Spotlight Shines on Sustainable Marine Management

In the wake of devastating floods, cyclones and radioactive leaks, a special website has been launched to help coastal communities and tourism operators find ways to help marine environments recover.

Sustainable Tourism Online (www.sustainabletourismonline.com) is a global research hub containing hundreds of academic papers from leading universities, case studies and a wide range of practical fact sheets.

The site has launched a special micro-site containing the very latest research on topics such as assisted coral reef regeneration, marine turtle conservation, and managing potentially destructive environmental impacts.

Complimented by interviews with practitioners in the field and a forum that allows users to connect and share knowledge, the site makes it simple to locate highly specialised information that might otherwise not be easily accessible.

“Tourism-funded not-for-profits such as the Banyan Tree Global Foundation and the Sandals Foundation are setting new benchmarks in marine conservation,” explained Portal Editor Veda Dante. “Their partnering with universities and scientists to provide funding, facilities and field expertise helps foster an environment of sustainable management and learning.

“The Marine Management micro-site brings together for the first time their collective experiences, bolsters that with resources, tools and templates from environmental management leaders such as EarthCheck and presents it as a free resource for communities to access.”

With cornerstone economies such as tourism and fisheries devastated by recent events, such access to solutions couldn’t be timelier as so many face what will undoubtedly be a long period of economic and environmental recovery.

To access the marine micro-site, simply logo on to www.sustainabletourismonline.com and follow the link.

About Sustainable Tourism Online:

Sustainable Tourism Online is a comprehensive online information resource delivering substantial research, data and tools within three main sustainability themes – Destinations and Communities, Business Operations and Parks, and Culture. It also offers relevant information and knowledge on broader sustainability themes.

An online community provides an interactive real-time communication platform for sector professionals to engage in discussions on sustainability issues, challenges and solutions.
Regular users can register to receive updates on sustainability innovations and new research. By registering you can also create your own portfolio of research, data and tools within Sustainable Tourism Online from the available resources.

Sustainable Tourism Online has been developed by Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC) to support sustainable policy, planning and practice in the sector.

With state-of-the art navigation and search functionality, the portal provides access to tourism research and tools developed by STCRC as well as other trusted sources of information relevant to the sustainable development of tourism now and into the future. Learn more at www.sustainabletourismonline.com

For further information please contact:

Sustainable Tourism Online
Veda Dante
Portal Editor
P: +61 2 6685 0221
E: veda@vedadante.com
W: www.sustainabletourismonline.com

Australia Provides Korea with Sustainable Tourism Standard

Seoul – The joint partnership between the Korean private sector and Australian company EarthCheck came to fruition after Coex – South Korea’s top convention and exhibition centre and the venue for the G20 Seoul Summit – had successfully benchmarked with EarthCheck.

The partnership is a result of an agreement which involves the Korea Business Council for Sustainable Development (KBCSD) and EarthCheck; the world’s largest environmental management system in use by the travel and tourism industry. The agreement incorporates the establishment of a public-private partnership on sustainable tourism, which will help South Korea boost its competitiveness as a tourism destination and raise public awareness of the benefits of sustainable practices.

Global Leaders Align
Comprised of chief executive officers of enterprises that share a vision for economic development that is in harmony with environmental preservation and social development, KBCSD members include corporate heavyweights such as; GS Caltex, Samsung, Ernst & Young, LG Electronics, KIA Motors and POSCO.

EarthCheck is the world's largest environmental management Program used by sustainable travel and tourism industry. It was developed by the world’s largest not-for-profit research centre into sustainable tourism; the Australian Government-funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

The Program leverages some $260 million worth of academic research and contains more than a decade of industry benchmarking data. It is already used by more than 1000 organisations in over 70 countries; including tourism leaders such as ACCOR, Langham Hotels International, InterContinental Hotels Group, Banyan Tree and Six Senses.

