NATIONAL REPORT—The use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other “smokeless” tobacco products has increased recently. Unlike traditional cigarettes, the biggest advantage of vapes and these products is that you can enjoy them anywhere. Whether you are out walking or seated with friends, you don’t have to seclude yourself because of vaping. Enthusiasts can also use vapes to smoke other products, including recreational marijuana. Superficially, vaping is considered a viable option compared to traditional cigarettes. Vapes emit vapor, which is thought to help smokers reduce or quit smoking. While there’s an aspect of truth in this, does vaping affect the air quality...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, has announced an expanded portfolio for its Color Pop luxury vinyl tile and plank series. With the addition of six new colors—Breeze, Lilac, Sandpiper, Sorbet, Sunbeam, and Very Berry—Color Pop is now available in 30 hues and three tile sizes, allowing tremendous design flexibility. “Color Pop celebrates color’s unique ability to impact the mood of any space, whether it be inspiring creativity in the workplace, encouraging discovery in the classroom, or creating calm for patients and healthcare staff,” said Omoleye Simmons, Vice President, Design. “With the ability to mix...

NATIONAL REPORT—When guests stay at hotels and resorts, they expect to have clean and safe accommodations. But a recent study by researchers from San Diego State University found this might not always be true. After analyzing more than 332,000 reviews left by internet users on 477 lodging properties across the country, it was found that 80 percent of the complaints were related to thirdhand smoke. It is important to note that 96 percent of these hotels advertised themselves as smoke-free. Thirdhand smoke, like its firsthand and secondhand counterparts, can be dangerous. It can be defined as pollutant residue that lingers...

When I first started Green Lodging News, there were still many in our industry who supported keeping a percentage of their rooms as smoking rooms. Many factors have led to the mass elimination of smoking rooms in the industry—consumer demand, legislative action, brand policies, etc. At The Hospitality Show in Las Vegas last month, there were many exhibitors of interest, including a couple of companies that make it easy to catch guests who violate nonsmoking policies. The two companies include alerteer and FreshAir Sensor LLC. The companies’ products function similarly. In the case of alerteer, it provides a system of...

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND—Real estate investor and developer Lamington Group is adding to its pioneering eco hometel brand with the opening of room2 Belfast, the fourth outpost, and first property outside England, set to open later this summer. With the opening just months away, the team are giving a first look at the hometel, which is set to become a hub for the community in the heart of the bustling city, moments away from Belfast’s most popular attractions. The new property will consist of 175 rooms across nine floors as well as a vibrant café, beautifully designed tearoom, meeting and event spaces, a gym,...

SALT LAKE CITY—R-Zero, a leader in healthy buildings and green buildings, unveiled the results of its new “Indoor Air Impact” report, which sheds light on the impact of indoor air quality on physical and mental health, Americans’ attitudes towards crowded indoor spaces, and workplace hygiene. The findings reveal significant concerns around indoor air quality, an underlying health issue that has long gone unaddressed. “Not only are people demanding healthier indoor spaces, but it has become mission critical for businesses to protect their workforce while maintaining sustainability goals and creating spaces that optimize productivity," said R-Zero CEO Jennifer Nuckles. “While we are...

FAIRFIELD, CONN.—ASHRAE announced the approval for publication for the first-ever pathogen mitigation standard. It was developed at the request of the White House, prior to the expiration of Title 42 COVID public health emergency. An AtmosAir representative was on a committee that completed the standard. ASHRAE’s 241-P: Control of Infectious Aerosols, outlines requirements for buildings to reduce the risk of disease transmission in indoor spaces. One highlight of the standard is the use of equivalent clean air, as opposed to just outside air. This means buildings using advanced air cleaning technologies will be able to bring in less outside air and...

If you are looking for more good reasons to eliminate plastic beverage bottles, be sure to read Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle. It reveals the health, environmental, and climate threats caused throughout the lifecycle of plastic beverage bottles (made from polyethylene terephthalate or PET)—from the hazardous air emissions released in the petrochemical manufacturing process to the cancer-causing toxic chemicals leaked in the consumption and final waste stages. Making PET requires hundreds of chemicals, including ethylene oxide (EtO), the most potent cancer-causing chemical emitted by chemical manufacturers, and antimony. Antimony is one of at least 150 chemicals that can escape from...

NATIONAL REPORT—They are in your vending machines. They are sold elsewhere on your property—possibly at the front desk or a retail store. Plastic beverage bottles. What is their true impact on the environment? On human health? Defend our Health and the Beyond Petrochemicals campaign recently released a new report, Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle, unmasking the hazards posed by the plastic bottle. This report reveals the health, environmental, and climate threats caused throughout the lifecycle of common plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate or PET—from the hazardous air emissions released in the petrochemical manufacturing process to the cancer-causing toxic chemicals leaked...

BOSTON—Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced a new relationship with UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, to offer its customers access to inspection and testing services that meet the scope requirements of the UL Verified Healthy Building Mark. This new relationship demonstrates Schneider Electric’s continued commitment to providing its customers with the tools and resources needed to reach their health, wellness and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. UL Solutions’ Verified Healthy Building program helps business and building owners communicate their commitment to maintaining healthier indoor environments and report their efforts to...