NATIONAL REPORT—When a new Residence Inn by Marriott opened in Denver last month, it did so with fully-equipped guestroom kitchens that each include a radiant electric ceramic cooktop. According to Suzanne Owens, VP, Sales, Kenyon International, Inc.—the company that supplied the cooktops—the hotel’s owners made a wise, green choice because of the energy efficiency of the ceramic cooktops. Compared with gas cooking with average efficiencies of 50 percent, cooking with smooth top ceramic cooktops is 75 to 80 percent efficient. Coil cooktops, still found in many extended-stay hotels, are about 65 percent efficient. While requiring more investment, cool induction...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—Expanding its portfolio of LED products designed to save installers time and money, MaxLite introduces the J-Box Downlight as the easy and economical way to add high quality recessed lighting to residential and commercial spaces. The downlight is built with an integral junction box that eliminates the need for a traditional recessed housing during installation in new construction and retrofit projects. The fixture simply gets wired to a wall switch and placed into the ceiling—no can, bulb or extra labor required. MaxLite offers the J-Box Downlight in 4- and 6-inch diameters, and color temperatures of 2700K, 3000K and...

ATLANTA—The Ellis Hotel has a heart of green. The recently renovated property, downtown Atlanta’s only independent hotel, has earned Silver certification to Green Seal’s Standard for Hotels & Lodging Properties (GS-33). This achievement, which has only been attained by four other Georgian hotels, is based on a rigorous, independent evaluation of The Ellis Hotel’s features, operations and processes. “We salute the Ellis Hotel for its leadership in sustainability as a Green Seal-certified hotel,” said Arthur B. Weissman, Ph.D., Green Seal’s president and CEO. “Its continual innovation shows how sustainability can position hotels at the cutting edge of the market and...

DURHAM, N.C.—Global solar energy production is taking a major hit due to air pollution and dust. According to a new study, airborne particles and their accumulation on solar cells are cutting energy output by more than 25 percent in certain parts of the world. The regions hardest hit are also those investing the most in solar energy installations: China, India and the Arabian Peninsula. The study appears online June 23 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. “My colleagues in India were showing off some of their rooftop solar installations, and I was blown away by how dirty the panels were,” said...

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Great Eastern Energy (GEE), a licensed supplier of electricity, natural gas, and energy management solutions in the Northeast, announced the launch of their LED Retrofitting program. GEE’s suite of products are offered to help bring an energy-efficient lifestyle and sustainable business practices to their customers, making LED Retrofitting a natural extension of their product line. By offering a flexible financing program, they’re able to make LED Retrofitting available to businesses of all sizes. LED Retrofitting with Great Eastern Energy is a long-term investment that effectively reduces energy usage, thereby reducing costs. Upgrading to LED lighting can help lower operational...

TROY, OHIO—Providing restaurants and food service operations with both productivity and durability, Vulcan introduces the 35-pound, Energy Star certified VEG Series. Rated at 70,000 BTU/hr., the VEG fryer has a production capacity of 56.8 lbs./hr. and a 50 percent cooking efficiency rating. Compared to a standard economy fryer, the VEG cooks 10 lbs. more per hour and reduces operational costs. The VEG meets criteria to be Energy Star certified, making it eligible for rebates at time of purchase in many states (with some as high as $1,900), for an immediate payback on the unit. “With a large demand from dealers...

BANGKOK—Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced plans to open its first resort in Switzerland. Upon completion, the 47–room Six Senses Crans-Montana will operate under a long-term management agreement with 1875 FINANCE, one of Switzerland’s premier finance companies, representing the investors involved in the project. The resort marks a significant milestone for Six Senses development and will be in one of the region’s most prominent ski areas. Located in the canton of Valais, Geneva is located two hours away by car and train. “We are thrilled to collaborate with 1875 FINANCE and are eager to expand our presence in Europe,” said...

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS—Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa has been awarded eco-burner’s very first Carbon Savings Certificate. Beaches Turks and Caicos are the first recipient of this carbon saving award for their dedication to saving the environment and making a difference for future generations. The resort, located on the islands of Turk and Caicos, has been using eco-burner for the last two years, changing from traditional chemical chafing fuel methods to eco-burner’s safer, cleaner and greener solution. In this time they have made the colossal saving of 79 tons of carbon emissions saving the same amount...

SALEM, ORE.—Onity is featuring the newest version of its SensorStat energy management solution at HITEC from June 26 to 29 at booth 1711. SensorStat is designed to maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort. It combines an intelligent guest room thermostat, door/window sensors, and passive infrared (PIR) occupancy detection capability. Designed for a complete range of property sizes, SensorStat can scale from standalone, in-room control to a fully networked solution integrated with building automation systems.

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—MaxLite, a leading provider of energy-efficient lighting solutions, announced the launch of AlphaMax Channel Letter Modules and Double-Sided T8 Lamps as part of a new category of long-lasting, high-quality LED products for sign lighting applications. The AlphaMax Series is available in a full range of two-, three- and four-LED modules designed for new construction or retrofit of channel letters, box signs and displays. Available in red or 6500K white color temperatures, as well as an array of wattages and wire lengths, AlphaMax modules can be customized to meet virtually any customer specification. The modules are designed with a...