification

Following on the heels of its decision to phase out incandescent light bulbs at its Motel 6 chain, Accor North America announces a new agreement between its Sofitel Hotels and wind energy supplier Community Energy, Inc. to purchase clean, renewable, wind energy for all nine Sofitel locations in the U.S.