Demonstrating High Standards of Performance

The Republic of Korea understands that in order to succeed, there is a need to measure and monitor performance, identify areas for sustainable improvement and promote and recognise good commercial practice.

The nation recognizes there exists a global need for consistency and comparability across country and sector; especially when it comes to financial and emissions reporting. Information collected needs to be harmonized and baselines created to facilitate destination planning.

In-keeping with the national vision of a ‘Low-Carbon, Green Growth’, KBCSD is working closely with the Korean Government concerned with a view to adopting the EarthCheck methodology and approach as an internationally-recognised scientific solution to underpin their national program.

“As part of new growth engines for the low-carbon future, the Korean government aims at increasing the market share of green tourism from 20% in 2008 to 25% in 2014. The Korean business sector also strives to build a strong business case and marketing opportunities for green tourism. In light of this, KBCSD believes that our alliance with EarthCheck will ensure that Korean businesses are internationally evaluated in the course of achieving meaningful sustainability performances,” said Sonia Hong, Secretary-General of KBCSD.

EarthCheck provides a framework to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts. Having been in market for almost 13 years, the EarthCheck infrastructure and internationally recognised standards will benefit Korea, which will white-label it for their own travel and tourism industry, associated infrastructure, communities and business clusters of associated service industries.

It is hoped that the adoption of the Australian program will help promote more cooperative projects between the two nations, encourage corporate investment for national economic growth, and lead to job creation.

“We are delighted to have signed a Strategic Alliance agreement with The Korea Business Council for Sustainable Development (KBCSD),” said Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global. “Korea has shown strong leadership in this region by being proactive with this initiative.”

Early Signs of Success
Last week, it was announced that Coex – venue for the G20 summit – had successfully benchmarked with EarthCheck. Located in the World Trade Center Seoul and boasting Asia’s largest underground mall, Coex is sprawled across a staggering 190,386 square meters. With over 2,500 different events staged at the venue each year, Coex has the ability to significantly influence the MICE sector in South Korea.

More than 35 million people – almost double the entire population of Australia – visit Coex and surrounding facilities each year. Yet, despite this massive volume of foot traffic, Coex has managed to become a pioneer in Korea’s green growth industry. In fact, Coex exceeded Best Practice levels in energy efficiency and water conservation, as well as other important areas of sustainable business operations.


Although the EarthCheck Program was developed for the travel and tourism industry, it has also been successfully applied to schools, communities, business clusters, green buildings, infrastructure and even the manufacture of consumer goods such as beds. It will certainly be interesting to watch how broadly Korean business takes up the Program and encourage others to take up sustainable practices.



EDITOR’S NOTES

The Korea Business Council for Sustainable Development (KBCSD) is a business association comprised of chief executive officers of enterprises that share a vision of putting Korean industry on track to economic development in harmony with environmental preservation and social development. KBCSD, which also serves as a focal point of ‘Green Growth Business Dialogue’ under the Presidential Committee on Green Growth, is an umbrella institute of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) as well as a regional partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

The Coex Center is a vibrant city landmark located in the heart of Seoul's bustling downtown business district. In addition to the convention and exhibition center, Coex hosts an array of on site tourism and transportation amenities, including Asia's largest underground mall, three 5 star hotels, Seoul's only city air terminal, two popular performance theaters, and more than 100 restaurants featuring cuisines from every corner of the globe. Coex also boasts first class catering services and an extensive, award winning green operations program, guaranteeing that your event’s attendees can enjoy the highest service in a modern, globally conscious environment. Learn more at www.coex.co.kr/eng

EarthCheck is the world's largest environmental management Program in use by sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 70 countries, EarthCheck responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet; including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Learn more at www.earthcheck.org or www.sustainabletourismonline.com

For further information please contact:

KBCSD
Chai-Un Hahn
Senior Researcher
P: +82 2 3465 0692
E: chaiun@kbcsd.or.kr
W: www.kbcsd.or.kr

Coex
Sonia Hensley
International Marketing Coordinator
P: +82 2 6000 1121
E: marketing@coex.co.kr
W: www.coex.co.kr/eng

The Lighter Side of Green

There was once a time when the colour green was associated with all things humorous: St Patrick’s Day beers, Kermit the Frog, Leprechauns and the odd political party. But somewhere along the way the colour became a little shady, as it mixed with the laundry and churned out green wash. So it’s welcome relief to see that the tourism industry’s largest environmental certification company encourages its Members to inject a little levity back into the task of caring for the planet.

