MUSKEGON, MICH.—EarthTronics is now offering general purpose A-type EarthBulb LEDs as an energy-efficient solution for replacing incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs for home, hospitality, restaurant, long-term care and retail locations. These Energy Star rated bulbs feature multi-chipset high-power LED, an advanced cooling system that provides extended performance life, high color rendering of greater than 80 CRI, and smooth dimming capabilities from 100 percent to less than five percent. With a 25,000 hour rated life and a 10-year warranty, the A-type EarthBulbs provide an energy savings that exceed 80 percent for a quick return on investment.The 13-watt A19 omni-directional EarthBulb...

ODESSA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Odessa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added Intus Windows to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Windows & Doors” category. Intus Windows is one of the pioneers in manufacturing and distributing of super energy-efficient windows and doors in the United States. The company has developed three distinctive product lines: Wood, Aluminum, and U-PVC. Each of them offers multiple choices of finishes and styles as well as different price points. The company’s super energy-efficient Passive House certified and suitable windows, doors and curtain walls will fit any commercial, residential or industrial application....

NATIONAL REPORT—In hotels, utility costs consist of four major components.  According to the 2015 edition of Trends in the Hotel Industry, electricity is the largest utility expense comprising 60 percent of total expenditures. Water/service is the next largest utility cost (23.8 percent) followed by gas/fuel (10.6 percent), and steam (2.3 percent). Trends in the Hotel Industry is the annual survey of U.S. hotel operating statements conducted by PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR), a CBRE Company. Over the years, the energy component of the consumer price index (CPI) has been a good indicator of the direction of the change in total utility...

INDIANAPOLIS—Solar America Solutions, an Indianapolis-based provider of leading commercial solar thermal heating solutions, has received official “Notice of Allowance” from the United States Patent and Trademark Office representing the final decision and ruling that an official U.S. Patent will be granted for the breakthrough solar thermal technology at the core of their SunQuest 250 solar thermal collector. A New Jersey patent attorney shares that by having an official patent, this helps to protect the intellectual property of the technology that Solar America Solutions developed. “This patent represents the biggest advance in solar thermal technology in the past 30 years,” said Solar America Solutions Vice President...

Many people see a doctor at least once a year, but how good are we about tracking the health of our buildings? If your hotel or resort hasn’t had an energy audit or retrocommissioning in the past two to three years, you’ve likely accumulated tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in added utility costs per year. An energy audit is a detailed analysis of energy and water usage, resulting in a list of no-, low-, and high-cost energy conservation measures (ECMs) appropriate for your site. The goal of an audit is to reduce a building’s energy and water usage...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has published the sixth edition of Management of Food and Beverage Operations by Jack D. Ninemeier, Ph.D., CHA, CFBE, CHE. This textbook addresses successful management and operational tactics used in food and beverage operations, how foodservice operations improve quality standards while reducing expenses, and explores ways in which technology can be used to give guests greater value for their dining dollars and improve efficiency.This edition includes information on LEED certification, updates about the EPA Energy Star program and technology in foodservice equipment, a new Nutrition and Dining Out section, how...

MANCHESTER, N.H.—Xeros, maker of an ultra-low water laundry system, announced that it has expanded its market presence into the Canadian commercial laundry and dry cleaning market with a channel partnership agreement for its polymer bead cleaning systems with Michael St. Clair Fine Cleaners in Vancouver. Under the agreement Michael St. Clair Fine Cleaners will sell and service Xeros’ polymer bead cleaning laundry systems which are proven to dramatically reduce water, energy and detergent usage.Canada’s thousands of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands represent 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. Nationwide initiatives have accelerated water conservation efforts as demand for...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International joined the American Business Act on Climate Change Pledge by pledging to reduce energy consumption 20 percent by 2020, during the National Clean Energy Summit held at the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Center, sponsored by U.S. Senator Harry Reid, and with closing keynote comments by President Barack Obama.“MGM Resorts is committed to being a leading corporate citizen in all it does,” said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International. “Climate change and consumption of traditional energy sources are among the most critical issues of our day.”“Innovating our resorts to operate more efficiently while...

CARY, N.C.—Civilight North America announced the appointment of Connecticut-based Vanguard Lighting as the company’s newest sales representative for New England states. Vanguard Lighting’s territory will include Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. “We are thrilled to partner with Vanguard Lighting to grow our customer base throughout the New England states,” said Jeffrey E. Lagaly, CEO of Civilight North America. “Through strategic partnerships such as these, Civilight North America is able to provide end-users from coast to coast with our high-quality LED indoor replacement products. We look forward to a strong and prosperous partnership between Civilight and...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hilton Austin recently transformed the challenge of a strict local energy conservation code into a triple win. Their solution added to guest comfort, improved the property’s bottom line, and helped the environment. The hotel launched a $22 million renovation, primarily to simplify guest comfort and boost energy efficiency. Now, the property’s energy management system (EMS) not only meets—but exceeds—Austin’s green mandate.  Austin mandated that commercial buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger must conduct an annual conservation audit and report their energy rating to the city. Austin’s subtropical climate presents a challenge to energy efficiency. Average summer...