NATIONAL REPORT—Over the past several years public awareness of climate change has lead to a significant shift in the way we all live our lives. This public awareness has also lead to a groundswell of support for green facilities design that supports the desire to save the planet by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and natural resources like forest timber. One integral component in green facilities design is the method of construction, and the method of construction that is the greenest is insulated concrete forming (ICF). ICF is widely used and recognized and has been used successfully for both...

NORTH WALPOLE, N.H.—Len-Tex Corp. announced that its entire line of contract wallcoverings has earned the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage Gold designation. All Len-Tex and Surface iQ branded wallcoverings meet the rigorous standards outlined in the SCS testing protocols for healthy indoor air quality. SCS is recognized as the global leader in providing independent environmental standards and certification, including those for interior building materials. SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification meets the criteria of the most stringent threshold for indoor emissions, California Section 01350, which uses human health-based standards for indoor air quality. SCS certification requires independent...

SOUTH BEND, IND.—Royal Adhesives and Sealants LLC announced that it has launched a new line of Gunther brand mirror mastic, Premier Plus. Developed specifically for the professional mirror installation market, this mirror mastic contains less than 10 grams per liter of VOCs compared to more than 500 grams per liter of VOCs in traditional solvent-based mirror mastics. With this ultra LVOC content, Premier Plus is the first mirror mastic for LEED compliant construction projects. Established through the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program establishes strict guidelines for energy and environmental design. As part...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes AtmosAir Solutions as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. AtmosAir Solutions’ air purification process can eliminate mold, control bacteria and the spread of airborne viruses, and reduce airborne particles and germs that get past normal filtration solutions. The company’s technology involves an all-natural process and produces no harmful by-products such as ozone or ultraviolet light, commonly found in many other products. AtmosAir Solutions is now offering its advanced and proven technology throughout North America for use in hotels and many other applications where indoor air quality...

TEMPERANCE, MICH.—MTS Seating has introduced a full line of light-weight folding tables for the hospitality market, including convention, foodservice and lodging applications. In addition to folding tables, MTS has also introduced handling trucks, storage racks, portable staging and accessories. “We are excited to be able to offer a complete line of folding tables to complement our core seating business,” said MTS Seating CEO Phil Swy. “Combined with our storage and transport systems, we can provide the same level of sophistication for the behind-the-scenes operational support for our folding tables, as we do with our banquet seating.” MTS folding tables fit a...

(This is the first article in a two-part series of articles on green cleaning.) Many hotels are turning to green cleaning products and practices to improve indoor air quality, reduce risk to building occupants, improve environmental performance and obtain a marketing advantage. This document is intended to help hoteliers determine whether to follow suit at their properties and how to do so. 1. What are the problems associated with traditional cleaning products and practices? The rise of the green cleaning movement stems from health and environmental concerns associated with the traditional cleaning industry and its practices. There is a growing recognition that...

(This is the second article in a two-part series of articles on green cleaning. To read the first article, click here.) 4. How well do green cleaning products work? How much do they cost? The cleaning capability of green products can best be measured by testing them in one’s facility. Still, there are reasons to believe that they hold up well when compared to traditional products. Certifying agencies, such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, or EPA’s Design for the Environment Program test products for effectiveness, besides health and environmental considerations, and only approve products with high marks. Also, the widespread adoption...

NATIONAL REPORT—There are many variables that come into play when deciding the best water treatment solution for your pool—pool size, location (indoor or outdoor), and the average volume of guests that use the water on a daily basis. Chlorine, because of its low cost, is the most commonly used sanitizer. In order for it to be effective, however, the pH of the water has to be monitored closely. If not watched properly, chlorine can cause eye and skin irritation, damage hair, bleach swim suits, and aggravate and cause asthma and other health conditions. Chlorine reacts to bodily proteins to...

LAS VEGAS—Keeping with its commitment to sustainability, CityCenter has commissioned the first stretch-limo fleet powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Developed by Krystal Enterprises, the world’s largest manufacturer of stretch limousines, in collaboration with Clean Energy Fuels, BAF Technologies and Ford engineers, the 26 silver, 72-inch Lincoln Town Cars are 100 percent dedicated to utilizing CNG and will service CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel. “Commissioning the first CNG stretch-limo fleet is a demonstration of CityCenter’s commitment to environmental responsibility, while never sacrificing guest experience,” said Bill McBeath, president and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino. “Just...

CHICAGO—Tornado Industries has introduced a new, advanced HEPA-filtered upright vacuum cleaner with several features normally found on much more expensive “business class” machines. The new CK 14/1 QD model is a 14-inch-wide machine made of durable polypropylene and metal materials. It features a double ball bearing motor for greater dependability and a Quick Draw (“QD”) system that allows fast, simple access to a variety of on-board tools and attachments. The new machine is specifically designed to clean health-care facilities, schools, hotels, commercial buildings and light industrial locations. “On top of all its features, we are especially pleased that this...