EarthCheck (once called Green Globe), is an environmental management system used by more than 1000 travel and tourism organisations around the world. The company has a reputation for its hard-nosed science-based approach to sustainable tourism and an unrelenting expectation that companies should open themselves to scrutiny before making green claims.

They recently released a range of print-ready signs that are free to download and make eco-messages a pleasure to read. Take for example the sign that suggests that we conserve water by showering with a friend, or the one that asks smokers not to dispose of cigarette butts in the water as the fish are trying to quit.

Playing to the lighter green sentiments of those in holiday mode, the signs make their point in a memorable way. They’re available in English; with Spanish, French, German and Chinese soon to be released, and are sure to go viral across the Net.

For those who prefer visual cues to words, there are also signs that feature stunning imagery. Although originally intended for hotel use back of house, front of house and in public places; don’t be surprised if you soon see these signs appearing at a location near you.

Check them out at: www.earthcheck.org/en-us/signage/index.aspx

Bright Green Academics at the Forefront of Sustainability

Alliant International University’s Marshall Goldsmith School of Management (MGSM) has been confirmed as ISOS Group’s regional collaborating partner in Southern California and the surrounding region. Due to a growing demand for certifications in Sustainability Reporting aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) widely used G3 Framework, additional events are scheduled at Marshall Goldsmith’s green facilities in beautiful San Diego.

When Nancy Mancilla, owner of ISOS Group first heard about the opportunity to become a GRI certified training partner for the United States, she immediately thought of engaging the professor who first introduced the term “sustainability” into her vocabulary. “Sustainability Accounting Pioneer”, David Bainbridge showed immediate interest and began to work with ISOS Group on developing their training program to be administered in California. This comes at a perfect time for MGSM, since they are one of a handful of institutions in the United States offering an MBA in sustainable management practices.

MGSM faculty members including Dr. Rachna Kumar and Dr. Jennifer Roney have even taken advantage of becoming certified. Dr. Kumar describes the GRI Certification course as “providing advanced insights into GRI’s sustainability reporting framework and its application as an anchor for understanding the drivers and best practices in the area.” MGSM’s Bright Green MBA program students will also have the opportunity to enhance their studies through this complimentary certification, just as private and non-profit sustainability professionals, policy makers, consultants and other academicians will benefit from this technique of tracking and reporting progress in social, environmental and economic areas affecting day-to-day operations.

ISOS Group has recently established a number of collaborative partnerships across the country. Each entity will offer the certification in different formats in order to appeal to various audiences. Courses offered through MGSM are adapted to organizations of all sizes, small and medium-sized enterprises, and sector-specific groups. As part of ISOS Group’s operating philosophy to increase accessibility to academics, sponsorships will be sought out to help offset costs to graduate students. ISOS and Alliant have already successfully delivered courses and are currently inviting interested parties to register for the October 7-8, 2010 event. For more information about our sponsorship program and upcoming events, please refer to: http://isosgroup.com/gri-certified

About MGSM: Marshall Goldsmith School of Management (MGSM) offers programs in Business and Management, International Relations and Organizational Psychology at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels.  The programs offered integrate within the larger framework of sustainability across the different degrees.  MGSM’s business programs aim to have an interdisciplinary and systemic approach while infusing sustainability into every discipline. The school is driven by the goal to produce graduates who think critically about solving problems, have competence in the human side of business and posses abilities to make a difference in addressing global challenges. www.mgsm.alliant.edu

