HVAC systems have changed dramatically since their inception. The first furnaces were built in the 1700s and the room-sized cooling units of the early 1900s pale in comparison to the residential and commercial units used today. And now, HVAC technologies are poised to make another sizable leap by integrating artificial intelligence. AI will be integral to optimizing future heating and cooling systems by creating comfortable and sustainable living spaces while minimizing environmental impact and energy consumption. Models already in use by companies like KOVA can predict users’ heating and cooling needs and optimize output to save up to 30 percent...

Many of you use PTAC units to heat and cool guestrooms and other spaces in your hotel. When those PTACs have reached the “end of life,” what do you do with them? I recently spoke with Mylien Collins, Vice President of Digital Marketing at RoomOne Solutions, to get her company’s take on the lifecycle of the PTAC. RoomOne Solutions’ PTAC4Less takes used PTACs and renovates them for resale back into the hotel market—contributing to a more circular economy. Any PTACs that cannot be revitalized are scrapped. “Every single piece gets recycled properly,” Mylien told me. Any refrigerant that needs...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will work with the Biden Administration during Greenbuild to announce plans to create a new national definition of a zero-emissions building. This is the future of buildings, and the definition will be an important tool for establishing a common understanding of what it really means to be a zero operating emissions building. As financial institutions, investors, and insurers grapple with climate risks, USGBC sees the baseline established by this definition as key to evolving market expectations. USGBC is currently developing the next phase of the LEED rating system—LEED v5—and is committed to aligning the new rating systems by including specific LEED certifications designed to certify projects to the national definition. LEED, which launched the green building revolution 30...

CAMPBELL, CALIF.—ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), and global innovator LG Electronics (LG) have formed a strategic partnership to leverage their respective strengths for future innovations in EV charging. The first output of this relationship will be commercial charging solutions that encompass ChargePoint’s industry-leading charger management software and LG’s advanced EV charging hardware, with deliveries expected to begin later this summer. Future areas of collaboration may include combining ChargePoint EV charging solutions with LG energy storage systems, integration of the LG ThinQ smart home platform with ChargePoint’s award-winning Home Flex residential charger, and chargers that leverage LG’s...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added new case studies to the Vendor Case Studies section of its website. The Commercial Green Solutions (CGS) case studies focus on projects completed in 2022/23 in Pennsylvania and Virginia, highlighting how hotel operators and owners are benefiting from utility programs. Westfield Marriott of Dulles wanted to better understand the condition of their mechanical systems and identify ways to improve energy efficiency. Partnering with CGS allowed the client to leverage Dominion Energy’s (utility paid) building tune up program and ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit. Projects ranged from PTAC cleaning to chiller tune-ups. The estimated...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Commercial Green Solutions to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Consultants/Energy Management” category. Commercial Green Solutions provides an innovative approach to energy efficiency by functioning as a utility program accelerator. Its goal is to reduce clients’ operational expenses, minimize carbon footprint and find creative ways to contribute to profitability and sustainability. The company’s solutions include utility program implementation, PTAC/PTHP services (cleanings and replacements), ASHRAE Level 1 audits, HVAC cleanings/tune-ups, smart thermostats and EMS, full lighting retrofits, water efficiency programs, energy procurement and more. Call (202) 257-1876, or e-mail KennyW@commercialgreensolutions.com for more details.

Commercial Green Solutions (CGS) thrives off their ability to leverage utility programs to design energy efficiency projects for clients. Because every utility program is different, CGS spends just as much time with utility partners as they do with clients. Building relationships with service providers ensures access to the right programs that provide the best ROI, and in many cases the ability to create net zero and low-cost energy efficiency projects. The case studies featured focus on projects completed in 2022/23 in Pennsylvania and Virginia, highlighting how hotel operators and owners are benefiting from utility programs. Main Challenge The landscape of energy efficiency...

SHELTON, CONN.—Budderfly, the premier Energy as a Service (EaaS) partner for commercial businesses with repeatable footprints, announced that it has added water conservation technologies to its suite of energy savings solutions through a strategic acquisition. The addition of water conservation technologies to Budderfly’s existing portfolio of energy efficiency solutions will help its customers reduce on-site water usage by 20 to 30 percent. Budderfly’s suite of water conservation technologies includes low-flow fixtures, intelligent leak detection systems, and groundbreaking accuracy-enhancing valves that lower customers’ water and sewer costs by compressing air volume in municipal water lines and reducing vibration at the meter....

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.—Hope’s Windows, Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom-designed, solid steel and bronze window and door systems, announced that its classic Old World Suite can be enhanced with Thermal Evolution technology. This unique combination allows customers to achieve increased thermal efficiency in commercial projects while maintaining the timeless aesthetics of Hope’s classic steel windows and doors. Hope’s Old World Suite blends timeless style with modern performance. The hot-rolled steel windows and doors provide the perfect fit for projects calling for classic solid steel windows and doors with old world style three-point casement or arrow-shaped profiles. Boasting uniquely slender sightlines, these designs are perfect for...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the winners of the 2024 Energy Star Partner of the Year Awards. These 211 organizations, which represent the top Energy Star program partners, are making significant contributions in support of the clean energy transition. They come from 38 states and localities, representing multiple economic sectors. The winners were recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda creates unprecedented opportunity to build a clean energy economy, and private sector partners through programs like Energy Star are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate this...