Courtyard by Marriott Brookline - A Hersha Hospitality property

The next time you toss away a bottle of shampoo or unfinished bar of soap, think about people around the world who might not have such hygienic necessities.  That is the message of Clean the World, a non-profit organization which re-purposes what would otherwise be discarded soap from hotels, and puts them to use in areas of the world where it is not readily available.

Each year Hersha will give 9,000 children enough soap for an entire year.   Much of the sickness and death in many countries around the world is the result of poor sanitation and hygene, often the natural result of drought, poverty, and political upheaval.

“Hersha Hospitality Management understands the value of the Clean the World program and its essential role in our goal to advance a global hygiene revolution,” said Shawn Seipler, Executive Director at Clean the World. “By expanding this program throughout their entire portfolio, Hersha and EarthView will solidify their reputations as industry leaders for environmental sustainability, and serve as an inspiration for other hotel partners to follow with their own green initiatives.”

Hersha Hospitality, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, manages upper upscale, upscale, and midscale hotels throughout the United States.  Some of the companies properties include brand affiliations with Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

The video below from Clean the World’s YouTube Channel shows what Shawn Seipler truly believes will save the world – or at least a part of it.

Energy costs are becoming more of an issue for both ecological and economical reasons.  People are more conscious than ever about the amount of energy they consume.  Car manufacturers have frequently used the MPG (Miles Per Gallon) system to show potential car buyers which cars are the most efficient.  In a similar manner, KB’s EPG system will help people looking to buy homes calculate how much they will spend on electricity and gas for each home.

KB built to order now includes energy rating to order

When constructed, KB homes are certified to ensure they meet Energy Star guidelines, established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  KB used those certifications to formulate a numerical rating system that tells customers how much they will spend on gas and electricity each month.

This innovation by KB adds a new perspective to home shopping and gives potential home buyers a better idea of the total cost of ownership for a home, a concept that car buyers have often considered when purchasing new vehicles.

“We believe providing the estimated monthly energy costs will not only empower our homebuyers, but also change the way people shop for a home. Home-buyers can now better understand the estimated energy costs for the home and potential savings by living in an energy efficient KB home,” said Jeffrey Mezger, president and CEO of KB Home.

Jeffrey T. Mezger CEO of KB Homes - courtesy LA Times Blog

Since 2000, KB has built over 60,000 Energy Star compliant homes, and Calvert Investments recognized it as the number one “Green Homebuilder” in 2008 and 2010.   Every new model home will carry an EPG rating for customers to view starting this month.

This will not be the first time, however, that SolarCity has completed solar projects. To this date, they have more than 7,000 SolarLease customers and have completed or are currently finishing over 10,000 projects, raising over $700 million for solar installations.

Roof panels by SolarCity - Image courtesy SolarCity

Citi, which was dubbed “America’s Greenest Bank” by Bank Technology News and “Most Innovative Investment Bank in Climate Change and Sustainability” by the Financial Times’ Banker Magazine, has a long track record of working on environmental issues, something that business customers are increasingly demanding. Likewise, many homeowners would like to do their part to conserve energy and reduce emissions, and these projects will help them afford the transition.

Citi is currently ironing out a 10-year, $50 billion plan to promote the commercialization and development of alternative energy and clean technology around the globe. “Citi is committed to helping our clients finance different forms of renewable energy because it is good for the environment, good for energy security and helps create American jobs,” said Marshal Salant, head of Citi’s Alternative Energy Finance Group.

A quaint solar home - courtesy SolarCity

SolarCity’s SolarLease program provides affordable solar energy solutions to homeowners by no requiring them to put money down on installation. In the long run, homeowners who lease solar panels save more money on electricity than they pay to lease the solar panels. For as little as $30 per month, SolarCity offers custom designs and installation, insurance, repairs, production monitoring, and guaranteed performance.

Their website, solarcity.com, features a solar calculator to help customers plan and estimate their monthly payments and long-term savings. SolarCity currently provides affordable solar energy to over 1,500 communities in Arizona, Oregon, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, and Washington D.C. Maybe it’s time everyone considered solar power?

The new plans will include three primary focus areas: community partnerships, broker/tenant education and mentor-ship. Educating people about green practices is one of the council’s main objectives, and they will work with schools and non-profit organizations in Orange County to foster awareness and green building initiatives.

NCKU Green Magic School project - courtesy Research Express

In 2010, Executive Director, Lisa Kramer forged alliances with community and business leaders and USGBC sponsors. The Orange County chapter followed their guidance in reaching its goals. Supporters and newcomers can expect that cooperative effort to continue in 2011.

To kick off the 2011 campaign, the council will hold an event at the Business Expo Center in Anaheim on January 27 at 5:30pm. Among the featured guests will be one of California’s most charismatic and knowledgeable experts on green building, Panama Bartholomy (below), Deputy Director of the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Division of the California Energy Commission. The event is available to members for $25.00, non-members for $35.00, and students at a reduced price of $15.00.

Panama Bartholomy discusses green issues - courtesy eGreenItems

The USGBC is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability through cost-efficient and energy-saving green building. They offer LEED certification for buildings that meet the organization’s human health and environmental requirements. For more information about the Orange County chapter of the USGBC, you can visit their website at usgbc-oc.org.