Native American 13th Annual Talking Stick Goes Green In Houston Texas

The 13th Annual Talking Stick and 1st Annual Project: “Earth, A Journey into Green” event and Green Opportunities Trade Fair will be hosted at the Westin Galleria located in Houston, TX on June 18th, 2010.  Beginning at 9am, the day-long event will feature expert speakers and workshops.  ARRA Benefits, grants, stimulus programs, tax discounts, resources for Native American entrepreneurs, bid portals for government contracts, becoming GSA certified, how to work with the federal government, 2010 marketing and media trends, small business toolkit, effective reading of contracts and documents, renewable energy job opportunities, new trends in renewable energy for Native Americans and special presentations by the Texas Railroad Commission, Office of Governor Perry, Office of Senator Cornyn, Office of the Secretary of State and Office of Mayor Annise Parker.

Native American business owners are encouraged to join the 13th Annual Talking Stick Supplier Diversity Forum.  Attendees will learn how to become a supplier to The Federal Government/Department of Defense and corporations such as IBM, Marathon Oil, and Northrop Grumman.  These major corporations and others spend billions of dollars annually procuring products and services from Native American owned businesses.  Corporations sending buyers will include: Anadarko Petroleum, IBM Corporation, UPS, Verizon, Marathon Oil, HEB Grocery Company, NANA Management, The Coca-Cola Company, Dakkota Integrated Systems, four major Alaskan petroleum companies, Thermal Technologies, Video Professor, Ongweoweh, Continental Airlines, Crestmark Construction, Cayuse Technologies, C and C Net, Standing Stone Printing and ZEE Technologies.

For more information regarding registration and sponsorship opportunities please contact:
Carroll Cocchia, President
Native American Chamber of Commerce

Langham Hotels International Forges Partnership with EarthCheck

 Hong Kong – Langham Hotels International has forged a partnership with EarthCheck; the world\'s largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. The deal will result in all Langham and Eaton properties upgrading to EarthCheck so that they align with international standards of best practice.

The companies are no strangers to one another as The Langham, Auckland first certified using EarthCheck science, back in February 2008. Since then, it has held the prestigious EarthCheck Silver Certification for two years running, while Eaton Hotel Kong Hong and Langham Place Mongkok, Hong Kong are pending Silver Certification Audits later this month.

Langham recently decided that all its properties will now benchmark with EarthCheck and aim for a minimum certification level of Silver.  This is in direct response to the need to address major environmental challenges such as climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management.

“Environmental advocates and stakeholders are calling on companies to demonstrate the role they must play in climate change mitigation and policy development,” explains John Dick, Vice President – Eaton Hotels International and the group environmental champion for both Langham and Eaton hotels. “This is reflected in the number of companies that are reporting on their policies and engagement efforts in response to new regulations including the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocols.”

The EarthCheck Approach

EarthCheck’s science-based approach is considered at the forefront of sustainability management systems. It should be, when you consider it was developed by the world’s largest not-for-profit research centre into sustainable tourism – the Australian Government-funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

The Program also leverages some $260 million worth of academic research and contains more than a decade of industry benchmarking data. More than a thousand operators already use EarthCheck, and which provides them with a framework to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts.

There’s a growing awareness within the travel and tourism industry that for a certification scheme to actually mean anything, it must:

•       Include standardised scientific reporting that is consistent and comparable across country and sector;
•       Minimise financial and reporting burdens by using one centralised ICT reporting platform;
•       Harmonise information collection to a common metric; and
•       Create baselines of ‘high environmental integrity’ to enable responsible forward planning.

The EarthCheck scientific benchmarking system and certification programs are based on all of these requirements and this ensures Langham and Eaton properties will remain at the forefront of sustainability.

For Langham, brand recognition and credibility in market are also important.

