MUKILTEO, WASH.—Believe it or not, the first official recorded incident of “sick building syndrome” occurred at the headquarters of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1988. This ironic turn of events happened shortly after new carpeting was installed in the facility. Health experts believed that the newly installed carpeting was probably releasing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), causing illness among the agency’s staff. Although there have been many advances, carpet installation can still pose a risk to human health more than 20 years after that incident. And as spring approaches, many facility managers face two choices when...

LOUISVILLE, COLO.—Unearthed Paints, a manufacturer of eco-friendly paints and plasters, announced the release of their new natural Hard Wax Oil finish—a durable surface treatment, ensuring protection for wood, cork and stone in interior applications. Unearthed Hard Wax Oil is produced from natural raw materials and is non-toxic and VOC-free. Unearthed Hard Wax Oil finish provides a natural, breathable silky-matte finish that penetrates deep into the pores to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. The transparent, honey tinge hue allows the wood’s inherent characteristics to show through. “Conventional polyurethane finishes are a plastic-like layer that sits on top of your wood floor,” says...

SECAUCUS, N.J.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Panasonic Home & Environment Company a 2012 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in manufacturing innovative and energy efficient ventilation fans. Panasonic’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2012, which marks the 20th anniversary of Energy Star. An Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2011 and 2010, Panasonic Home & Environment Company will be honored with the EPA’s most prestigious award for its long-term commitment to sustainability. With the highest efficacy (up to 23.3 cubic feet...

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...

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—The Radisson Grand Rapids Riverfront Hotel announced that it has implemented a facility-wide “Green Clean Sweep” by permanently replacing traditional cleaners and sanitizers with plant-based, environmentally preferable alternatives made by green chemical manufacturer EcoLogic Solutions. In addition to the health and environmental benefits, the shift will reduce the hotel’s chemical costs and usage by an estimated 15 percent each year, according to Radisson Grand Rapids Riverfront Hotel general manager, Todd Roesler. “Sustainable commercial cleaning supplies have come a long way recently,” said Roesler. “They’re now every bit as effective as the old fashioned alternatives, often lower in cost, and...

CINCINNATI—Cintas Corp., the largest uniform supplier in North America, in conjunction with Washing Systems, LLC (WSI) announced it has begun transitioning company-wide to a new, more environmentally friendly cleaner. Structure, the WSI product being introduced at Cintas facilities throughout the United States, uses components that are free of phosphates and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), which have been found in some instances to alter the oxygen and metallic levels naturally found in the environment. The components of Structure are not only environmentally friendly, but completely biodegradable. Its main ingredient is also naturally based and made from renewable resources. “Cintas is committed...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Three new Filtrete Commercial HVAC Filters have been introduced by 3M. The V-Bank style filters, available in MERV A13, MERV A14 and MERV A15 performance ratings offer customers a unique combination of performance and design features, including integral gaskets and nested pleats. Typical applications for the new Filtrete V-Bank filters include hotels and entertainment complexes. Using 3M technologies, these commercial HVAC filters offer an industry leading combination of low pressure drop, robust efficiency, longevity, low weight, as well as, unique design features. Filtrete V-Bank Filters are the only HVAC filters that feature innovative integral gaskets. The integral gaskets...

LOS ANGELES—As part of its effort to increase the use of recycled content and reduce energy use, Samsung recently received an upgraded Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) certification on 21 Staron Solid Surfaces and five Radianz Quartz Recycled Content products. In addition to the newly certified products, SCS certification was renewed on several Staron and Radianz Recycled Content colors. Along with the SCS certification, Samsung has also been accredited GREENGUARD Level 3 certification, meaning all Staron Solid Surfaces, Tempest and Radianz Quartz products are certified to be low-emitting materials that lead to better air quality indoors. “We pride ourselves on our commitment...

COLUMBIA, S.C.—“It just happened that way,” says Hema Patel, in regard to her company’s Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia-Airport opening on Earth Day 2010. Planned or not, it certainly was appropriate that the five-story, 122-room hotel opened on a day that recognizes the birth of the modern day environmental movement. The hotel, which is owned by Patel and her husband’s Capital Hospitality, LLC and operated by the couple’s Courtesy Management Inc. of Orangeburg, S.C., is expected to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in early 2012. Patel says the intent initially was not to build...

LOS ANGELES—AtmosAir Solutions, which markets and installs green, clean indoor air devices for hotels, homes and businesses, announced that it has opened a Western Regional office to meet the growing demand and interest for its air purification products. Steve Levine, president and CEO of AtmosAir Solutions, also said that Edward Plascencia, Western regional account executive would operate the office located in Pico Rivera, Calif. AtmosAir Solutions, based in Fairfield, Conn., markets and installs bi-polar ionization air purification devices that significantly reduce mold, dust, odors, controls bacteria and the spread of airborne viruses, particles and germs that get past normal ventilation and...