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anonymous

How hotels are becoming smarter about waste | Hotel Management - 0 views

  • Resorts, hotels and restaurants generate a lot of waste—from food, packaging, amenity containers, waste water from toilets, kitchens and laundries.
  • Food waste accounts for more than 50 percent of waste in the hospitality industry. In the U.S., more than $218 billion is spent on growing, processing, transporting and disposing of food that is never eaten. This is mostly from homes and the foodservice industry, which includes hotels, with a whopping 70 billion pounds of food wasted every year.
  • The city of San Francisco has taken some of the most significant waste management steps in the country. After adopting a zero-waste policy in 2002, the city partnered with Recology, its long-term materials management service provider, to implement a five-pronged strategy, which is aiming for zero waste by 2020: Create convenient programs Conduct extensive public outreach Provide generator and service provider incentives Process trash to recover materials Adopt waste-reduction policies
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  • Recology provides similar economic incentives through its “pay-as-you-throw” program  in which the less trash a business discards and the more it recycles and composts, the less it pays for pick-up services.
  • “Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources and not burn or bury them. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health.”
  • For business, especially hotels and restaurants, Stephanie Barger director of market development, zero waste programs at the U.S. Green Building Council, emphasized that “zero waste businesses are better businesses—better for themselves, better for customers and the communities in which they operate.”
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    This article goes over the idea of zero waste. It continues on to explain what it means and how hotels are adapting to it.
Maria Zuniga

Hospitality Employees Play Big Role In Sustainability Efforts - Facilities Management G... - 3 views

  • While the hospitality industry has made great strides in its sustainability efforts over the last few years, there are still opportunities for improvement, says Michael Bendewald, consultant, Rocky Mountain Institute, a non-profit energy consulting firm and think tank
  • While guests sometimes offer new ideas, they come and go constantly, are generally only on the premises for a short period of time, and don't exactly expect to be asked to be part of conservation efforts beyond deciding whether they want their towels washed every night or not.
  • When it comes to the environment, employees leave a big footprint
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  • As a result, they're watching their fellow employees and holding each other accountable because they understand that every little bit counts."
  • A side benefit of involving non-facilities employees in sustainability efforts is the force multiplier effect
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    This article is a great addition to what we learned in the module this week regarding physical plants. The article stresses the importance of saving energy to reduce the carbon footprint, but to also provide exceptional hospitality services. He mentioned its the little things that count such as turning the lights off in a room or as well as checking thermostats in vacant rooms and just keeping an eye out overall. To ensure that all employees are abiding by this, its crucial that proper training is to take place
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    This article was very interesting as it shined a light on the importance of employees participating in sustainability efforts.
anonymous

Apple Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - Research-Methodology - 1 views

  • More than 1 million people work in Apple supplier facilities and as such, the company’s operations have considerable implications on the society.
  • the focus on CSR aspect of the business has increased to a considerable extent
  • In Oregon, USA, Apple partners with Bluestone Natural Farms to transform compostable materials generated onsite into rich organic material for use on the farm.
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  • The multinational technology company provided training courses to about 4 million people since 2008
  • In 2018, Apple removed five mineral suppliers from is supply chain for failing to pass or not being willing to participate in human rights audits
  • Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families awarded Apple an A+ rating for eliminating toxic chemicals in production for the 2nd time in a row in 2020.
  • The company reached equal pay to employees in 2016
  • Apple is often praised for its environmental records that include decrease of total power consumption of Apple products by 57%, introduction of Mac mini as the world’s most energy-efficient desktop computer and exceeding ENERGY STAR guidelines
  • Apple emerges as the only company that has been awarded with a Clean Energy Index of 100%, according to Greenpeace’s Clicking Clean Report.
  • The company currently powers 100% of its operations globally with 10% renewable energy
  • Apple used more than 1,2 billions of gallons of water in 2019. This include a small proportion of recycled water and temporary freshwater
  • Apple Park, a campus in Cupertino uses 75% recycled non-potable water. Apple campus in Austin, Texas, irrigates its drought-tolerant plants using a 600,000-gallon rainwater cistern.
  • Apple offers recycling programs in 99 percent of the countries it operates and the company has diverted more than 508 million pounds of electronic waste from landfills since 2008. Supplier sites committed to achieving zero waste increased by 53% in 2019. In 2016 the company introduced Liam, a line of robots that can disassemble an iPhone every 11 seconds and sort its high-quality components so they can be recycled,
  • Apple aims to contribute to transition up to 1 million acres of forest, across five southern provinces, into responsible management by 2020.
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    The articles list some of the methodologies Apple has been implementing over the last few years for its contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility.
brianamfernandez10

Cutting Through Environmental Issues: Technology as a double-edged sword - 0 views