“As the sustainability movement has evolved, so have the number of misleading environmental claims and operators who are misusing industry-developed labels to influence consumer behaviour,” states John Dick. “Schemes that can be accused of this include those with no common benchmarking criteria, no year-on-year performance expectations, no scientific reporting or international standards, and no 3rd party verification.”

Langham Hotels Across the Globe Align with EarthCheck

Langham’s alignment with EarthCheck provides the company with a means to reduce operational overheads without compromising the guest experience. Where some “green” labels espouse the marketing benefits of displaying yet another badge, EarthCheck remains focussed on quantitative reporting and risk evaluation, whilst identifying areas for operational savings.

The global luxury hospitality group has arguably become one of the best examples of how sustainability policies can be practically and consistently applied across a multi-national business. Typical savings are in the region of 25 per cent, with levels of savings varying between each property according to its operational footprint.

Langham has opted for a companywide strategy to ensure a consistent approach is applied across the group and help them identify key milestones. To date, some of their best practice ratings include; The Langham, Melbourne who benchmarked 56.1% better than Best Practice Level for Potable Water Consumption; The Langham, Auckland who came in 33.8% better than the Best Practice Level for Potable Water Consumption and 22.2% better than the Baseline level for Waste Sent to Landfill.

Park Plaza Beijing West Provides a Breath of Fresh Air

It could be argued that the actions of a single Beijing hotel won’t make a difference to the city’s environmental impact. But the Park Plaza Beijing West takes a different view of its responsibilities, bringing its environmental initiatives to new heights.

Part of Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies which includes brands such as Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites by CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®, the Park Plaza Beijing West hotel is renowned for its contemporary, trendsetting design.  Appealing to business and leisure travelers alike, it’s one of a handful of hotels located in the upper echelons of the capital’s mid-scale hotels.

Conveniently located at the end of Beijing Chang An Boulevard, Park Plaza Beijing West has 262 well appointed guest rooms and suites. But what makes it a cut above the rest is the approach the hotel has taken to improving the guest experience and working conditions for its staff.

Park Plaza Beijing West has its focus firmly set on issues such as energy and water conservation, recycling, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Most notable though is their achievement in improving the quality of indoor air at the hotel; the impact of which is appreciated by all. Costing almost USD$1.5 million, the air freshener system installation ensures that air inside the hotel is always fresh, as well as reduces energy consumption throughout the hotel.

Along with the rest of the Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific portfolio, the Park Plaza Beijing West recently also embarked on the EarthCheck Program, which is managed by EC3 Global and used by over a thousand hotels in more than 60 countries. The sustainability management system provides businesses with a framework to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts.

“The air freshener system we have introduced is a large investment which will go a long way in ensuring guests have a comfortable stay at our hotel, while minimising the environmental impact through the energy efficiency of the system,” said Mr. Peter Schuler, General Manager, Park Plaza Beijing West.

“We didn’t just want to stop there. Partnering with EarthCheck is also indicative of the growing emphasis we are placing on achieving sustainable outcomes at our hotel.”

EarthCheck’s science-based approach is considered at the forefront of sustainability management systems and was developed by the world’s largest non-profit research centre into sustainable tourism – the Australian Government-funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

“EarthCheck leverages some USD$260 million worth of academic research and contains more than a decade of industry benchmarking data,” said Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global. “But it’s not a certification scheme that offers yet another “green” badge; it’s a management system that directly impacts your environmental footprint.”


EDITOR’S NOTES

EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org  or   www.ec3global.com


For further information please contact:

Park Plaza Beijing West
Jane Zhu
Marketing & Communications
P: +86 10 6813 0088
E: pr.beijingwest@parkplaza.com
W: www.parkplaza.com/beijingcn_west

EarthCheck Launches Sustainability Library to Help Business Managers

EarthCheck Launches Sustainability Library to Help Business Managers
 Message: The world’s largest sustainable tourism certification program EarthCheck, today announced the public release of a series of a library of free sustainability fact sheets, voluntary carbon offsetting information sheets and case studies. Filling a gaping void, these documents reveal the operational savings made by some of the world’s leading hotels and conferencing venues, which have implemented sustainability measures.

