NATIONAL REPORT—In any discussion about sustainability, it is likely that carbon will enter the discussion at one point or another. In any conversation about sustainability in the kitchen, carbon also has a place, but in more ways than one. It is not only the carbon emissions from running the lighting, appliances and HVAC system, it is the actual carbon buildup on pots, pans and other items. This buildup is a barrier to heat, which means it can take longer for items to cook or bake. The longer ovens or stoves run, the higher the energy bill and related environmental...

LONGMONT, COLO.—Terralux, a leader in the design and manufacture of commercial LED lighting and building control products, announces the expansion of the DRV LED retrofit product line. The DRV now features three models: DRVL for low output applications, the DRV, and the DRVH for high output applications. The latest model, DRVL, is designed to replace either a single 13 watt CFL bulb or a single 18 watt CFL bulb inside existing commercial downlights. The DRVL features rapid-installation process without requiring connection to an external ballast or driver, and provides up to 800 lumens. These fixtures are most typically found in...

ACME, MICH.—Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City, Mich. is reaping the benefits of improved energy efficiency and enhanced eco-friendliness because of a new piece of equipment, with integration design by A. O. Smith and installed late in the summer of 2016—a YANMAR Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system. The YANMAR Micro CHP unit has an engine that runs on natural gas to generate electricity with useful heat (hot water) as a byproduct of cooling the engine. It is a technology that has been in use in a variety of commercial and industrial applications for some time, however...

ATLANTA—Leaders from Trane, a provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) unveiled upgrades to the Atlanta convention center which are expected to cut energy costs and reduce the center’s carbon footprint by 39 percent annually, saving more than $2.5 million in year one. “The upgrades and the benefits gained in the convention center puts us at the forefront in the hospitality industry for sustainability, and solidifies our place as the number one convention, sports and entertainment destination in the world,” said Kevin Duvall, COO at the...

COMMERCE, CALIF.—Cylo, a new cylindrical LED rail head from Nora Lighting, offers an array of versatile adjustment features, including full rotation aiming and two beam spreads. With sleek contemporary lines, Cylo is offered in three sizes and can be attached anywhere along a Nora 120V Rail System for wall, cabinet and display illumination or overall lighting. Fixtures are constructed from die-cast aluminum with finishes in bronze or brushed nickel. Each Cylo also includes a field changeable 25° spot and 50° narrow flood. The Cylo series is fully dimmable and can be specified as an 8W (600L), 20W (1400L) or 32W (2800L) LED...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—The new Girbau Industrial (GI) GT-200 Drying Tumbler is engineered with quality components, easy-to-use programmable controls and a multitude of features that dramatically increase laundry production and energy-efficiency. Properly balanced airflow, heat input and basket volume allows maximum production when matched with GI soft-mount HS-6 Series Washers. Providing 200 pounds of drying capacity, and available in steam and natural gas models, the GT-200 quickly and efficiently dries large loads. The GT-200 offers the optional Integrated Sprinkler System (ISS) fire sensing and extinguishing system, standard reversing, Linen Life Extension (LLE) moisture sensing, and an extended tumble option. These features not...

In my years covering green lodging I have written quite a few articles about equipment and technology found in the kitchen to help one save energy, water and reduce waste—bio-digesters, pre-rinse spray valves, warewashers, variable-speed hood controllers, and more. You can read about such topics on the Green Lodging News website in the “Kitchen & Laundry” category. Every time I chat with a supplier I learn something new and that was certainly the case today when I interviewed Craig Gavson, CEO of Hyginix LLC. In case you are not familiar with Hyginix, they manufacture the FOG Tank, a heated...

TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M.—Taos Ski Valley says it is the first ski resort in the world to become a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp) by thoroughly demonstrating its commitment to deliberate and thoughtful social, economic and environmental actions. Certified B Corps are required to meet the highest standards of verified economic, social and environmental performance, and public transparency. The B Corp certification further underscores Taos Ski Valley’s investment in the people who live in Northern New Mexico, its commitment to a sustainable economic future, its stewardship of the natural environment, and respect for the visitors who come to experience...

RICHMOND, VA.—Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, the largest full-service outdoor lighting franchise company in the United States, is now in its second year of serving the hospitality industry exclusively with its Hospitality Outdoor Lighting division. With LED exterior lighting systems now in some of America’s premiere hotels and resorts, Hospitality Outdoor Lighting installations can now be seen in Augusta, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Charleston, S.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; College Station, Texas; Dallas; Kansas City, Mo.; Long Island, N.Y.; Naples, Fla.; Seabrook Island, S.C.; St. Louis; Tampa, Fla. and Wilmington, S.C. “More than 200 hotels and resorts have contacted us for information on Hospitality Outdoor Lighting...

This year is ushering in a host of new regulations for commercial kitchen refrigeration that will drive significant efficiency benefits for kitchen operations. The phasing in of new air quality standards, combined with limits on energy consumption, are all poised to create the most efficient refrigeration cabinets that commercial kitchens have yet seen. Starting in March 2017, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations will go into effect that will set a mandatory limit on the maximum daily energy consumption (MDEC) allowed for a given commercial refrigerator or freezer. In tandem, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program is significantly increasing...