  • Between 1870 and 1910, per capita income in the United States rose almost 40 percent, and the value of manufacturing output increased sevenfold.
  • It took nearly three generations before the first concerted efforts were made to bring pollution under control, but once begun, progress has been real. The air quality index for the United States now shows a 42 percent improvement since 1980.
  • Technology, in other words, is a double-edged sword-one capable both of doing and undoing damage to environmental quality.
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  • All the world’s economies continue to face big challenges in using energy-the lifeblood of the industrial age-while maintaining environmental quality.
  • Reductions in both by 70-80 percent since 1977 would not have been possible without substantial innovations in, most notably, electronics.
  • In the United States, the energy sector accounts for more than 85 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, with energy-related carbon dioxide alone responsible for about 80 percent.
  • Local generation by smaller plants can not only reduce transmission losses, but also improve air quality since they can be fueled by hydrogen and natural gas-much cleaner than coal on a per kilowatt hour basis
  • Industrial and vehicular emissions, particularly of nitrogen oxides, are also detrimental to water quality.
  • Technology and policy are now beginning to address runoff pollution, but it is hard to measure, much less control, because it stems from widely scattered, “nonpoint” sources.
  • the tools of geographic information systems (GIS) using remotely sensed data have offered new ways to identify and observe these sources
  • The technologies raise some privacy concerns, for instance, that could lead polluters to cloak or hide their polluting activities, further inhibiting pollution monitoring and cleanup
  • Bioremediation treats about 5-10 percent of all toxic chemicals and other hazardous waste; has successfully treated oil, gasoline, toluene, naphthalene, pentachlorophenol (a fungicide and wood preservative), and agricultural waste; and is being used at more than 30 munitions test areas across the United States.
  • These benefits must be balanced against what some critics view as potentially large drawbacks. One concern is that bioremediation may largely immobilize rather than fully remediate contamination. Another is that instead of reverting to its original state, the site will be transformed in some unexpected way. A third concern is that the potential risks of adding genetically altered organisms to the environment, or even redistributing naturally occurring ones, may not be fully understood. The Information Revolution
  • The Information Revolution
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    This article goes into depth explaining how technology affects the world that surrounds us. Although technology brings so many good things to our lives, and allows the world to constantly evolve, there are of course harmful things that come along with it. It can affect air quality, the quality of water, land, etc. Over all affecting the quality of life for those affected by this issue. As we evolve with technology, it becomes more of a issue to maintain and to properly dispose of systems no longer being used. This article describes different advancements that are being made in to help resolve this issue.
xiaoyuzhang

3 Effects of E-waste on the Environment and Human Health - 0 views

  • When these toxins leach into the soil, they influence the plants and trees that are crowing from this soil.
  • Thus, these toxins can enter the human food supply, which can lead to birth defects as well as a number of other health complications.
  • This groundwater is what underlies many surface streams, ponds, and lakes. Many animals rely on these channels of water for nourishment. Thus, these toxins can make these animals sick and cause imbalances in the planetary ecosystem.
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  • these hydrocarbons can contribute to the greenhouse gas effect, which many scientists think is a leading contributor to global warming.
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    This article showed us 3 scary effects of e-waste on the environment and human health. Although the long-term effects of e-waste are still unknown, it certainly has some negative impact on soil, water, and air quality. This article emphasize negative influence of e-waste. I think we can eliminate e-waste through joining e-waste recycling program.
jackyreis

The Role of Green Technology in the Sustainability of Hotels Essay - Free Argumentative... - 2 views