The reference materials were jointly developed by EarthCheck and the University of Queensland; providing a timely resource for business considering offsetting their emissions or looking to improve their triple bottom line.

The materials demystify matters such as renewable energy, water consumption, energy efficient air conditioning and green procurement. Each fact sheet includes real industry examples; complete with capital investment costs, operational savings and the overall return on investment.

\"We expect these resources to help business managers better understand the benefits of sustainable practices,\" explained Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck. \"Although they\'ve been developed for the travel and tourism industry, they\'re of benefit to the wider community as well, as they help clarify the benefits of using an environmental management system that provides benchmarking and offers transparency through independent, third party audits\".

The PDF documents may be downloaded from www.earthcheck.org/en-us/wp/library.aspx


EDITOR’S NOTES

EC3 Global is the world\'s largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org

For further information please contact:
EarthCheck
Chantal Dunbar
EC3 Global Communications Manager
P:  +61 401 058 159
E: chantal.dunbar@ec3global.com
W: www.earthcheck.org

Caribbean’s Largest Hotelier Partners with EarthCheck

Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts and The Royal Plantation Collection, recently unveiled an exclusive partnership with EarthCheck, the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators.  Through the partnership, all Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts properties in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas, will upgrade to the EarthCheck Program for sustainability certification.

“Sandals Resorts International has a long-standing history of implementing environmentally-friendly practices throughout its properties. It was important to align with a certification company whose passion for protecting the Caribbean’s unique and delicate eco-system matched our own,” explained Richard May, Group Director of Environmental Affairs. “We are pleased to have found that partner in Earthcheck.”

The partnership further adds yet another level to SRI’s commitment to sustainable tourism. In 1998, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa was the very first all-inclusive resort to earn the Green Globe Certification. Sandals Resorts successfully modified its water systems and energy requirements, adjusted its waste management program and bolstered its already-strong social involvements within the community to earn the important certification.

Within three years, the remaining 13 Sandals Resorts and four Beaches Resorts all earned the venerable award. In 2008, Sandals Negril achieved the highest possible level of certification (Platinum), becoming the first and only hotel in the world to do so. Since implementing sustainability practices, average resource savings achieved by SRI amount to 40 percent (water), 55 to 60 percent (waste) and 40 percent (energy).  

The announcement of the partnership arrives in tandem with the one-year anniversary of the The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. The Foundation represents nearly three decades of corporate philanthropy focused on action-based sustainable development in areas of education, environment and community.

SRI employees are also encouraged to act in accordance with sustainability policies.  Employees receive daily reminders in shift meetings, training courses and environmental awareness sessions.  Notice boards and competitions also play a significant role in the changing of attitudes and along with field trips and monthly awards, helps to maintain exposure.

But is the company’s commitment to sustainable practices making any impact upon consumer behavior? Again, Richard May comments; “Many hotels operate in the Caribbean, but we are the Caribbean, fiercely protecting the islands we call home. Over the years, our guests have taken notice. Current programs that allow guests to engage in clean-up activities or community work actually resulted from an increased demand from our guests. These experiences have prompted guests to return year after year with suitcases filled with toys, books and medical supplies for donation to area schools and hospitals.”

“Many of our suppliers and business partners have also developed internal sustainability and environmental policies as a result of our requests for change,” explains May. “They have adopted environmentally enhanced operating processes and those suppliers who have shown an extended resistance to change or fail to consider this new approach are no longer on our list as preferred suppliers.”

With the protection of the environment an important cause for many, SRI has also seen many conference organizers and planners place an increased emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Some – such as Nestle – will no longer book events with conference venues that cannot supply sustainability policies and assist them in staging carbon proceedings.

