BETHLEHEM, PA.—AltusGroup, a North American network of 19 precast concrete manufacturers, several International Affiliates and select Innovation Partners has published a technical brief outlining how insulated precast wall systems provide a sustainable exterior envelope solution by allowing buildings to reduce energy usage and costs.The brief also discusses the resiliency benefits of the concrete enclosure systems. Precast concrete—and specifically CarbonCast technology featuring carbon fiber grid wythe connectors—is designed to withstand harsh weather and remain durable over time to extend the product’s lifespan. This, along with sustainable manufacturing practices, can reduce a building’s carbon footprint while enhancing long-term cost effectiveness.The five-page...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Designing and maintaining the systems that keep a hotel property running smoothly and efficiently is an important job, but one that may not even be noticed unless they stop functioning. The new, fourth edition of Hospitality Facilities Management and Design, was written by David M. Stipanuk, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, and published by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). It provides readers with a solid foundation in planning, operating, and maintaining the equipment and systems needed by every property.The book takes a systems approach to hospitality facilities issues, while also providing a...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Celebrating Earth Month, Shore Hotel, Santa Monica, Calif., officially unveiled its Green Charge Networks intelligent energy storage system coupled with electric vehicle charging. Shore Hotel, a LEED Gold certified property, is the first hotel in the United States to install an energy storage system coupled with fast DC EV charging. The intelligent energy storage system is expected to save 50 percent in demand charges. The unveiling ceremony included a live demonstration featuring the new Kia Soul EV, a fast charging station and Green Charge’s intelligent energy storage.“Kia Motors is proud to shine the spotlight on Shore Hotel...

TORRANCE, CALIF.—The lights are on where the buffalo roam. At the Lamar Buffalo Ranch field campus in Yellowstone National Park, an innovative distributed energy system that combines solar power generation with reused Camry Hybrid battery packs is now online. The result: reliable, sustainable, zero emission power to the ranger station and education center for the first time since it was founded in 1907.Announced in June 2014, the partnership among Toyota, Indy Power Systems, Sharp USA SolarWorld, Patriot Solar, National Park Service and Yellowstone Park Foundation is an innovative effort to extend the useful life of hybrid vehicle batteries while...

LAS VEGAS—With 40 years of experience and more than 5 million minibars installed worldwide, Dometic Group today announced that it is launching the DM20, a totally silent, compact drawer-style minibar for hotel guestrooms, at the HD Expo show in Las Vegas, May 13 to 15. The DM20 is the first-ever silent drawer minibar for the hospitality industry. It is the compact version of the DM50, launched four years ago and used widely by international hotel chains, interior designers and architects of guestrooms worldwide. “The new DM20 is specially designed for ease of access and visibility to guests, with a complete...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Worldwide announced an initial three-year commitment with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce its impact on the environment. As Hilton’s signature environmental partner, WWF will work with the company to evolve its global business practices. The collaboration also will further WWF’s mission to protect and conserve the Earth’s life-supporting resources by making the hospitality industry more sustainable.Hilton Worldwide properties around the world already contribute to the company’s waste reduction and water conservation targets through thousands of on-property projects. The collaboration with WWF builds on existing efforts in these areas and leverages the company’s initial work on sustainable...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Element Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s eco-innovation lab, announced a collaboration with Sistine Solar, Inc.—a company that uses innovative design to change the way the world thinks about solar power—to produce a one-of-a-kind solar canopy for the Element brand. Starting today, Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport will debut a nature-themed, custom designed charging station that allows guests and locals to relax as they recharge their devices through the power of sunlight. This collaboration is a continued proof point of the Element’s commitment to sustainability and eco-design, further demonstrating how sustainability and socialization can go hand in...

NATIONAL REPORT—At last month’s Clean Show in Atlanta, Ralph Daniels, President and CEO, Aquawing Ozone Injection Systems (AWOIS), thought about all of the ozone laundry companies that have exhibited at the show over the years—companies that, in many cases, are no longer in business. “The ones that have survived are the ones that offer local support,” Daniels says. “That is the key in hospitality.”AWOIS, and a handful of other companies like it, have stayed around because they offer not only local support but proven systems that can dramatically add efficiencies to laundry operations. By adding ozone to the laundering...

MANCHESTER, N.H.—Xeros, the innovator of an ultra-low water laundry system, announced that it is now offering high performance dryers with shorter dry times to work in conjunction with its award winning polymer bead laundry system and Xeros Sbeadycare laundry management program. Xeros showcased the new dryers at The Clean Show 2015.Two new high performance 80 and 120lb OPL dryers will be offered, and both provide high performance efficiencies, optimized energy use, shorter dry times, and safer, more reliable operation. Features include: •    Inverter system to ensure soft starts with less wear on the motor and belts; •    Fire suppression system...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the signing of a management agreement with Diamond Developers to launch the second Hotel Indigo in the U.A.E. Hotel Indigo is IHG’s boutique brand and each Hotel Indigo property is designed to reflect the local neighborhood it is located in. From the design of the building to the hotel’s artwork and locally-inspired menus, each Hotel Indigo property is unique to its surroundings, so no two properties are the same. In addition, guests can look forward to immersing in stories of the neighborhood through creatively crafted spaces reflecting the area’s heritage—a key cornerstone of...