  • Throughout the life of hotels— from building construction, operation, maintenance and evolution—the environmental issue is the wasteful consumption of vast amount of resources such as water and energy and accumulation of air, soil and water pollution in a built environment. The unique service function and operations of hotel result to a stronger ecological impact when compared to other buildings used for commercial purposes. (Bohdanowicz, Simanic & Martinac, 2004)
  • It is imperative for hotels to construct buildings, design their facilities, operate, and refurbish structures in a way that causes the least possible harm to the environment. (Straus & Gale, 2006)
  • Protection of the environment through eco-friendly practices by hotels involves a radical change in operations and a long-term impact, which makes this a sustainability-driven strategy
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  • The growing concern over sustainability in the business sector led to developments in innovative environment friendly processes and tools collectively called green technology
  • Green technology enables the eco-friendly practices of business firms.
  • The concept of sustainability emerged in the field of natural sciences in recognition of the scarcity of natural resources and the need to rationalize usage to secure sufficient resources for future generations (Kirk, 1995).
  • The concern of sustainability is ensuring the continuation of the well-being of people and protection of the environment from wasteful use or destructive activities.
  • The implementation of sustainability plans involves innovative methods and tools accessible to hotels and responsive to the multi-dimensional issues including impact of operations on the environment experienced by hotels. Green technology understood as eco-friendly tools and processes or environment friendly products support the successful implementation of sustainability plans in the hospitality industry.
  • 1.      Minimized pollution and rational energy and water consumption. 2.      Respect for culture and tradition. 3.      Community involvement in the hospitality economy. 4.     Consideration of quality instead of quantity in terms of the visitors to tourist destinations. 5.      Economic benefits redound to the community. (Robertson, 2007)
  • In relation to environmental sustainability, there are also considerations for inclusion into the sustainability plan of hotels to ensure that they meet environmental compliance (Butler, 2008)
  • However, even if sustainability planning is a tedious task, the expected outcomes are long-term and compelling because this determines the continuity or viability of hotels, firms whose future survival depends on sustainability (Butler, 2008).
  • 1.      Scale and distribution of operations in a given area. 2.      Hotel demand and means of alleviating the negative effects. 3.      Protection of key assets historic buildings, townscape or coastline. 4.     Contribution to other related areas such as economic development and cultural preservation. (Sharma, 2004)
  • Since the sustainability of hotels spans multidimensional aspects, the contribution of hotels to other areas such as employment or job creation also supports its sustainability.
  • Green technology received recognition as an aspect of human society and therefore part of sustainability. In a sustainability panel of representatives from the hospitality industry, sustainability as a strategy meant addressing today’s needs without adversely affecting tomorrow’s needs (Knowles, 2008).
  • Examples of product enhancement are energy saving appliances and fixtures such as fluorescent instead of incandescent lights or intelligent air conditioning systems that regulate room temperature depending on the presence of its occupant
  • The extent of reduction of waste varies since this could range from minimal to significant decrease in the volume of waste generated, capacity of landfills, and transportation needs. By benefiting the environment, economic benefits also accrue. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • dopting waste management processes and tools accrues financial, economic, and environmental benefits for hotels.
  • Key to these activities is the ability to harness the full functional value of materials and product components at the least possible additional processing cost for recovery and reuse. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • First is design of recycling or the cost-effective manner of recovering and reusing materials. The design provides support during the disposal stage to ensure low added cost for recovery. Second is design for disassembly encompassing the methods enabling the minimization of cost in segregating reusable materials. This leads to savings that accumulate when design interventions are made during the stages of material selection and assembly that already separates reusable materials
  • Third is toxics management comprised of the activities of controlling and eliminating toxic materials that are innate components of products such as cadmium or lead. Excessive levels of these toxic materials are hazards to health and the environment. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Environmental benefits include reduced accumulation of waste and lesser risk of soil, water and air contamination of toxic production. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Pollution prevention involves the elimination of processes in manufacturing that cause pollution. This requires change by redesigning the production process in a manner that prevents the accumulation of harmful by-products or the redesign of the finished products so there would be no use for processes that result in hazardous by-products. The prevention of pollution in production design exacts capital investments but the cost of redesign is deemed less when compared to the cumulative cost of controlling pollution, which would likely increase with new regulations imposing more active methods of pollution control. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Green technology as a process and a collection of tools addresses four objectives, which are a) waste reduction, b) materials management, c) pollution prevention, and d) product enhancement (Billatos & Basaly, 1997). There are processes and tools specifically targeting any one, some or all of these objectives so that the appropriate choice depends on the priority of hotels.
  • The technological development of product enhancement innovations is escalating and promise greater functions for business establishments. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Utilizing product enhancement technologies influence the sustainability of hotels in terms of savings on operating cost, lesser pollution and waste in the built environment, and value creation for environmental conscious customers (Yaw, 2005).
  • Overall, green technology supports the sustainability of hotels by decreasing a wide range of economic and non-economic costs to support the financial viability of hotels in the long-term and conserving the natural environment on which the hospitality industry depends for the continuity of business. By adopting green technology, hotels gain processes and tools it can use to secure its sustainability.
  • A range of energy saving technologies is available to the hotel industry. These technologies could make hotels green buildings by targeting various areas for energy saving.
  • One is electric heating pumps as alternatives to conventional electric boilers or condensing/non-condensing boilers requiring gas to run. The use of this green technology by a hotel in Hong Kong with a rooftop swimming pool showed a reduction in energy consumption by 26.5-32.5 MWh and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 12,000 kg. When computed over a ten-year period, using this technology would save the hotel HK$226,400 in energy cost savings. The hotel can earn back the cost of adopting this technology in two years. (Chan & Lam, 2003)
  • Building designs able to harness alternative sources of energy comprise green technologies that support the sustainability of hotels. Solar panels continue to gain function in energy saving for hotels (“Building in a green edge,” 2008) although the payback period is longer than expected, the energy saving potential extends to the long-term. The use of building designs that harness natural light such as skylight atriums that do not use artificial lighting during the day are also green alternatives for hotels (Kirby, 2009).
  • Another direction of green technology for the kitchen is the reuse of exhaust heat from the kitchen by harnessing the heat from the exhaust or condensing hot air to produce steam for use in cooking. This is a means of recycling energy. However, this involves the integration of the design in the structure of the kitchen or the building itself, which means greater investment. (Higgins, 2008) Nevertheless, further innovations in this technology could enhance practical value for hotels.
  • In other areas of hotels such as rooms and bathrooms, e-sensor systems and LED lights comprise green technology options. E-sensor systems apply to different systems such as lighting and air conditioning. The e-sensors have the capability to change automatically the lighting or air conditioning settings depending on the area of the room where there are people or temperature changes in the room. LED lights offer greater energy savings than fluorescent lights so this represents the third generation in lighting technology. (Kirby, 2008) Systems thinking in energy management comprise a promising green technology in saving on energy costs (Sobieski, 2008).These technologies are widely available and accessible to different hotels. The energy saving is experienced in the short term and the payback period is shorted. The problem with this is hotel guests tampering with the system leading to added cost for repairs. This means that awareness and information dissemination are important for the effectiveness of these technologies.
  • Another green technology for rooms is the biodegradable key cards. These have the same life span as the conventional key cards except that these are biodegradable or recyclable. (Gale, 2009) These require little cost with high environmental impact.
  • This involves the placement of water treatment plants that recycle water used in baths for flushing in toilets. (Edwards, 2004) These comprise viable and accessible water conservation practices that would contribute savings on the cost of water to rationalize the consumption of water as a scarce resource.
  • One is the conscious involvement of hotels in the protection of the environment since the nature of the business of the hospitality industry and the closely connected industries such as tourism heavily rely on the soundness of the natural and socio-cultural environment for business
  • The other is the investment in environment protection in a manner that secures economic and financial as well as a range of non-monetary benefits for hotels in the long-term (Vermillion, 2008).
  • Energy consumption is also a benchmark of the eco-friendliness of hotels
  • The water conserving technologies provide the process and tools for hotels to achieve this benchmark.
  • Waste and pollution management are also benchmarks of the ecological involvement of hotels.
  • Green technology takes the role as an enabling process and tool for hotels to become sustainable.
  • With hotels competing to maintain its customer base and pull customers to shift to the hotel’s services, green technology could become an enabler for hotels to become competitive.
  • Investing in green technology enables hotels to significantly cutback on operating cost. This enables hotels a wider profitability margin and room to offer promotional prices to attract more customers (Jones, 2002).
  • Green technology has taken a central role in the sustainability of hotels. The concept of sustainability of hotels involves the aspects of environmental protection and business viability.
  • The use of green technology also contributes to the viability of business firms in terms of financial standing and non-financial competencies in the long-term. Going green attracts the niche market of environment enthusiasts that contribute to sales. Using the range of green technologies available would also result in savings from operating costs in the long-term, which increases the profit of hotels and gives them flexibility to invest in marketing activities.
  • It is a sound strategy for hotels to consider green technology as a process and a collection of tools in support of sustainability goals.
nellyvero71

