MIAMI—Airzone Control, provider of HVAC solutions for zoning, automation, and smart control, announced a revolutionary new integration with the full portfolio of Nest thermostats. The integration between the Airzone Aidoo Pro and Nest smart thermostats (Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat) enables seamless bi-directional communication between the Inverter/VRF and mini split HVAC units that are soaring in popularity. The Inverter/VRF solutions market is expected to reach $31.9 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 12.7 percent between 2021 and 2025. The global smart thermostat market is expanding in parallel and expected to triple by 2028 as more users gravitate towards...

NORTON SHORES, MICH.—EarthTronics, dedicated to developing innovative energy-saving lighting products that provide a positive economic and environmental impact, introduces its new 48”, 15-watt direct wire linear LED T8 with a flexible design that allows for single- or double-end operation on 120-277V for maximum energy savings. It is a plug and play solution that can work on electronic ballasts and can be direct wired to line voltage quickly with no lamp holder modifications necessary. Ideal for commercial, municipal, school and university retrofit applications, the new A/B Hybrid LED lamp is color selectable 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K or 6500K and is adjusted in the...

BETHESDA, MD.—For many years Host Hotels & Resorts has been recognized for its ongoing sustainability leadership, and justifiably so. It was the first hospitality company and one of the first 20 companies globally to have its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). “ is very important,” says Michael Chang, Vice President of Energy and Sustainability for Host Hotels & Resorts. “It is prioritized by the investor community. It signals that your goals are credible.” Of its portfolio of 77 hotels, 11 are LEED certified. “Our sustainable financing strategies enable our responsible investment in LEED-certified...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) announced its commitment to becoming a regional leader in renewable energy. The District is actively collaborating with its partners at Reedy Creek Energy Services on exploring alternative renewable sources. This initiative aims to protect the environment while simultaneously reducing energy costs for taxpayers. District Administrator Glenton “Glen” Gilzean, Jr. stated, “The significance of renewable energy cannot be overstated in providing a safe and seamless experience for the 68,000,000 visitors and nearly 100,000 workers within the District boundaries. As District Administrator, I am dedicated to ensuring that the Central Florida Tourism...

NEW YORK—Beyond Green, a global portfolio of planet Earth’s most sustainable hotels, has announced the launch of its first-ever Global Impact Report underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the effect of its member portfolio’s worldwide ESG initiatives. The report, available online at www.staybeyondgreen.com/GIR, utilizes data resulting from a Beyond Green member sustainability survey to demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism in safeguarding the planet’s natural environment, celebrating cultural heritage, and enhancing the lives of local communities—representing the future of travel. Established by Preferred Travel Group in April 2021, Beyond Green unites sustainability leaders worldwide to transform the travel industry with each member property vetted...

SAINT KITTS—Sunset Reef Hotel in St Kitts has earned the prestigious title of Sustainable Hotel of The Year at the Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards 2024. The awards, hosted on the Caribbean Journal’s website, recognized outstanding contributions to the region’s success across various categories. Sunset Reef Hotel’s victory underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Highlighted as a benchmark for the industry, the hotel merges luxurious hospitality with innovative environmental practices. The resort prioritizes renewable energy management with an efficient air conditioning system and energy from pools. In addition, the resort is committed to water conservation and implements a strict no-plastic...

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.—Hope’s Windows, Inc., a leading and experienced manufacturer of custom-designed, solid hot-rolled steel and solid bronze window and door systems, will exhibit its leading products at the 2024 NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, from February 27 to 29. Visit booth #C8146 to view firsthand the signature steel doors and windows in Hope’s Old World Suite, alongside Hope’s award-winning Thermal Evolution technology. At the largest light construction show in the world, learn how the residential construction industry can elevate projects calling for classic solid steel windows and doors with Hope’s Old World Suite. This suite is designed with exclusive, old-world...

I had an opportunity to interview Michael Chang, Vice President of Energy and Sustainability for Host Hotels & Resorts this past week. Be sure to watch for the article soon on Green Lodging News. A little more than seven years ago, I featured Michael in the Personnel Profile section of my site and have frequently posted about Host Hotels & Resorts since. For those of you not familiar with Host, it is a Bethesda, Md.-based Real Estate Investment Trust with a portfolio of 77 hotels with 42,000 rooms in the top 20 U.S. markets. Notably, Host owns the New York...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Shashi Hotel, a premier urban resort nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley in Mountain View, California by Shashi Group, announced that it has been awarded LEED Gold certification by USGBC. LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operational practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable. “At Shashi Hotel, our goal has always been to provide guests with the best customer experience possible, while also solidifying ourselves as the most disruptive and empowering technologically driven lodging...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Arte as a Founding Sponsor at the Bronze level. Since its founding in 1981, Arte has combined passion for design and a drive for technological innovation in elegant wallcoverings that complement a range of interiors, from sumptuous classic to minimalist avant-garde. With hundreds of designs in thousands of colors, Arte’s award-winning wallcoverings reflect a rich range of elegance, style and taste for every type and style of project, backed by outstanding dedication to customer service and an extensive sampling program. Having achieved the international, officially recognized carbon neutral label, Arte’s mission is to take...