At Boutique Design New York in November, I was introduced to Nextac, “the next evolution in PTAC and VTAC technology.” It was the Nextac PTAC unit that caught my eye primarily because of its size. It protrudes only 6 inches from the wall compared to a traditional PTAC with a 12-inch protrusion. According to Ephoca, the maker of Nextac PTACs/VTACs, its PTACs uses 75 percent less power while recovering up to 80 percent of exhaust heat. Nextac units were designed to reduce carbon emissions and meet evolving regulations. ThermaSleeve insulation prevents air leakage to boost performance and lower energy costs....

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Preliminary results of a nationwide study suggest that the disinfectant used to treat water before it is distributed through pipes may impact the incidence of Legionnaire’s disease in certain parts of the country. The findings were presented December 9 at the annual meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis in Washington, D.C. Waterborne diseases—caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites—affect more than 7 million people in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). One of them is Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially severe pneumonia. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella, which grows in the pipes of water systems,...

BETHANY, CONN.—LATICRETE, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, announces the launch of VAPOR BAN Primer W, a high-performance, water-based, all-in-one vapor barrier and primer. This next-generation product sets the standard in moisture mitigation, offering a safer, faster, and more sustainable option, without the required mixing of a two-part epoxy. Designed for ease of use, VAPOR BAN Primer W is moisture rated for 100 percent RH (ASTM F2170) and MVER up to 25 lbs. It simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate primer and vapor barrier application. Suitable for both new and existing concrete substrates,...

I attended The Hospitality Show in Denver this past week. The event is a production of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex, the publisher of Hotel Management. It was a great chance to touch base with suppliers I have gotten to know in past years and to make many new contacts. It would be impossible for me to highlight all the companies I interacted with in this column but here is a list that caught my attention: Two companies—CMP Water and AquaFlow Technologies Inc.—both featured valves that compress the air before it reaches the meter, so you only pay...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announce that the entire Knauf Performance+ portfolio of residential and commercial insulation products has earned Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification. The newly Certified Performance+ products include basement wall insulation, metal building insulation, acoustical boards, elevated temperature insulation, and other specialty fiberglass solutions. With these additions, Knauf’s entire portfolio of Performance+ fiberglass insulation made with ECOSE technology is now Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certified. This comprehensive approach to certification reinforces Knauf’s belief that every part of a building, from visible walls to hidden mechanical systems, should contribute to healthier indoor...

HORSHAM, PA.—With cold and flu season in full swing, facilities should refresh their cleaning protocols to ensure they align with today’s hygiene standards and technology. Sofidel, a leading provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, shares practical tips to help facilities tackle the season with ease. “Restrooms are one of the most common places where germs spread, making them a hot spot during cold and flu season,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Marketing Specialist at Sofidel. “By leveraging smart technology and proven hygiene methods, facilities can take proactive steps to help protect facility occupants.” Four tips for maintaining a more sustainable and hygienic...

NATIONAL REPORT—Your lodging property might have a hidden energy thief that’s hurting your sustainability goals: your air ducts. Problems like leaks, poor insulation, or blockages can prevent air ducts from functioning as efficiently as they should. And the harder your HVAC system has to work to compensate, the more energy it consumes—increasing your carbon footprint as a result. When air duct issues arise, many people notice higher energy bills but struggle to pinpoint the cause. This problem can persist for a long time. But when you’re familiar with the most common air duct problems that waste energy, how to spot...

MONTVALE, N.J.—Benjamin Moore, a leader in paint, color and coatings, announced the launch of the next generation of Eco Spec—the brand’s greenest and lowest odor paint. Blending both exceptional performance with eco-responsible innovation, Eco Spec achieves results with zero VOCs and zero emissions, even after tinting, for both consumers and professionals. “Eco Spec is thoughtfully crafted for sensitive environments including patient rooms, offices, guestrooms and schools, as well as residential spaces,” said Alfredo Valiente, Product Manager, Commercial and Professional brands, at Benjamin Moore. “Its formula makes it ideal for those who demand good indoor air quality, especially individuals with asthma or...

I recently attended The Clean Show in Orlando, Fla. At that show, Renegade Brands, known for its Scientifically Clean approach and commitment to evidence-based innovation, showcased its Certified laundry detergents and announced its award recognition from the Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program. Renegade Brands and several other suppliers highlighted in Green Lodging News have earned this certification over the years. Over 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma, including 23 million adults and 5 million children, while one in three people have allergies. The connection between laundry products and indoor allergen exposure is well-established. Detergents certified by the Asthma...

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—GPS Air, a leading provider of indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions, recently announced a successful partnership with The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, a premier luxury hospitality and fitness destination in Houston. In response to increased air quality concerns triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Houstonian installed GPS Air’s state-of-the-art air purification technology in 32 units across key areas, including hotel rooms, the spa, fitness center and restaurants, ensuring cleaner air for its guests and members. Faced with uncertainties at the onset of the pandemic, The Houstonian's facilities team sought a robust solution to protect multiple high-traffic spaces across...