5 best recycling practices from around the world | BBVA - 1 views

  • one of the key strategies that countries need to embrace is the so-called “three Rs” approach: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, to ensure that waste generation and management is as sustainable as possible.
  • finding new uses to a large portion of the waste generated each year.
  • need to recycle
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  • Recycling yields two key advantages: First, it allows reusing substantial amounts of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or spoiling natural spaces; Second, it allows generating raw materials and avoid wasting materials and natural resources.
  • Several countries have managed to increase their recycling rates in recent years by investing in technology, and awareness campaigns and introducing policies aimed at encouraging citizens and businesses to recycle more and better.
  • generate enough electricity to power 250,000 households, and contribute to dramatically reduce waste and emissions.
  • Northern European countries are pioneers in the sustainable processing of urban and industrial waste.
  • Sweden’s become extremely successful at sorting and reusing waste, thanks to the firm commitment of its population, and everyone’s involvement in the process from their own households.
  • Neighbors are responsible for sorting, treating and segregating their household waste, and then complying with the strict and scheduled collection calendar.
  • One of the countries that have best understood the importance of the circular economy is Switzerland.
  • the country has become a pioneer in the recycling of organic waste, which is used to make compost.
  • one third of the food created in the world is spoiled or thrown away
  • also means a high cost in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The organic waste collected is used to produce biogas to fuel power plants, crop fertilizers and livestock feed.
  • recycling rate has increased from 5% to 64%, one of the highest in Europe and expects to keep improving to become one of the world’s leading nations in this field.
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    The article is about how United Nations set up a goal to foster sustainable and environmentally-responsible consumption and productions patterns. The key to reach this goal for the countries need to be focused on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The article specifically explain how Sweden, Japan, Switzerland, South Korea and Wales are implementing strategies to reach that goal.
kabir joshi

What's Driving 2011 Event Mgmt Trends? | News | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 2 views

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    Through this article we can understand how the trends in event management industry taking shape. By having the knowledge of such trends in the event industry ,hotels can modify their strategies accordingly. Increasingly tech-savvy and eco-conscious clients will drive continued change in meetings and events management in the year ahead, according to meetings management, logistics and event company, Publicis Meetings USA (PMUSA). Technological advances are expected to be at the core of several trends in the meeting industry in 2011. Customizable mobile apps One trend is the use of mobile devices and customized applications to promote audience engagement, interactivity and networking. Mobile apps are now being developed for individual events and programs, allowing organizers to communicate with attendees before and during the meeting, especially regarding time-sensitive subjects like changes of itinerary, maps and other announcements. Hybrid meetings In today's cost-conscious business environment, PMUSA forecasts that new technologies will also drive continued growth in hybrid meetings. By incorporating hybrid components into their meetings, clients are saving money, achieving higher attendance rates and promoting sustainability. Incorporating technology, such as live broadcasts and video streaming, allows clients to conduct and attend meetings from a remote location. PMUSA believes that the cost savings is a major factor in this trend, along with the importance of a meeting's environmental responsibility." Comprehensive "green" meetings Meeting clients have increasingly been requesting "green" events, but it's the comprehensive nature of these requests that PMUSA sees as the most important trend for the coming year. Increasingly, clients are expecting every aspect of a meeting to include an environmental component, from biodiesel vehicles and biodegradable materials to the use of locally sourced food and reusable plants for centre pieces in lieu of cut flo
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    Yes, what you mention is the trend of technology using in event planning. I used to search information about the green concept of meeting. Now more and more planners consider this trend when plan meeting. It's a comprehensive one when implement.
Cecilia Lucas

New Hotel Technology Likely to Bring Sticker Shock - 3 views

  • The need for a new generation of computers, data centers and security equipment for the nation’s hotels is driving up the expense of technology in the hospitality industry,
  • The average [technology] cost for a 400-room hotel has been about $50,000 a year. That   cost is going to go up as the brands start implementing new technology to take the place of systems that have been in place for quite some time,” says Shah.   “That cost could be significant. It could be several hundred thousand dollars in additional costs over the next three, four or five years.“
  • “The average [technology] cost for a 400-room hotel has been about $50,000 a year. That   cost is going to go up as the brands start implementing new technology to take the place of systems that have been in place for quite some time,” says Shah.   “That cost could be significant. It could be several hundred thousand dollars in additional costs over the next three, four or five years.“
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  • cost is going to go up as the brands start implementing new technology to take the place of systems that have been in place for quite some time,” says Shah. 
  • significant. It could be several hundred thousand dollars in additional costs over the next three, four or five years.“
  • The need for a new generation of computers, data centers and security equipment for the nation’s hotels is driving up the expense of technology in the hospitality industry, says Mitesh Shah, chief executive officer at
  •  The average [technology] cost for a 400-room hotel has been about $50,000 a year. That  cost is going to go up as the brands start implementing new technology to take the place of systems that have been in place for quite some time,” says Shah.   “That cost could be  significant. It could be several hundred thousand dollars in additional costs over the next three, four or five years.“
  • The upgrades involve both communications that make life more convenient for travelers, and the unseen hardware that makes hotels function more smoothly.
  • Hackers are more aggressive than ever, and the cost of protecting hotel systems has risen accordingly
  • The hotel industry hasn’t kept up with the state of the art to the degree other industries have, says Shah, particularly with regard to pricing and customer convenience.
  • Traditionally, too many hotel managers focus on the condition of the carpets and walls  — whether they need painting or new pictures, or fresh plants in the lobby, rather than scrutinizing their technological infrastructure.
  • Examining how people buy and use media shows that bandwidths are growing more sophisticated, and the trend in a hotel experience is to become more connected,
  • And too many hotels are unable to provide that level of technical response.
  • Costly upgrades don’t always translate into higher rates, however. “The question really is, can you charge more for it? Or is it part of the experience?”
  • high-speed Internet, for instance, it’s an amenity that customers demand, but they’re not necessarily willing to pay extra for it.
  • Another expense involves business intelligence technology — the detailed analysis and tracking of a hotel’s daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance.
  • Operating teams then analyze the results and plan their financial strategy on a day-to-day basis, says Shah.
  • When it comes to creature comforts, travelers don’t want to compromise, says Shah. They want the same comforts on the road that are available at home
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    The Hotel Industry has not kept up with the state of the art technology to the degree other industries have. It's at a point where a great investment is needed to upgrade technology they use both in communications as well as the unseen hardware that make hotels function on a day to day basis. The cost of replacement and and expansion of business data centers and security is very large. But who bears the cost?, since guests have come to expect ammenities such as high speed internet, but aren't necessarily willing to pay for it. This is an inevitable cost hotel corporations are going to have work in to their budgets in order to stay relevant and competitive
laurenperdomo

