RALEIGH, N.C.—Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators in North America, announced that it has stepped up its growth strategy for 2013 to include opportunistic acquisitions/divestments and third-party management in addition to continuing its aggressive development program. In 2012, the company committed more than $500 million to new development, and opened two hotels, while breaking ground on an additional six. For 2013, Concord expects to triple that performance by opening six hotels and breaking ground on 10. Looking ahead to 2014, Concord expects to open 12 newly developed hotels.“We have a very aggressive pipeline of 17 LEED-designed...

NEW YORK—Scottish artist Jephson Robb challenges the notion that beautiful objects cannot be practical with his Quiet collection. Conceived as a series of work and occasional tables where subtle details elevate the typical pedestal table to both sculpture and functional object, the Quiet collection will be introduced by Bernhardt Design in April 2013. “So often tables are either pretty little things to support a drink or newspaper, or they are workhorses that are functional, but unattractive,” according to Robb. “At first glance, these tables may appear to be just some new piece of eye candy, but once you come close...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—The Refinishing Touch, a leader in on-site environmentally safe and sustainable furniture refinishing and re-upholstering for private and public organizations, has expanded its Touch Textiles fabric division with a new eco-friendly recycled leather line, Embrace.Embrace recycled leather gives The Refinishing Touch’s customers, which include hospitality, government and education institutions, the benefits and aesthetics of traditional leather at a fraction of the cost. It also maintains The Refinishing Touch’s commitment to environmentally-responsible products and services. It is available immediately as part of The Refinishing Touch’s Touch Textiles fabric offerings.Touch Textiles is The Refinishing Touch’s line of commercial fabrics, adding...

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND—A new eco-friendly hotel, The Orchard, has opened for business on The University of Nottingham’s award-winning main campus. Designed to complement the University-owned De Vere Venues East Midlands Conference Centre next door, the $32 million hotel complex will provide top class accommodation on University Park with extensive facilities including a roof garden, brasserie and gym. The Orchard Hotel has been built to the highest environmental standards featuring state-of-the-art technology to minimize carbon emissions including a green roof, photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems.“The University is proud to open The Orchard as a unique and environmentally-driven addition...

NEW YORK—Sina Pearson Textiles, the Manhattan-based design and manufacturing studio known for its innovative upholstery fabrics, introduces a duo of patterns for every space and situation. Allover and Anywhere work equally well indoors and outside, while simultaneously meeting the toughest ACT performance standards. Intended for both contract and residential use, Allover and Anywhere are sustainably woven in the United States with Sunbrella Contract yarns, offering enhanced durability, bleach cleanability and stain-resistance. The certified Greenguard finish is non-toxic and low-VOC. The new twosome is part of the All Spaces collection. Two patterns in a total of 16 colorways. Allover is a...

LEXINGTON, KY.—More than 20 employees of the Big Ass Fan Co., ranging from engineers to sales personnel, have passed LEED certification exams. Most recently, 16 members of the sales staff have earned the LEED Green Associate credential. Each of these Green Associates dedicated an average of 50 hours of study time outside of work toward achieving their certifications, which will enable them to provide additional support to Big Ass Fans’ customers. “The amount of time and effort spent by our sales staff on passing the Green Associates exam demonstrates the Big Ass Fan Company’s commitment to the green building movement,” said...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Saint-Gobain has issued an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its Grenite Engineered Stone Series. Compliant with ISO 14025, EPDs are internationally recognized, standardized tools that detail the environmental impact of a product.“We commend Saint-Gobain for demonstrating their commitment toward transparency by completing and third-party certifying an EPD for their Grenite product,” said Paul Firth, EPD product manager at UL Environment. “UL Environment is championing disclosure of environmental impacts with the building industry to help manufacturers meet evolving green building requirements and to help architects and designers make more responsible purchasing decisions.”To determine the product’s eligibility for an EPD,...

SEQUIM, WASH.—Taking the concept of existing-structure “recycling” to heart, Olaf and Charlotte Protze have built a thriving bed and breakfast business out of retired cabooses. The Red Caboose Getaway B&B, located in Sequim, Wash., offers accommodations in six luxuriously renovated train cars that the owners have had transported from various U.S. locations. The couple have three additional cabooses on their three acre property that are currently undergoing renovation.Olaf and Charlotte had long enjoyed visiting B&Bs and eventually fell in love with the idea of staying in renovated railcars. “Most are very rustic,” Olaf says. “I thought we could do...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, the world’s largest supplier of decorative textiles to the hospitality industry based in South Florida, announced the appointment of Amber Gapinski as marketing manager. Gapinski will report directly to president Diana Dobin and replaces Ken Koneck, who currently holds the position. “Amber was selected after a long and extensive search,” Dobin says. “Her background of marketing, social media and public relations brings a fresh perspective and energy to Valley Forge.” Amber comes to Valley Forge with previous marketing experience with The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Stress Free Corporate Housing. Amber brings strong passion...

LONDON—Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface, Inc. and conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are celebrating the successful completion of a pilot project and the start of a commercial venture with both conservation and socio-economic benefits. The innovative collaboration, called Net-Works, has been created to tackle the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities.By establishing a community-based supply chain for discarded nets, Net-Works aims to improve the livelihood of local fishers, while providing Interface with an innovative source of recycled materials for its carpet tiles. Discarded nets on the beaches...