Home Publisher's Point of View A Few Green Highlights from HX: The Hotel Experience, BDNY

A Few Green Highlights from HX: The Hotel Experience, BDNY

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HX: The Hotel Experience and Boutique Design New York (BDNY) wrapped up last week at the Javits Center in New York City. HX, formerly the International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show (IHMRS), was a great place to be if your goal was to find new products and technologies to help green up your property. At BDNY, there were many green stories as well, although sometimes not as readily apparent if you were walking the trade show floor.

Those looking for radical changes from the IHMRS events in years past did not find them but there were some additions that stood out as welcome changes. For example, there were stages dedicated to different topics where panel discussions were held and suppliers had an opportunity to talk about their products. At HX: ONSTAGE-HOTEL I led three discussions—on trends in sustainability, C-level sustainability strategy, and laundry innovations. Together, I estimate the sessions drew about 120 to 140 people. For the most part, the educational sessions were very well attended. There were some suppliers who presented to rows of empty chairs. That is a risk one takes when signing up to present an infomercial.

As in years’ past, the Editors’ Choice Awards were presented. This year, the green products category was eliminated. That surprised me because last year’s Best of Show award went to a green product. Perhaps that award will return next year (hint hint)? That said, two of the companies winning awards in other categories have green products. In the Guest Services category, Aquarius Brands won for its Aquaboy Solar, a “patented solar powered atmospheric water generator which makes pure water from air and runs off of a retractable 1,000 watt solar system that comes assembled and on wheels for easy installation and removal if necessary for a roof repair or storm preparedness.” In the Technology category Verdant Technologies won for its Energy Management System Thermostats that are equipped with built-in occupancy sensors. These eliminate wasteful levels of heating and air-conditioning by setting back temperatures in unoccupied rooms.

In walking the trade show floor I came across a number of first-time or repeat exhibitors with interesting green products and technologies. I will mention just a portion of them here.

Electric Vehicle Car Charging

National Car Charging was the only supplier in its category. Based in Denver, the company is a leading provider of electric vehicle charging equipment, along with consulting and station management services.

InSinkErator introduced an upgraded version of its Waste Collection System that uses 50 percent less fresh water per hour than competitive units. It is an alternative to food waste disposers and pulper systems. InSinkErator also offered information on its Grind2Energy Organics Recycling System that allows one to dispose of food waste responsibly. The food waste is ground into a slurry that is stored in a tank and later used in a waste-to-energy plant. Of course access to a waste-to-energy plant is required.

WaterWell Planters featured its self-watering planter that uses hydrating wicks that draw water from the main well via capillary action. The planters eliminate overwatering and save time and labor. Several companies were on hand with natural pest management solutions: Hygea Natural, EcoRaider and Nature-Cide. OMI Industries featured its Fresh Wave IAQ odor elimination system that utilizes a blend of ingredients such as water, lime, pine needles, aniseed, clove and cedarwood. PathoSans Cleaning Technologies featured its cleaning system that generates a cleaner/degreaser and disinfectant/sanitizer using only water, salt and electricity.

A company called in2green featured its line of polyester throws made from recycled polyester knit fabric while apaiser featured bathtubs, basins, vanities and shower bases made from a reclaimed marble stone composite. Formosa Alfa Merchandise Corp. offered its recycled PET shower curtain. Gate House Furniture displayed its luggage racks, serving trays and other items made from recycled soda bottles. Aegis Energy Services featured one of its small modular Combined Heat & Power Systems. YMGI Group New Energy featured its Solar DC Mini Split Wall Mount system for quick heating and cooling.

In categories such as amenities, laundry equipment, amenity dispensers, warewashing equipment, hot water heating, furniture, laundry chemicals, floor coverings, and more, there were also many green suppliers represented—too many to mention here. Be sure to continue to follow Green Lodging News for articles on the new green innovations represented at both HX and BDNY.

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