What Is Cybersecurity? - Cisco - 1 views

  • A successful cybersecurity approach has multiple layers of protection spread across the computers, networks, programs, or data that one intends to keep safe.
  • a cybersecurity attack can result in everything from identity theft, to extortion attempts, to the loss of important data like family photos.
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    This article talks about what cybersecurity is and shows you how a cyberattack can unfold. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes. Technology is essential to giving organizations and individuals the computer security tools needed to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. Three main entities must be protected: endpoint devices like computers, smart devices, and routers; networks; and the cloud. In today's connected world, everyone benefits from advanced cyber defense programs. At an individual level, a cybersecurity attack can result in everything from identity theft, to extortion attempts, to the loss of essential data like family photos. Everyone relies on critical infrastructures like power plants, hospitals, and financial service companies. Securing these and other organizations is vital to keeping our society functioning
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    This article explains what is cyber security and why it is essential. Not securing our important data can have negative outcomes such as loss of identity, financial damage, and potential lawsuits.
davidclark33

RePower South starts South Carolina facility - Recycling Today - 0 views

  • RePower South starts South Carolina facility
  • The recycling system, provided by Eugene, Oregon-based Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), is highly automated and capable of processing more than 50 tons per hour of mixed waste to recover recyclables and produce a fuel feedstock. 
  • processing a minimum of 120,000 tons annually. Prior to this system coming online, county residents were required to opt in and pay for household recycling or use drop-off recycling sites that only accepted paper and cardboard. All other recyclables were sent to landfill.
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  • The BHS FiberPure process features screen, air, optical and artificial intelligence-powered robotic sorters to automate the production of clean fiber. Plastics and metals are also separated without manual sorting. In total, the system contains seven NRT optical sorters and nine Max-AI AQCs.
  • The plant also makes use of nonrecyclable papers and plastics by producing ReEngineered Feedstock (ReEF), a clean, low-carbon renewable fuel sold to industry, cement and utility customers to replace coal in production processes. ReEF undergoes several quality control steps, including two NRT optical sorters, which remove plastic and metal contamination. The product has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a nonwaste fuel. 
  • “RePower South is showing that it is possible, today, to help communities increase recycling of the existing waste stream while also providing the flexibility to adjust to any market condition or opportunity,” says BHS CEO Steve Miller.
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    This article is about a new state of the art recycling facility that opened in the Charleston area recently. Prior to this opening, residents in this county had to pay for recycling at their house or they had to bring their recycling to a facility that only recycled paper and cardboard. Everything else was sent to the landfill. This new facility requires minimal manual sorters and residents no longer have to separate. Computer technology and robotic sorters handles everything. It also makes use of no-recyclable plastics and turns them into reusable fuel. The company has one additional facility in Alabama.
kelseybarton

Top 5 trends in green hospitality and sustainability - Insights - 1 views

  • Over the last decade, guests have looked beyond amenities to decide where they want to stay. Now, they compare a property’s sustainable efforts to see if it matches their firmly held beliefs.
  • When someone decides to go green, reducing their water waste is often the first thing they try.
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    eInsights has written an article discussing the trends of how the hospitality industry has become green. "Over the last decade, guests have looked beyond amenities to decide where they want to stay. Now, they compare a property's sustainable efforts to see if it matches their firmly held beliefs." It has come to the attention of the entire industry that we are leaving a huge footprint on the environment and we are taking strides to fix something that has been ongoing for quite some time. The first topic discussed was that hotels are minimizing their water usage and waste. This is often the most common first step for any hotel to work on their sustainability. Guests are often already privy to saving water in their own homes and will carry this over to their hotel stay. The second topic covered was that hotels are reducing their plastic products. This is a very popular topic within the industry as hotels have many options such as turning their plastic straws or water bottles into reusable items. Within the hospitality industry, sometimes food waste is unpreventable. Hotels have made great efforts to work with each of their departments to see where their waste originates and find the best solutions to reduce it. "Sustainability promotes a healthier environment," which often leads to hotels introducing new allergy-friendly options for their guests. Items such as allergy-friendly flooring or self-sustaining plants are just a few ways that hotels can create a healthier environment for their guests. Finally, the article discusses the importance of monitoring carbon emissions for the entire industry. "The UN recently called attention to hotel emissions, saying they account for 1% of all carbon waste." Hotels will often employ a professional to evaluate their property and make recommendations of how they can reduce their carbon footprint. After a hotel adds a new sustainability effort, it is important that they get guest feedback.
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    A combination of positive guest feedback and minimizing energy usage will let a hotel know that they are moving in the right direction. It is so important for every hotel to try their best to employ whatever sustainability efforts they can and reduce their impacts on the environment as a whole. The emissions from the industry were overlooked for such a long time and have gotten out of control. With some of the popular industry trends, it is getting easier for hotels to make strides in the right direction.
mannypjr

