HONOLULU—Governor David Ige’s signature earlier this week makes official a law that requires all of Hawaii’s electricity to be produced from renewable energy sources no later than 2045. Enactment of House Bill (HB) 623 makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to adopt a 100 percent renewable requirement, further solidifying Hawaii’s role as a global clean energy leader. “Hawaii is making history today, not only for the islands, but for the planet,” said Jeff Mikulina, Executive Director of the Blue Planet Foundation. “We are making a promise to future generations that their lives will be powered not by...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—MaxLite, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of energy-efficient luminaires and lamps, has expanded its line of LED PAR30 and PAR38 lamps to include 277-volt versions.The LED PAR lamps are ideal for retrofitting recessed, track and other lighting fixtures used in architectural, retail and hospitality applications that operate on 277-volt electrical systems. Suitable for spot or general lighting, the lamps feature instant-on technology and deliver a high-quality light with excellent color rendering. MaxLite’s LED PAR lamps feature industry-leading lumen output made possible by a chip on board LED package that produces a bright light with superior thermal...

URBANA, ILL.—The Ramada Urbana Champaign has officially joined the EcoStay program. EcoStay is a national initiative that helps hotels measure their carbon footprint, identify and fund reduction strategies and balance off their greenhouse gas emissions through carbon offsetting.“We’re very excited to be part of the EcoStay Program,” said Gregory Trainor, General Manager of Ramada Urbana Champaign. “We’ve been looking for a way for our hotel to make a difference and EcoStay has provided us with the tools and training to take the first step in that direction.”Under the program, the Ramada Urbana will collect two dollars per night from...

TAMPA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Tampa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added Solar UV Solutions to its Green Product & Service Directory. As an authorized distributor of the SunQuest 250 solar thermal collector, Solar UV Solutions provides cost effective, energy efficient solutions for all commercial heating and hot water needs. The SunQuest 250 utilizes evacuated tube technology to convert UV rays into heat. Customers regularly save up to 50 percent of energy costs, and return on investment is generally within five years for all hot water applications and between five and 10 years for space heating applications. Call...

ANDERSON, CALIF.—G6 Hospitality, known for its economy lodging brands, Motel 6 and Studio 6 in the United States and Canada, announced another of its Motel 6 properties is now drawing power from the sun. The Motel 6 franchise located in Anderson, Calif., has installed more than 350 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that are expected to generate 100 percent of energy used by the property.“We are very proud to see our franchise partner’s committed to finding innovative ways to improve our environment,” says Dean Savas, EVP Franchise and International Development at G6 Hospitality. “This solar initiative aligns with our intention...

KAUAI, HAWAII—The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, located on the island of Kaua‘i, announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar project to install a cogeneration plant and reduce its carbon footprint in the Hawaiian Islands. The cogen plant will generate electricity and steam for the 18.5 acre Kaua‘i hotel, powering the resort’s eight buildings, heating water in guest villas as well as the resort’s four pools and three whirlpools. It is the first instance in the Hawaiian Islands where a cogen system has the capacity to generate up to 100 percent of a resort’s energy needs.Kaua‘i’s primary source of electrical...

TAMPA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Tampa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added a Laundrylux case study to its website. The case study focuses on the Super 8 Ukiah and details owner Raakesh Patel’s decision to go with Electrolux washers with no upfront costs. There are no such costs because Patel opted for Laundrylux’s PLUS (Professional Laundry Utility Service) where he simply uses the equipment as needed and pays only for that usage. PLUS laundering becomes a utility service—just like water, gas, and electricity. Like any utility, one only pays for PLUS when it is used. There is no...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies received LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program for the company’s Wyndham Branson Preview Center at 240 Terrace Boulevard in Branson, Mo. LEED is a third-party certification program and premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.Formerly a vacant medical facility, the three-story, 33,000-square-foot facility underwent renovations last year that included environmentally conscious construction and design, an energy-efficient HVAC system and lighting, and new landscaping....

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLO.—FridgeWize, a leading provider of energy-efficient commercial refrigeration solutions, announces the launch of its new website. Visitors to www.fridgewize.com are offered a better user experience with a modern, fresh design and easily accessible information on its energy-efficient products and resources. The new website captures the spirit of the FridgeWize brand and reinforces its values and commitment to energy efficiency throughout the site. With a more customer-oriented focus, the content of the website helps users make the best decisions for their commercial refrigeration retro-fitting needs. Visitors can easily access product information and case studies, request a quote, contact the...

ENGLEWOOD, COLO.— Motel 6, one of the nation’s largest motel chains, World Cinema, an industry leader in delivering satellite TV to hotels, and DISH Network L.L.C. have completed a multi-year agreement through which DISH and World Cinema will deliver HD satellite TV service and high speed internet access to the motel chain’s more than 500 corporately owned and operated properties. “Motel 6 understands the importance of technology that is scalable, economical and energy-efficient,” said Robert Grosz, Vice President of Commercial Sales for DISH. “Based on Motel 6’s preferences, we tailored a smartbox solution that features channel options and scrolling...