Finding the right HVAC system to cool commercial spaces does not have to mean making a choice between high-quality performance and efficiency, but it does take homework. In order to make the most informed decisions, facilities managers and building owners need to be mindful of not only the purchase and installation price but its protected service life and operational costs. Once the numbers are crunched, it is often found that the most energy efficient equipment offsets a larger up-front price and more than makes up for it in long-term operational savings. Look at the Full Picture Something to keep in mind when...

OAKLAND, N.J.—Amerlux, an award-winning design-and-manufacture lighting company, launched an innovative, UV-free lighting solution that kills viruses, bacteria and other microbes on surfaces while providing crisp, white, comfortable illumination and meeting international standards for continual and unrestricted use around people. ActiveClean combines Amerlux’s commercial-grade LED lighting engineering with the UV-free, antimicrobial lighting technologies of Vyv, a leading health tech company that recently announced independent testing that demonstrates its 405-nanometer (nm) lighting capabilities are effective against non-enveloped viruses, which are the most difficult to kill. “ActiveClean is an attractive and valuable asset for companies looking to welcome hesitant workers back to the office, classroom and an assortment of other workplaces,”...

TAMPA, FLA.—In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels have enacted enhanced cleaning procedures and housekeeping standards, including the promise of cleaning high-touch surfaces. But are those hotels delivering on that promise? AAA—which conducts annual anonymous in-person inspections at more than 26,000 hotels across North America—will now test sanitation levels of high-touch surfaces, as part of its evaluation. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on travelers’ expectations for cleanliness,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Travelers trust AAA for recommendations that focus on their safety and security. The Inspected Clean enhancement to our Diamond Program...

The hospitality industry has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As facilities begin to reopen, guests must receive clear communications that show everything possible is being done to protect them during their stays. Many facilities are cleaning and disinfecting utilizing harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonias, which are not environmentally friendly and are hazardous to human health. In addition, utilizing paper towels and alcohol-based wipes has produced copious amounts of waste. Cleaning and disinfection can be done in an environmentally friendly way as well as effectively and efficiently. Safer plant-based disinfectants can provide environmentally friendly and healthier...

MIAMI—ABCO Cleaning Products, a leader in sustainable cleaning tools, announced the opening of a new 125,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for injection molding in Choloma, Honduras. The production plant will support the development of cleaning tools like mop buckets, wringers, hand brushes, floor brushes, squeegees and more. “Our fully vertically integrated process allows us to deliver the essential tools our customers need to uphold cleanliness, safety and sustainability in their facilities,” said Carlos Albir, President, ABCO. “We’re witnessing increased demand for high-quality solutions and this expansion will further strengthen our ability to help businesses meet higher standards of clean.” Injection molding works by adding heated, liquid...

UCLUELET, B.C.—At Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, every day is Earth Day. The popular Ucluelet resort is once again raising the sustainability game with its Refillable and Zero Waste programs reducing its ecological footprint and taking a load off the landfill while reducing plastic waste. Spearheaded by Black Rock General Manager Adele Larkin, the initiative is aimed at sourcing 100 percent natural, biodegradable, refillable products for its cleaning needs and guest amenities in 2021. As one of the first resorts in Canada to adopt such a model, Black Rock turned to its own backyard for solutions. Thanks to a partnership with two forward-thinking...

HOUSTON—NanoVapor Biotech (NVB), an innovator in self-disinfecting surface protection technology, announced that it was chosen by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, to treat their hotel and casino with its proprietary 90-Day Surface Protection Treatment System powered by OMNISOL, an anti-microbial solution that is 100 percent environmentally friendly and lasts longer than regular disinfectants. The treatment provides antimicrobial surface disinfection, and protection, that remains active for up to 90 days. Known for its long-acting technology, NVB’s 90-Day Surface Protection Treatment System powered by OMNISOL has been relied on to disinfect and protect surfaces in settings such...

HORSHAM, PENN.—Three in five Americans (60 percent) say automated paper towel dispensers in public restrooms would improve their perception of a facility’s cleanliness, according to a survey commissioned by Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use. The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll from April 14 to 16, 2021 among 2,050 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, gives facility managers a better understanding of guests’ perception of restroom features. In addition, a majority of Americans (53 percent) say no-touch mechanical paper towel dispensers would improve their perception of a facility’s cleanliness. These are dispensers that feature...

ADDISON, TEXAS—Industry innovator CASPR Group is literally raising the roof on air and surface disinfection with the introduction of CASPR Blu Tile. This innovative new product offers game-changing simplicity to building managers, owners, and HVAC engineers. CASPR means Continuous Air & Surface Pathogen Reduction, and the introduction of the Blu Tile is representative of the innovative solutions the company has always offered. CASPR’s patent-pending technology converts oxygen and moisture in the air into low but effective levels of hydrogen peroxide, which are dispersed continuously throughout a building, reducing pathogens in the air and on surfaces. This unique technology produces no...

NEW CASTLE, PENN.—Green cleaning is increasingly important in the eyes of the public according to new research from Whittaker, a leader in low-moisture carpet cleaning. The survey, conducted online on their behalf by The Harris Poll from May 4-6, 2021 among 2,035 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, found that 1 in 2 Americans (50 percent) believe commercial facilities like hotels, long-term care facilities, airports, retail stores and more should follow sustainable cleaning practices. This can include the use of certified green cleaning products and cleaning during daytime hours, which uses less energy than cleaning during the evening. “There are many...