The Refinishing Touch Blog

More large hotel chains are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability right in their home offices. In a recent post by Green Lodging News’ editor, Glenn Hasek, Hilton Hotels Corp., Wyndham Worldwide and Marriott International were all recognized for their efforts in promoting environmentally friendly practices from within their headquarters. Each of these hotel chains has either moved into a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rated green building or is pursuing a LEED rating in existing buildings.

Hilton Hotels recently relocated its headquarters, originally in Beverly Hills, CA, to McLean, VA. The new building is located in Tysons Corner and is a LEED Gold certified building. To qualify for the certification, the Hilton headquarters was built with a reflective roof, energy efficient windows and sustainable wood. The building uses 40 percent less water with low-flow plumbing equipment and a 10,000 gallon reservoir for preserving rainwater and air conditioner condensation. Furthermore, workers are encouraged to use low-emitting vehicles or bike to work by being offered special parking and showers for more convenience.

Similarly, Hasek noted that Wyndham’s headquarters is experiencing up to 30 percent improved efficiency with a brand new building complete with reflective roof, zoned heating and cooling systems, low-flow water fixtures, energy efficient lights and environmentally friendly materials such as paint, carpeting and furniture. Wyndham is also offering new incentives for employees to go along with their new building such as an in-house gym, dry cleaner, credit union and cafeteria. The idea behind these amenities is that employees can now do more while travelling less. Wyndham is also in the process of pursuing a LEED rating for its headquarters’ interior.

Last, but certainly not least, Marriot is working to improve its current headquarters through practices such as diverting waste through increased recycling and using biodegradable and permanent materials in its kitchens. Other ways Marriot is aiming to become more sustainable include using sustainable paper products, energy efficient lighting, and sending waste to composting facilities. Marriot also provides three hybrid cars for employees to use for business purposes.

Through these changes each hotel chain is making enormous strides in promoting and enforcing sustainability. While each has committed to improving the sustainability of their hotels, by improving the efficiency of their headquarters these companies are showing how truly dedicated they are these initiatives. Here at TRT, we are happy to celebrate these strides and are excited to see what they will do next.

Labels: Green Lodging News, Hilton, Hospitality, Marriot, Sustainability, Wyndham

It was great to see coverage of our new sustainability awards program in one of our favorite publications: Green Lodging News.

We're fans of this publication for several reasons as it focuses on matters close our hearts - sustainability and the environment. Furthermore, it not only analyzes how these issues affect businesses in the hospitality and lodging industry but seriously reviews the interplay between environment-related issues and profitability.

We see a lot of parallels in our goals here at TRT and the goals of Green Lodging News in that we both aim to help organizations in the industry help the environment and yet reduce operational costs.

If you don't read the website or subscribe to the Green Lodging News e-newsletter, we recommend you check them out here.

Labels: Green Lodging News, Sustainability Awards

We were thrilled to see that Green Lodging News had highlighted the work we recently announced the completion of for the newly re-opened Liberty Hotel in Cleburne, Texas.

The historic Liberty Hotel underwent a total refurbishment to restore the property to its original grandeur. We were able to get involved with this great project and were happy to contribute with a sustainable solution for a property so rich with history. Check out the Green Lodging News piece here.

Labels: Green Lodging News, Liberty Hotel, The Refinishing Touch