Eco Travel: How 1 Hotels Is Embracing The Natural World - 0 views

  • with a range of green innovations across its properties (which are currently found in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, with new hotels yet to open in California, Mexico and China).
  • “1 is more than a hotel – it's a philosophy and a platform for change.”
  • ‘Save Our Shores’ campaign to its plastic reduction programme
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • The firm are also responsible for the masses of ‘greenscaping’ throughout the hotel – from the towering plants and trees in the lobby lounge to the rather eccentric ‘beds’ of moss in the bathrooms.
  • The mission-driven 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is 'real' green development, with the hotel financing the creation of the public park.
  • Toiletries come in full-size refillable bottles, so you don’t feel short-changed, while doing away with the need for multiple mini bottles of shampoos and shower gels.
  • the hotel uses a  54% ratio of regional and reclaimed materials
  • A LEED Certified Project, other conservation initiatives include: the use of wind-power; filtered water in all taps, sinks, and showers; state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems; a rainwater reclamation system and low-energy lightbulbs used throughout the hotel, as well as green cleaning solvents used to clean all rooms and linens.
  •  
    This article is about 1 Hotels commitment to sustainable hospitality including their "Save Our Shores" campaign, full-size refillable bottles for toiletries, and using reclaimed materials at their properties.
esuarezrijsdijk

How green is your hotel? 10 things to consider. | Living - 0 views

  • If you're looking to minimise your eco-footprint during your next hotel stay, here are 10 important questions to consider.
  • energy-saving measures
  • energy-efficient appliances and automatic room temperature control systems
  • ...13 more annotations...
  • alternative energy systems
  • low-consumption toilets and low-flow showers
  • water-saving practices
  • locally sourced ingredients
  • waste disposal and recycling systems
  • solar or maybe even wind energy
  • Plant-based meals significantly reduce the impact on the environment
  • vegetation
  • A trend towards rooftop and vertical gardens
  • local development initiatives
  • natural toiletries
  • efforts to limit the use of chemicals
  • green transportation options
  •  
    This article details a number of green features that hotels can put into place, including several with an important tech factor. These include automated energy-saving measures (including in-room temp controls) and the use of solar or wind energy, Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, it's easy to see how even the "non-tech" measures would benefit from computerized controls and assessments: water-saving practices, waste disposal and recycling, local ingredient sourcing for the F&B department, and harmful chemical avoidance.
jfuen093

10 Sustainability Initiatives Being Embraced by Hotels - 2 views

  • Many hotels, from the budget-friendly to the luxurious, are taking steps to make their practices more sustainable.
  • Whether in central operations such as boilers, or with lighting systems, kitchen equipment, and automated energy management systems, hotels globally are working to reduce energy use while sustaining—and, whenever possible, enhancing—the guest experience.
  • Efforts range from the linen and towel reuse programs that are now an industry standard to the installation of low-flow faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • In support of waste reduction and a higher-quality experience, many hotels are moving away from bottled water as the standard and offering unique hydration options for meeting attendees and independent travelers
  • From property-wide initiatives to guest rooms, food and beverage, or spas, event planners should be asking their hotels about what specific efforts are being made to be more sustainable.
  •  
    It's important to build sustainability facility in the hotel. It's a future trend to build a green hotel and sustain the eco-friendly environment. There are many ways to do physical plants. Water consumption Within guest rooms, laundries, kitchens, pools, and spas, hotels continue to phase inefficiencies that reduce water and, in many cases, chemicals that are used to treat water systems and clean facilities. Efforts include the linen and towel reuse programs that are now an industry standard to the installation of low-flow faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. Hotel Recycling and Waste Reduction With the limited exception for domestic hotels, recycling programs for the basics such as newspapers and beverage containers are becoming a basic expectation. In combination with the recycling efforts, hotels are looking for opportunities to reduce the use of paper and other disposables. Hotels and resorts that can go beyond to implement food waste composting programs can demonstrate waste diverted from the landfill upwards of 40-50%. Hotel Bath Amenities Many hotels are making a statement by offering guests custom formulated amenities. Resort companies such as RockResorts have taken it one step further with an all-natural, essential oil-based custom formulated product made without preservatives and artificial ingredients that are packaged in recyclable containers. Other midrange hotel brands are experimenting with bulk dispenser presentations.
  •  
    This article discusses that as time continues to progress, more and more hotels, as well as other hospitality/tourism places are starting to implement more "eco-friendly initiatives" into their businesses for the satisfaction of the customers. It is important for the hospitality to be able to adapt in the sense of increasing their "green initiatives." Some hotels have begun doing so by, linen and towel reuse programs, low-flow faucets and shower heads, recycling programs, and much more. Implementing these actions can only benefit the industry/businesses in the long run.
  •  
    This is a great summary of what event planners are looking for in hotels - "Green Initiatives" that include energy use, water bottle reduction, menu planning, waste management, recycle programs, etc. Very easy to read and recommend for green topic areas for research papers.
yvenisem

NYC Based eMenu Drives Restaurant Profits With iPad Menu Solution - Total Food Service - 0 views

  • The NYC based company makes the archaic experience of using traditional paper menus a thing of the
    • yvenisem
       
      definitely is starting to feel archaic in the 21st century
  • Patrons are given iPad menus and are still ordering through the server.
    • yvenisem
       
      Don't kow how this will still be able to work with COVID
  • restaurants can easily customize their menu to their own specifications and can make updates with a click of a button
    • yvenisem
       
      They can use this to modify restaurants according to their set audience, which can also serve to maximize revenue
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • Among the more popular features of eMenu is the software’s ability to have multiple language options.
    • yvenisem
       
      Amazing feature that could be very beneficial for places like Florida where there are a lot of different languages being spoken
  • People eat with their eyes
    • yvenisem
       
      Many restaurants definitely lack a visual element. It's one thing to describe what is in the meal and another to see it and fantasize about eating it.
  • The fact that a steakhouse that is operating over 100 years decided just three years ago to work with eMenu speaks for itself
    • yvenisem
       
