DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIF.—Aqua Soleil Hotel in Desert Hot Springs, well known for its hot mineral spas and pool, can now boast hot water of a different kind. Its new solar thermal hot water and pool heating system, designed to supply 80 percent of the hotel’s annual hot water demand, is one of the largest solar thermal installations in Coachella Valley. The solar system was installed by SunUp Energy, based in Coachella Valley, and features Austrian made Kioto flat plate solar collectors supplied through California Solar Thermal Inc. “We knew solar would be a great fit for Aqua Soleil when...

JUPITER, FLA.—Fresh-Aire UV, the manufacturer of the original 24 Volt Blue-Tube UV and the APCO in-duct air purifiers, introduces the Mini UV System, the first germicidal ultra-violet light system designed specifically for mini-split and other ductless air-conditioning units in residential and commercial applications.The Mini UV’s patent-pending miniaturized components, consisting of two pencil-thin, 9 (L) x 3/8 (D)-inch UV lamps and a 6 (W) x 1.5 (H) x 1 (D)-inch, 120 or 208-230-VAC power supply, fit inside all ductless A/C brands and even the tightest compact mini-split spaces.Like all Fresh-Aire UV products, the Mini UV inhibits all mold and other...

VERNON HILLS, ILL.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Scotsman Ice Systems as a 2012 Energy Star Partner of the Year—Product Manufacturer for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products and helping to educate consumers about those products. Scotsman’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2012, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Energy Star Partner program. Scotsman will be honored for its leadership in manufacturing products that earn the Energy Star Partner, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. Scotsman offers more than 65 Energy Star...

COOLIDGE, GA.—Hurst Boiler & Welding Co., Inc., a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient boilers and boiler room solutions, announces the launch of its newly enhanced corporate website. HurstBoiler.com has always served as a destination for comprehensive information related to boilers, boiler systems, integrated controls, manufacturing, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The new site includes richer product pages that can be easily accessed by application or need. “Our new website reflects the company’s leadership position in the boiler room marketplace,” said Jeff Hurst, v.p. of sales and marketing at Hurst Boiler. “We have raised our own bar by providing interactive tools and...

MORTON GROVE, ILL.—In response to the growing industry requirement for low water cut-off valves, McDonnell & Miller has introduced its new RBT-3000 Low Water Cut-Off & Fuel Economizer. This new generation of boiler control technology is designed to maximize fuel efficiency and provide valuable low water cut-off protection for hydronic heating systems. The intelligent controls built into the RBT-3000 bring advanced microprocessor technology to virtually any existing boiler, automatically adjusting water temperature based on heat load and without the need for an outdoor sensor.The energy management system used in the RBT-3000 reduces fuel/electricity consumption by 10 percent to 20 percent,...

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.—The Hampton Inn of Hendersonville, N.C., has installed 24 4’x10’ AET solar thermal collector panels on the roof of the hotel. These panels now provide approximately 1,200 gallons of hot water a day for the hotel’s hot water needs, including laundry and guest showers. The owners of the Hampton Inn have a long-standing commitment to operate their hotel in a manner that’s as environmentally-friendly as possible, and the installation of solar panels is representative of their continued desire to achieve that goal.The solar panels work by harnessing thermal energy from the sun and using that energy to heat...

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y.—Evolve Guest Controls is currently installing a fully integrated energy management control system with back office network connectivity in all of the Radisson LAX’s 580 guestrooms and suites. Evolve’s EMS system controls all of the lighting in the room, the TV(s), and the HVAC. When the Radisson was prompted with the question of whether to go with Evolve’s active energy management platform or passive PIR based platform, they opted to choose Evolve’s active energy management approach, which engages the guest to participate in being “green” while they travel by using a wireless keycard reader to determine guestroom...

DALLAS—VingCard Elsafe, part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, announces that the Grand Hyatt San Francisco has selected a complete package of VingCard Elsafe solutions for installation as a key component of the comprehensive renovation of its 659 guestrooms. The completed renovation features the addition of VingCard’s Orion energy management system and Signature RFID locks powered by the VISIONLINE wireless online access management system. With VingCard Elsafe products as the centerpiece, the 38-story, 39-year-old iconic Union Square property is now one of the most tech-forward hotels in all of San Francisco. “VingCard Elsafe has truly helped modernize our hotel, giving us...

NIANTIC, CONN.—When the Shore Hotel opened its doors in Santa Monica in October, INNCOM International was there with its e4 Smart Digital Thermostat and Integrated Room Automation System (IRAS) as an integral part of each guestroom and an instrumental component to the property achieving Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Independently owned and operated by the Farzam family, the 164-room hotel is one of California’s most eco-friendly properties today, and the hotel’s owners attribute its sustainability achievements in large part to INNCOM. “Our mission is to provide an excellent guest stay bar none, but we want to...

NATIONAL REPORT—An increasing number of solar thermal systems are being used by the hospitality industry. Almost every brand has invested in this technology to lower heating bills. These systems work in a wide variety of climates from southern Singapore to northern Denmark and throughout the United States. What is a Solar Hot Water System? Solar thermal systems are a proven technology that has been around since the early 1900s. However, the technology has greatly advanced. Today’s solar collectors are very efficient and have a lifespan of more than 25 years. Evacuated tube solar collectors are a popular choice for solar hot...