WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.—By now, it’s well known that circulating outdoor air in buildings is safer than recirculating indoor air. That point was driven home by the pandemic. Problem is, it is just not cost-effective. That may soon change. Purdue University engineers have proposed a system that combines new membrane technology with the latest HVAC systems to make 100 percent outdoor air systems more energy-efficient and economically feasible—especially in warm, humid climates. They say their system could save up to 66 percent in energy costs for large buildings that choose to use the safer outdoor air. Previous research at Purdue has shown that...

ODESSA, FLA.—A technology used on the International Space Station to purify and clean the air—Titanium Dioxide has been improved upon by Pure-Light Technologies, Inc., the newest addition to the Green Lodging News Green Product & Service Directory. Patent pending, LED bulbs, produce super oxygen molecules that purify and deodorize the air of musty odors from mold, bacteria and breaks down toxic VOCs. The bulbs are coated with a formula of Titanium Dioxide. Various bulb types are available—dimmable or non-dimmable bulbs for table lamps, globe bulbs, candelabra bulbs, can bulbs, & 4-foot tube bulbs. The bulbs use 70 to 90 percent...

ATLANTA—Acuity Brands, Inc. announced that its Care222 filtered far-UVC module with patent-pending dosing electronics is the first germicidal UV (GUV) source in the wavelength range 200-230 nm (i.e., “far-UVC”)  to be UL LLC Certified to meet U.S. and Canadian standards for germicidal equipment for use in occupied spaces. When properly installed and administered, the module is in the Exempt risk group for photobiological hazards, as described in the IEC 62471:2006, Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. “This tremendous technical achievement has come at a time when the worldwide awareness of the need to control pathogens has never been greater. Substantive pathogen...

Axxess Industries THE trusted Guest Service System & Smart Room Controls Specialist Hotel Owners and Operators are looking for a variety of ways to reduce the cost of running their hotels and attracting more guests. Axxess Industries manufactures a comprehensive assortment of elegant, practical, tech-savvy products for the Smart Automation and Control of Hotels. Our guestroom control systems combine to save energy and staff costs while wowing guests with comfort and convenience. Our electronic Do Not Disturb systems guarantee guest privacy while making staff more efficient. All systems and room number signs are highly customizable and made in Canada. Think Smart...

NEWTON, MASS.—Aircuity, a leader in creating healthy and sustainable buildings, announced its support for the recently launched WELL Performance Rating, a new standard for healthy indoor environments developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). IWBI designed the new rating as a new designation that “uses dynamic human and building performance metrics to enhance the experience of the people inside.” This endorsement reflects Aircuity’s more than 20 years of experience working to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) through accurate IAQ measurement and control. Aircuity’s approach to improving IAQ centers on the company’s belief in the importance of independent industry metrics...

MUKILTEO, WASH.—As the nation stumbled its way through the pandemic in the past year, with public fears and government mandates abounding, most companies (95.6 percent) tried to do something to combat COVID-19 transmission in poorly ventilated, indoor spaces. Unfortunately, according to a new survey, they often made subpar investments, spending millions of dollars with limited success. The survey was commissioned by Omni CleanAir, a maker of commercial-grade air purification systems that have been eliminating airborne illnesses for more than 30 years. “We polled more than 430 HR managers around the country on the importance of various COVID-19 precautions and defense measures,...

RIGBY, IDAHO—An enhanced technology used on the International Space Station to purify and clean the air—Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis—is being used by Rigby, Idaho-based Pure-Light Technologies, Inc. on its indoor and outdoor LED light bulbs to produce super oxygen molecules that dissolve viruses, bacteria, mold and break down toxic VOCs. The bulbs are coated with an ultra-thin layer of Titanium Dioxide. According to Pure-Light, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is one of the more common elements in the world and is rated as inert and non-toxic (MSDS rating). Because it is non-toxic, it is used in a large variety of items including vitamins,...

NORTHBROOK, ILL.—UL, the global safety science leader, announced that The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Calif., has become the first hotel globally to earn the UL Verified Healthy Buildings Mark for Indoor Air and Hygiene. Set on 504 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 332-room resort, operated by Irvine Company Resort Properties, recently underwent an extensive process to earn UL’s Verification, demonstrating that both front and back of house have excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) and hygiene. To achieve the UL Verification Mark, the hotel participated in numerous desktop audits and on-site IAQ performance testing and assessment inspections. These included assessment...

NATIONAL REPORT—Forced hot air heating has been the traditional way of heating spaces but the pandemic along with an increasing concern for efficiency is leading more hotel owners to choose radiant heating systems for space heating—the Atlantis Casino and Spa in Reno, Nev., and the Rush Creek Lodge in Yosemite, Calif., being two examples. Both were spa installations. “Our radiant heating solutions are perfect for hotels and spas in new construction or remodeling,” says President of STEP Warmfloor, Monica Irgens. “With forced air, you are just blowing air around which aggravates allergies. We are actually warming the air with gentle heat...

As a hotel property, you are already focused on the cleanliness and safety of the facility. You cannot be in business without doing so daily. Couple a global pandemic with weary customers, and your attention to detail is seriously tested. Further, there are so many regulations coming from different organizations that it is hard to both commit to being sustainable and follow the rules. Fortunately, there is one solution that addresses all your pain points. Without using harmful sprays or toxic chemicals, UVC light is the most efficient way to render illness-causing viruses, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens harmless. By...