      Does seem very impressive. Good that people are moving with the times in order to stay relevant, no matter their success
  • No one will order another entree, but our eMenu strength is to entice people to order an appetizer, cocktail, side dish or dessert.
    • yvenisem
       
      The power of seeing food, I'll bet!
  • People with certain dietary restrictions can easily click a button and see options that are available for them.
    • yvenisem
       
      One of the best features in my opinon, especially since I'm eat more plant-based foods
  • A restaurant can use eMenu to feature and promote private rooms, catering packages, special events such as sports games, bands and more.
    • yvenisem
       
      Great for people to view while they are waiting for their food
  • Also, we offer a 3 month trial so restaurants can see results prior to making any long term commitment
    • yvenisem
       
      Very smart business move
  •  
    This article is about a company named eMenue International that offers a revolutionary way of allowing customers to order their food. Instead of the traditional paper menues, guests would be given iPads where they could view pictures and videos of the food that is available to order. This visual element was added in on the premise that people are more enticed by visual elements rather than descriptions of the meal. This technology was adopted by one of NYC's oldest steakhouses agter 100 years, which bodes very well for the business since checks increas by up to 9% after a couple of months. Some of the most valuable aspects of this new method of ordering is the ability for someone to view menue items in the native tongue, widening the range of customers restaurants can receive, increasing profits. Another thing to note is that this menue allows people to click on a tab that caters to their specific dietary needs. In terms of marketing, this could be great since it also offers the ability to showcase the different amenities in the restaurant whther that means meeting space or event packages.
nbakir

The New Hotel Stay: Welcome Back - 0 views

  • For hotel executives seeking to survive (and thrive) in a post-COVID-19 world, there are practical solutions—both short-term and long-term—that can add joy back into the hotel guest experience.
  • They require the designer to really understand how users will move into and out of these spaces and interact with them.
  • Immediate fixes, such as six-foot spaced tape on the floor and acrylic panels at check-in, are both inelegant and temporary.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • designers must become leaders in finding creative, hygiene-driven solutions with attractive, budget-conscious, non-porous, non-transmitting and sustainable materials for future crises
  • the guest could experience a physical cleansing with UV-C light (400–470 nanometers (nm), an antimicrobial against numerous bacteria) as well as a metaphoric one, an abstracted feeling of rebirth and joy due to the use of art, music, lighting, and planting.
  • The UV-C light fixtures that can be programmed to activate when a guestroom, elevator, cab or corridor is unoccupied may soon become standard design practice
  • As hotel operators navigate the new normal, expect to see innovations in hotel welcome packages. Especially with limited staff, hotels will need to rely on visual cues that indicate and reassure cleanliness.
  • A brightly-colored seal on the room’s exterior door or towels wrapped in clear wrap to show items have been cleaned and hygienically packaged
  • next phase of guestroom should integrate separately-zoned HVAC supply and return HVAC systems, which have the ability to immediately evacuate air from infected rooms. To make the guestroom bathrooms ideal for privacy and infection control, restroom exhaust systems should be inspected and made to filter out air continuously.
  • Guestrooms worldwide are shrinking because space is expensive, which presents a challenge to designers looking to optimize already small spaces in line with social distancing guidelines.
  • Technological improvements to touchless entry doors, smart HVAC systems, and room lighting will occur, as information will now be imparted to the guest via phone or touchless television system. Smart spaces are not a new trend. In fact, a MarketsandMarkets™ report reveals the global smart home market size is expected to grow from $78.3 billion in 2020 to $135.3 billion by 2025. As more and more consumers rely on smart devices and sensors like Alexa and Google Nest, hotel businesses will need to adapt the same contactless technology solutions to their guestrooms and common spaces.
  • Elevated experiences to increase joy might include innovations in higher-end materiality, comfort, spa-quality guest baths, interactive workout systems, in-room workout equipment, and elaborate mood lighting systems. In the manner of the guest experience, the hotel needs to remain a peaceful, calm, and safe alternative to the more urgent, chaotic world outside.
  •  
    This article addresses how hotel design must change to be successful in a COVID/Post-COVID world. The emphasis the last few years has been on meeting spaces and smaller square footage in guest rooms, but with social distancing those wonderful new high-tech meeting spaces are empty. More guests are having to use their hotel rooms as a place to sleep, socialize, be entertained, and even work out. First impressions are crucial in all aspects of life including hotels meaning adding things like UV-C- lights can help to make guests feel safe and rejuvenated. Also we must redefine the guest "room" experience, such using Smart technology and intelligent room design.
  •  
    Staicoff (director of Oculus Inc.) stated that the covid-19 epidemic emerged as altering the settings of multiple organizations from healthcare facilities to the corporate ambiance. The designers created various changes in hotel infrastructure to meet the criteria of social distancing in the pandemic. Recently, the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) business elevated to provide technical and innovative solutions to control the spreading of infections with physical distancing. Also, the emerging AEC technologies encourage check-ins and elevators of the hotels to be compatible with smart solutions. The intervention of "Zone of Calm" and UV-C light impresses the guest to ensure that the hotel is reliable, safe, and caring. UV-C light is an antimicrobial technology with a unique fixation of light, music, and art to influence the people. The describe that multi-use facilities (housekeeping, room service, laundry, remote control, menus) have been eliminated for safety features. Visual indication facilitates cleanliness in diverse settings. The coordination of hotels with hygienic corporations enhances responding protocols to prevent infection. The structure of guestrooms are preferred from the perspectives of reducing OA (outside air) and EA (exhaust air), but the approaches are costlier practices to meet the demands of the pandemic. The intervention of "separately-zoned HVAC supply and return HVAC systems" acts as a filtration tool to remove EA from infected rooms and control the spreading. Usually, guestrooms are created for multi-functional management, but the guidelines of the pandemic representing constructive and financial challenges. According to a report presented by Markets and Markets, the implementation of smart devices in the markets would double by 2025 worldwide. At a minimum, the materialistic quality is designed considering long-term goals with comfortable and mood elevated facilities.
nashalsiddiqi

