KISSIMMEE, FLA.—Gaylord Hotels and The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center into the Florida Green Lodging Program. The 1,406-room resort is one of the largest in that state to participate, and the first in Osceola County’s popular Kissimmee resort corridor. In addition, the resort announced the upcoming rollout of a new guest communications program, called “We’re Eco-Logical”, designed to share the spirit of the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives with guests and meeting planners, while encouraging them to take an active role in the programs. “Together with the citizens of Osceola County, we have created one...

NORTH WALPOLE, N.H.—Len-Tex Corp. announced that the entire line of its Surface iQ non-vinyl wallcovering has earned the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certification at the Silver tier for healthy and sustainable product design from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC). Surface iQ is the only printed commercial grade wallcovering to have earned this certification. In order for products to be certified under Cradle to Cradle guidelines, both the product and all components must pass rigid material requirements for environmental and human health. Additional criteria for certification include product and material reutilization, energy and water usage during production as well as social...

MARIETTA, GA.—In a recently completed study funded by Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI), there was preliminary evidence that “green” low-emitting products may still cause increased chemicals in indoor environments. The study, conducted by Chi Phuong Hoang, a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas at Austin’s Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering program, revealed that even “green” wall, flooring, ceiling and cabinetry materials can cause “secondary” emission of chemicals when exposed to naturally occurring ozone in the indoor air. Many green materials are bio-based and, as a consequence, may react even with low levels of ozone that naturally occur...

CHICAGO—Tornado, a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment and supplies, introduces a new lightweight, powerful and “green” backpack vacuum cleaner. The new machine, called the PV6 Pac-Vac Vacuum, weighs less than 11 pounds, has superior noise-reducing systems, yet is powered by a 1.9 HP motor, which delivers static lift of 90 inches and airflow of 120 cubic feet per minute. According to Mark Cuddy, Tornado’s director of sales, eastern region, engineers of the PV6 series placed considerable emphasis on developing a vacuum that could help bolster productivity, while being environmentally responsible at the same time. “The machine has been field tested...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that its Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton hotel brands will implement a smoke-free policy at more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the United States, Caribbean and Canada. Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton have begun converting all smoking guestrooms to nonsmoking in preparation for the new policy. In addition, all public areas will also be 100 percent smoke free. Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton hotels’ decision to go smoke free reflects both brands’ commitment to providing guests with a clean, comfortable and healthy stay. The new policy also...

TOBERMORY, ONTARIO—With its six suites, the E’Terra Inn here serves as one of the best examples of sustainable building in Canada and the United States. Ninety-five percent of products and materials used throughout the inn were made in North America, and the property is one of the first in the world to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status. It was awarded that designation in 2005 by the Canada Green Building Council. E’Terra sits within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula separating Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. The luxury property...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Vamoose, which has been independently tested and verified as the only commercially available odor eliminator with long-term odor removal for cigarettes, pipes and cigars by organically converting the sources of the odors, is now available in service kits for commercial service companies. Service companies, franchise service groups, hotels, motels and restaurants can now easily purchase complete treatment kits and add additional service offerings for room treatment of tobacco odors. Vamoose, when used properly, completely eliminates all second-hand tobacco odors with the patented Novexium technology which molecularly combines with the tar and nicotine molecules deposited by smoking. It converts...

LAGRANGE, GA.—Milliken Hospitality’s latest carpet introduction, Orsay, takes its design cues from the work of the great impressionist masters—Renoir, Monet and Cassatt. With original interpretation from decorative artist Tracy Lee Stum, Orsay draws from an encyclopedia of decorative painting techniques and calligraphy. Using Milliken’s étage technology, the collection allows designers to define their own style and create a fully custom look quickly and easily. By simply selecting and combing pattern layers, the designer has complete control to create their own masterpiece. Orsay is available in both broadloom and 36-inch tile formats. The collection includes small, medium and large scale...

NEW YORK CITY—The importance of HVAC&R as it applies to a range of building types is highlighted in the winning entries for the ASHRAE Technology Awards. Designers of systems for a hospital, a poultry slaughter house, a community center, a school and a hotel were recognized for incorporating elements of innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy conservation. Winners have applied ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and IAQ. The awards were presented at ASHRAE’s 2008 Winter Meeting held earlier this month in New York City. “While each project was unique in...

SINGAPORE—Royal Plaza (RP) on Scotts, Singapore’s first completely smoke-free business hotel, continues to get positive results from its move to promote the health of its employees through its nonsmoking program first implemented in early 2007. When the hotel decided to go nonsmoking, 96 percent of its employees had successfully quit smoking or had cut down significantly. Employees were continuously encouraged to make a conscientious effort to either reduce the number of cigarettes smoked or kick the habit completely. To further promote the health of the hotel’s staff, RP on Scotts has implemented initiatives with Singapore Wellness Medical Clinic and Changi...