EarthCheck science has provided SRI with the framework for sustainable operations and the company focuses on expanding its programs to the proverbial next level via the reaches of The Sandals Foundation with its focus on education, environment, and community.

In this manner, SRI is creating a positive ripple upon host communities in the hope that by influencing future generations at a formative stage in their lives, the habits and cultural norms they adopt will imbed sustainability in their very DNA.

EDITOR'S NOTES
Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 14 Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivalled watersports including the Caribbean's largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Sandals Weddings by Martha StewartTM; and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region.  In February 2010, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas made its debut, offering 183 all-butler service rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship Greg Norman-designed golf course and 150 slip marina.

Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for the Luxury Included® vacation and has been voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the World Travel Awards for 16 years in a row, and World's Leading All-Inclusive Company for 14 years in a row.  For more information, call your local travel agent or 1-800-Sandals (1-800-726-3257) or visit www.sandals.com

EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org or www.ec3global.com  

For further information please contact:

EarthCheck
Chantal Dunbar
EC3 Global Communications Manager
P:  +61 401 058 159
E: chantal.dunbar@ec3global.com
W: www.earthcheck.org

Source: http://www.prlog.org/10598931-caribbeans-largest-hotelier-partners-with-earthcheck.html

A New Resource for Green Tech and Business to Meet

Green Technology provides a new method of developing products, goods and services that do not harm the environment and at the same time generating revenue to advance society. The Joy of Jesus Church has taken a faith based approach to green technology. Our goal is to foster this information in one major simplex.

The Joy of Jesus is a new and aggressive organization chiefly concerned about the social economic development of people and ideas. The Green Technology Center is one of many initiatives. We offer the following centers: Business, Education, Jobs/Careers, Parenting, Health-Care,and Poverty Research Institute to service peoples needs today.
http://wcex.blogspot.com/

The Green Tech. Center is ready to provide you with fast cutting-edge information. The Joy of Jesus Church needs your help to help others as well. Get our toolbars that invest in people in need. You may also donate too. Please share this news with your contacts. This will help our economy and create jobs. Dr. James A. Lee invites you to visit.
http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/

DiMora Develops First Production Electric Jet Ski

Palm Springs, California – DiMora Eco Watercraft, the newest affiliate of the growing DiMora transportation empire, is about to open up thousands of lakes and waterways worldwide for water recreation enthusiasts. Its new line of high performance, 100 percent electric, battery-powered jet skis will produce no pollution and be far quieter than traditional gasoline-engine craft. These features will overcome the two main objections that limit jet ski acceptance in countless recreation areas.

In announcing the new company, Founder and CEO Sir Alfred J. DiMora noted his personal excitement about the opportunity to bring environmental consciousness to this sport. “There is a growing awareness in most of the world that we need to plan all aspects of our technological development with a view toward the long-term sustainability of our planet’s resources.”

DiMora went on to say, “This does not mean that we have to give up all of the pleasures of life. Instead, we should rethink the technology involved to create a thrilling experience on the water while we minimize our adverse impact on the environment. The key is a open-minded search for innovations that allow us to meet both objectives.”

The Stealth jet ski carries four passengers in a body made largely from high-strength lava rock using techniques pioneered by DiMora Motorcar. It features solar panels to power systems and recharge batteries. High-intensity underwater LEDs provide light for nighttime recreation and to explore beneath the jet ski. GPS navigation and a high-power music and video entertainment system are standard.

Refreshments can be carried aboard the removable cooler, and the onboard canopy may be raised for shade. A rear-mounted camera and dashboard display allow the driver to check the safety of water-skiers pulled by the jet ski.

Returning to the decision to make the Stealth all electric, DiMora noted that “Fossil fuels are a limited resource with related ecological problems. Electricity is increasingly being generated with earth-friendlier systems such as solar panels and wind turbines, so it is feasible and logical to base our recreation systems on renewable electricity rather than gasoline.”

Source: http://www.prlog.org/10529950-dimora-develops-first-production-electric-jet-ski.html