Green Certification Benefits Hotels
Hotel facilities are seeing the benefits of green certification, with new data showing that almost two-thirds of travelers will make choices based on green factors in the next year. The survey from TripAdvisor shows that guests are putting more emphasis on sustainability, with 58% using in-room recycling and 78% participating in linen and towel reuse programs.
Building programs such as LEED and GreenLeader are also growing in popularity. The USGBC reports that LEED-certified hotels can be found in 40 U.S. states and the program has verified green performance of all types of properties from small establishments to large resorts. Additionally, the study found that the average GreenLeader-certified hotel has a 20% higher rating on TripAdvisor when compared to non-certified properties.
Tool to Locate Mold and Moisture Issues
A new tool has been developed that includes best practices, guidelines and tips for building professionals, architects and other users to identify areas where mold or water intrusion could become an issue. The strategies outlined in the guidelines can be used for buildings in industries such as healthcare, multifamily, education and hospitality.
Designed by Liberty Building Forensics Group for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the NCARB Online Monograph class provides AIA CEU credits for architects and uses guidelines that have been proven to highlight the predictive factors that foreshadow the appearance of mold- or water intrusion-related problems in facilities.
BOMA Conference and Expo Receives Industry Honors
Trade Show Executive magazine has named BOMA’s annual conference and expo one of the fastest growing trade shows.
The BOMA International Conference & Expo offers education sessions, networking opportunities, and products and services solutions. The 2015 show was the largest in nearly a decade and debuted a variety of new programs and educational offerings, including the High Performance Buildings track, which focuses on an approach to sustainability that reduces environmental impact and increases asset value.
Trade Show Executive recognized the BOMA event for growing attendance, exhibit space and exhibiting companies. This year’s conference and expo will take place June 25-28 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. For more information on the 2016 BOMA International Conference & Expo, visit www.BOMAConference.org.
Green Schools Can Improve Environmental Education
Features of schools that “teach green” include open-air hallways to cut HVAC costs, exposed beams and girders that can help students comprehend how buildings are constructed, and dedicated, accessible recycling areas. The researchers are quick to note, however, that managers in existing facilities can find opportunities to incorporate sustainability into the educational experience without committing to a full retrofit. The findings were published in Children, Youth and Environments.
Standard for Geothermal Design and InstallationA new bi-national standard for geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems has been created in an effort to standardize the process for GHP planning and implementation. Developed by ANSI and the CSA Group, the ANSI/CSA C448 Design and Installation of Ground Source Heat Pump Systems for Commercial and Residential Buildings standard provides best practices and a neutral, third-party accredited process for geothermal system planning and installation.
Created by a committee including utilities, manufacturers, engineers and other industry stakeholders, the standard includes best practices and requirements for equipment and material selection, commissioning, and decommissioning in a performance-based approach.