Sweden is Buying Garbage from European Neighbours | Energy | RESET.org - 0 views

  • Waste is a much-needed fuel for Sweden right now, something they seemingly don't produce enough of, leaving them with no other solution than buying waste from neighbouring Norway.
  • Sweden recycles over 99 percent of its total waste in one way or the other and less than even 1 percent makes it to landfill. Sweden has been incredibly successful with its recycling programme while about almost half of all household waste is burnt and turned turned into energy through the incineration plants.
  • Sweden benefits in more ways than one from this deal, mnn.com states: “Norway actually pays Sweden to take its excess waste, Sweden burns it for heat and electricity, and the ashes remaining from the incineration process, filled with highly polluting dioxins, are returned back to Norway and landfilled.”
xrive007

Cyberattack hits world's largest meat supplier - 0 views

  • It might be days before production resumes after an “organized cybersecurity attack” affected IT systems in North America and Australia
  • The world's largest beef supplier has been hit with a ransomware attack, threatening some of the U.S. meat supply.
  • The hack came less than four weeks after a similar one by Russian criminals against Colonial Pipeline
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  • JBS, one of the world's largest international meat processors, was hacked
  • forcing the company to take systems offline and stop work
  • 11 beef processing facilities in Australia and 26 chicken processing plants in the U.S
  • The company told the White House on Sunday that it was a ransomware attack,
  • JBS notified the administration that the ransom demand came from a criminal organization, likely based in Russia.
  • Ransomware, an extremely lucrative type of cybercrime, is malicious software that lets hackers encrypt a victim's files and demand a ransom to make them functional again.
  • he hackers will steal and threaten to publish those files if their demands aren't met.
  • Ransomware attacks have grown rapidly in recent years.
  • Criminal hackers,
  • often based countries like Russia where they are largely protected from U.S. law enforcement
  • have targeted practically every major industry to shake down victims for payment.
  • about 40 food and beverage companies around the world have had confirmed ransomware attacks since May 2020.
  • Colonial's hackers, an established ransomware gang called DarkSide, shut down its website amid international attention from that attack, but not before receiving a $4.4 million payment from Colonial.
  • regularly hit manufacturers, school systems and city governments.
  • ransomware attack had already affected the cattle market.
  • If this goes beyond a week, you start to really worry about these animals building up on farm sites where they just don't have the capacity to hold them
  •  
    An example of a cyber attack or ransomware, in a manufacturer. Shows some effects of a ransomware and what a consumer may experience.
jsanc478

Getting E-waste Right | Green Lodging News - 8 views

  • In the past decade, televisions have grown bigger, then flatter, then bigger again. The emphasis is on the new: buy now, because your old television is clearly, decidedly obsolete.
  • The demand for the current and the top of the line strikes a chord especially in the hospitality industry.
  • equal to, or greater than, those offered by their competitors.
  • ...22 more annotations...
  • The result is a product cycle that matches the pace of innovation:
  • Between consumers and businesses, an estimated 50 million tons of electronic waste is disposed of each year. Some of that is recycled properly. The rest is not.
  • Nearly 400 million units of consumer electronics are sold per year. Relatively light regulations and recycling standards result in th
  • Multiple Solutions for Hoteliers Despite the doom and gloom, there are a multitude of solutions to the hospitality industry’s e-waste problem.
  • The remaining 86.4 percent made its way into landfills,
  • Old TVs and computer monitors contain lead, cadmium and brominated flame retardants; all of which are hazardous to personal and environmental well-being.
  • 90 percent of the e-waste that is recycled is sent overseas.
  • Developing countries have become ground zero for e-waste collection
  • . According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only 13.6 percent of all e-waste was recycled properly in 2007
  • That hotels upgrade their televisions is not an issue as long as their existing units are recycled properly
  • It starts with awareness:
  • Then hoteliers can move to change a different statistic:
  • , hoteliers should seek out domestic recyclers and take care of their e-waste recycling with proven, safe commodities.
  • Environmentally responsible, eco-savvy hotels are in vogue right now, appealing to customers with promises of sustainable travel and accommodation
  • Sustainable building materials, recycling services and even linen reuse programs are tangible ways for guests to see that their hosts are eco-conscious.
  • Green Hospitality with a Backbone
  • Green hospitality makes money, but it mustn’t be without a backbone.
  • Actual green hospitality outweighs the appearance of green hospitality
  • organizations hop on the sustainability bandwagon, it is more important than ever that recycling becomes permanent,
  • This means actively looking for and implementing recycling solutions, not simply shipping our problems overseas.
  • e recycle and reuse more than ever. B
  • E-waste recycling, for most people and companies, is not a day-to-day occurrence, which means we should be ready to handle it when the time comes
  •  
    This article is based on how we can improved e-wastes on doing little changes that will benefit on our future. Most of the e-waste is not recycle properly, we buy things after things and more after more, every time a new technology comes up there is the motivation on buying what is the lasted cool technology, and what about what we have , where does it go ? to the trash or recycle, but we do not know where that recycling goes, I believe learning more about it will help on our routine of how to recycle better and help with this process to proceed right.
  •  
    We quickly move to 'next' as far as technology goes and rarely think about how to get rid of it when obsolete. In the Caribbean for example, there are not may recycling plants for e-waste, in fact, many rarely do recycling on a whole. In the Turks and Caicos, disposing of a television or a phone is as simple as throwing it in the trash among everything else. What happens next? It goes into the landfills and there they lie. Imagine the toxic waste from over 40,000 inhabitants on a small island. While moving with the crowd seems to be the way of the world, I believe government entities must act swiftly in ensuring e-waste is disposed of correctly to preserve this island and its inhabitants for generations to come. The technology should not outpace the disposal thereof.
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