Mass transit ridership increases despite cheaper gas

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced today that Americans continue to ride public transportation at record levels even though gas prices declined. More than 2.8 billion trips were taken on public transportation in the third quarter of 2008 -- an increase of 6.5 percent over the third quarter of 2007. This is the largest quarterly increase in public transportation ridership in 25 years. Meanwhile, vehicle miles of travel (VMT) on the nation’s highways declined in the same period by 4.6 percent according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Last year 10.3 billion trips were taken on U.S. public transportation – the highest number of trips taken in fifty years. In the first quarter of 2008, public transportation continued to climb and rose by 3.4 percent. In the second quarter of 2008, as gas prices rose to more than $4 for a gallon of gasoline, public transit ridership increased by 5.2 percent. The third quarter transit ridership increase of 6.5 percent continued the trend of more and more Americans turning to public transportation in record numbers.

Commuter rail ridership grew by 6.3 percent. The commuter rail systems with double digit ridership growth were located in the following areas: Albuquerque (35.8%); Pompano Beach, FL (32.9%); New Haven (32.2%); Portland, ME (29.6%); Oakland (26.1%); Stockton, CA (22.5%); Seattle (22.4%); Harrisburg/Philadelphia (21.7%); Dallas (18.8%); Los Angeles (17%); and San Carlos, CA (16.4%).

New LEED Rating System Approved

BOSTON—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2009, the newest version of the U.S. Green Building Council's building certification program has passed a member ballot and will be rolled out next year.

The next generation of the LEED rating system for commercial buildings, LEED 2009 includes a series of major technical advancements focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and addressing other environmental and human health concerns. The new version of LEED, which is based on eight years of market and user feedback, also incorporates regional credits in the form of extra points that have been identified as priorities within a project's location. LEED 2009 also features re-weighted credits and an altered allocation of points to reflect climate change and energy efficiency.

USGBC

Carlson Hotels Launches Sustainability Program

(Carlson Hotels) - Entitled "Practical Guide to Greening Your Hotel," the green guide is part of Carlson Hotels’ global initiative to develop programs, policies and partnerships based on responsible business practices.

The new guide and strategy were announced at the American Hotel & Lodging Association Fall Conference taking place here this week. Carlson Hotel brands include Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

"Carlson Hotels is focusing on specific issues such as reducing, recycling and reusing solid waste, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, conserving energy and water and improving indoor air quality that can have immediate impact on the environment and the communities where our hotels operate," said Carmen Baker, vice president of Responsible Business for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "As we look at all facets of our operations, this educational tool provides the information our hotels need to enhance their efforts and employ additional actionable opportunities. These efforts serve to balance business goals with the impact the company makes on society and the natural environment," Baker added.

"Travelers increasingly recognize the value of patronizing environmentally friendly hotels and many are modifying their travel habits. According to a 2008 Deloitte survey, more than one-third of travelers are keenly concerned about ‘green’ travel. Carlson is committed to addressing this issue as a cornerstone of its responsible business practices."

Carlson Hotels recently conducted its own guest survey, which found:

* Overall, guests feel they are "very engaged" in environmental issues and 58 percent said they would be willing to book a hotel room that is environmentally friendly.
* Guests expressed a high degree of willingness to "do their part" at home and while on the road.
* Fifty-six percent said they actively seek environmentally friendly products and services with 52 percent saying they would participate in programs to help reduce or offset the hotel’s carbon emissions.
* When it comes to their willingness to change behavior, most guests seek choice - such as the choice to have their linen or towels changed or not changed.

In addition to its development of the green guide, Carlson Hotels is engaged in a pilot program of environmental audits and related research at selected hotel properties and corporate facilities. The audits provide a comprehensive baseline of a property’s efficiency, energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Property managers will next review potential improvement strategies, making a determination of return on investment (ROI) and the general feasibility of implementing the projects.

Carlson Hotels

About Carlson Hotels
Carlson Hotels Worldwide includes more than 995 locations in 74 countries. Specific brands include: Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson; and Park Inn hotels. Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in providing corporate solutions and consumer services in the marketing, travel and hospitality industries.