SEATTLE—ForestEthics, a forest protection organization whose mission includes educating consumers about environmentally harmful forestry practices, filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking the agency to investigate the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)’s claim to be a “green” certifier of forest products. The complaint argues that SFI’s claim that it is an independent, nonprofit public charity is deceptive and misleading because SFI is substantially governed and financed by the timber industry and because its vague and ambiguous forestry standards are developed and approved by timber industry personnel in a closed process. ForestEthics’ complaint is based on the FTC’s...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced today that its membership has voted to adopt LEED v4, the next update to the world’s premier green building rating system. The final overall vote was 86 percent in favor of adopting LEED v4. This includes 90 percent approval from the user category of the voting body, 77 percent approval from the general interest category and 89 percent approval from the producer category. The minimum overall percentage of votes needed for a passing vote was 66.7 percent.“There are 46 countries and territories around the world and all 50 U.S. states (and...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that its “Different by Design” Aloft brand has doubled its presence in Tulsa, Okla., with the opening of Aloft Tulsa Downtown. The opening also marks the successful completion of the Aloft brand’s second adaptive reuse project. The former City Hall was transformed into Aloft Tulsa Downtown by owner and developer TOCH, LLC. Managed by Presidian Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Tulsa Downtown offers 180 loft-like rooms and leading-edge technology.“Aloft Tulsa Downtown brings new life to a historic building by infusing it with the energy of the Aloft brand’s urban design and buzzing...

NEW YORK—Textile manufacturer Carnegie has released its Biobased Xorel—the first high- performance interior textile in the world with a majority of plant-based content.The rollout begins this month with six products, including the re-launch of three classic, popular patterns Strie, Nexus, and Dash. Three new patterns—embroideries Abacus and Topiary, and embossed design Veneer—are also part of the Biobased Xorel launch. Between them, the six designs are offered in a range of 91 colorways. There are no discernable visual or performance differences from existing Xorel products. They offer the same durability, cleanability, and longevity.This major breakthrough boasts a 60 to 85...

NEW YORK—The second annual Futuregreen Hospitality Forum brought together hotel brands, hospitality designers and furnishings suppliers for a one-day brainstorming session to tackle the possibility of hotel design as a catalyst for positive change for the future, and to discuss how technology can affect the future of hospitality. Sixty-five high-level delegates gathered in New York’s Crosby Street Hotel on May 31.“Our goal was to elevate social and environmental sustainability to the top of the hotel industry’s agenda,” said Michael Suomi, principal and vice president of interior design at hospitality design firm Stonehill & Taylor and founder of Futuregreen. “Through...

SAN DIEGO—Cali Bamboo, a leading manufacturer of green building materials for residential and commercial projects made primarily from bamboo, announced its first GreenClaimed flooring line created from cork, another highly renewable and recycled material.GreenClaimed Cork Flooring is a click-and-lock product manufactured from reclaimed cork used in the wine industry, and is one of the first cork flooring lines available in a 5.5 inch by 48 inch plank format.“The new plank format gives our new cork floors the look and feel of a hardwood but can be installed where hardwoods shouldn’t such as bathrooms and high moisture prone areas,” said...

DESTIN, FLA.—After a fire ravaged the outdoor space at the Hilton SanDestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, the resort looked to MoistureShield composite decking to create an expansive new 17,000 square foot multi-purpose deck. The new deck leaves the Gulf Coast views unobstructed for hotel guests to enjoy, while preserving beachfront habitat. The fire started on the hotel’s beachfront area in October 2010. It ignited an adjacent deck, destroying most of the hotel’s deck structure and outdoor restaurant. In response to the fire, Hilton SanDestin’s management and construction team sought to build a new and improved outdoor experience. One...

PORTLAND, ORE.—Viridian Reclaimed Wood announced the introduction of Truck Deck, a line of domestically sourced flooring and paneling derived from reclaimed red oak and white oak truck decking, according to Viridian co-owner Joe Mitchoff.“The giant tractor-trailers used to transport goods from coast to coast typically contain wide planks of heavy oak decking, but the hard-driven miles take their toll on these truck decks,” Mitchoff said. “Even though they are plenty thick they have to be replaced at regular intervals. We upcycle them into flooring and panels of unparalleled character.”Viridian’s most rustic products by far, Truck Deck’s top face has...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In an effort to accelerate sustainable development around the world, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building program, announced a new campaign offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.Coined “LEED Earth,” this campaign aims to bring LEED certification and thereby better-performing buildings into new markets. LEED is a global approach to more efficient, environmentally-sound buildings and is universally adaptable to address issues such as energy and potable water use, environmental toxins and human health concerns related to indoor environments....

CHICAGO—Carpet tile manufacturer Interface introduces Net Effect, inspired both by the ocean’s life-giving power and its plight—marine life and habitats that are endangered by discarded fishing nets, acidification, over-fishing, pollution and climate change. Net Effect debuted at NeoCon this week in Interface’s Chicago Merchandise Mart showroom, and will roll out globally throughout 2013. Manufacturing will take place locally in Interface’s North American, European, and Asia-Pacific facilities. This uniform global production allows for specification on six continents.The collection was born of Net-Works, an innovative global business and conservation association between Interface and the conservation charity the Zoological Society of London...