NATIONAL REPORT—In any discussion about sustainability, it is likely that carbon will enter the discussion at one point or another. In any conversation about sustainability in the kitchen, carbon also has a place, but in more ways than one. It is not only the carbon emissions from running the lighting, appliances and HVAC system, it is the actual carbon buildup on pots, pans and other items. This buildup is a barrier to heat, which means it can take longer for items to cook or bake. The longer ovens or stoves run, the higher the energy bill and related environmental...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—The new Girbau Industrial (GI) GT-200 Drying Tumbler is engineered with quality components, easy-to-use programmable controls and a multitude of features that dramatically increase laundry production and energy-efficiency. Properly balanced airflow, heat input and basket volume allows maximum production when matched with GI soft-mount HS-6 Series Washers. Providing 200 pounds of drying capacity, and available in steam and natural gas models, the GT-200 quickly and efficiently dries large loads. The GT-200 offers the optional Integrated Sprinkler System (ISS) fire sensing and extinguishing system, standard reversing, Linen Life Extension (LLE) moisture sensing, and an extended tumble option. These features not...

In my years covering green lodging I have written quite a few articles about equipment and technology found in the kitchen to help one save energy, water and reduce waste—bio-digesters, pre-rinse spray valves, warewashers, variable-speed hood controllers, and more. You can read about such topics on the Green Lodging News website in the “Kitchen & Laundry” category. Every time I chat with a supplier I learn something new and that was certainly the case today when I interviewed Craig Gavson, CEO of Hyginix LLC. In case you are not familiar with Hyginix, they manufacture the FOG Tank, a heated...

This year is ushering in a host of new regulations for commercial kitchen refrigeration that will drive significant efficiency benefits for kitchen operations. The phasing in of new air quality standards, combined with limits on energy consumption, are all poised to create the most efficient refrigeration cabinets that commercial kitchens have yet seen. Starting in March 2017, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations will go into effect that will set a mandatory limit on the maximum daily energy consumption (MDEC) allowed for a given commercial refrigerator or freezer. In tandem, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program is significantly increasing...

MINNEAPOLIS—Restaurant Technologies showcased its award-winning Total Oil Management solution, an automated oil management system, and recently launched AutoMist, an automated hood, flue and fan cleaner, at NAFEM in Orlando earlier this month. AutoMist was featured in the WHAT’S HOT! WHAT’S COOL! product gallery for the first time. “Technology is changing the way kitchens operate, and that is why we’ve forecasted 2017 the year of the smarter kitchen,” said Jeff Kiesel, CEO of Restaurant Technologies. “We believe food service operators will realize that being smart in the kitchen is no longer an option, but an obligation to address the evolving...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart launched the new CLeN-series dishwashers at the NAFEM Show in Orlando earlier this month. The CLeN was featured in NAFEM’s WHAT’S HOT! WHAT’S COOL! product gallery. “Our mission is to help customers experience greater efficiency, reliability and cost savings with their dishwashing equipment,” said Tim Peters, Product Line Manager for Hobart. “As demand grows for ‘green’ benefits, increased cost savings, and simplified labor practices, the CLeN helps customers achieve those requirements through superior product innovation and performance.” Hobart’s CLeN Warewasher turns dishwashing into a science, using industry-leading technology to clean dishes and kitchen ware in less time and at...

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO—Frontline International is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of cooking oil management services, and the M3 System—winner of the National Restaurant Association’s 2013 prestigious Kitchen Innovations Award—is their state-of-the-art solution that offers 24/7 online tracking of waste oil. And now, M3 has been adapted to help manage fresh oil dispensing with an exclusive Smart Fresh Oil Top Off function. When the M3 data management system is combined with Frontline International’s EZ Oil fresh oil dispensing system, Smart Fresh Oil Top Off is ready to be engaged. Say the cashier takes an order for a 6-piece chicken dinner....

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand, has opened the doors of its third property and first ground-up development, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Remaining true to 1 Hotels founder, Barry Sternlicht’s, core philosophy, “The world around us is beautiful, and we want to keep it that way.” According to Starwood Capital, the property cultivates the best of eco-conscious design, sustainable architecture, cause-oriented partnerships, and unrivaled service. Situated at Pier 1, just south of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, in Brooklyn Bridge Park with sweeping waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge was developed by...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau Inc. (Continental) recently added a 33-pound capacity G-Flex Washer to its most advanced line of hard-mount flexible-speed washers. The G-Flex line now includes 33-, 40-, 55- and 70-pound capacity models. Like all G-Flex Washers, the new 33-pound capacity (4.5-cu.ft.) model offers programmable extract speeds reaching 200 G-force, a highly programmable control, and superior results using less water and energy. G-Flex Washers deliver the flexibility of six programmable extract speeds, including 100, 140 and 200 G-force. Programmable extract speeds allow laundries to custom-design wash programs to specifically meet the cleaning needs of a variety of items. Additionally, flexible...

ORLANDO, FLA.—More than 500 exhibitors were on hand at last week’s NAFEM Show, many of whom offered products to help foodservice operators reduce energy and water consumption and waste. The show, held every two years, was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It would be impossible to give every company a mention but here are some highlights of the products featured at the show that impact sustainability in one way or another: Carter-Hoffmann featured its microgreen and herb growing cabinets that allow one to grow herbs, microgreens and vegetables 365 days a year—in an environment free of...