SAN FRANCISCO—Metrus Energy, which develops and finances projects that enable energy efficiency to become a resource for its customers, is planning a free introductory customer webinar on its Efficiency Service Agreement on Thursday, June 27 at 11 a.m. PST.“While many building owners and facilities managers understand that the cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you don’t consume, most energy efficiency projects leave a lot of energy savings on the table,” says Aparna Sundaram, a Metrus Energy representative. “To help our customers and partners identify the best financing vehicle to get more ‘negawatts’ out of their projects, Metrus is planning this...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Telkonet, Inc., whose complementary business divisions include EcoSmart, an intelligent energy management technology solution and EthoStream, one of the largest high-speed Internet access providers in the world, will be introducing and demonstrating its new EcoCentral Virtual Engineer cloud-based command center at HITEC 2013. HITEC, the world’s largest hospitality and technology event, is being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis from June 25 to 27.“We are excited to have a significant presence at this year’s HITEC event,” said Jason Tienor, Telkonet’s CEO. “Energy management demands in the hospitality industry have skyrocketed and we’re eager to demonstrate the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Portfolio Manager, used by more than 9,000 hotels across the United States to benchmark their energy and water performance, is about to undergo some significant changes. On July 10, the EPA will release a complete upgrade of the online tool. According to EPA, users of the new Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool will enjoy an easier-to-use interface, more streamlined sharing tools, and enhanced reporting features. For example, data entry will be easier with enhanced graphics, wizards and prompts. Collaboration will be improved with advanced sharing and reporting functions.In preparation for the new release,...

BALTIMORE—1Lightbulbs.com, an online retailer that features a large selection of light bulbs, has just added eco-friendly lighting products to its website.“1 Light bulbs is proud to be a world leader in selling, distributing, and passing on the lowest cost possible to you for all of your lighting needs,” an article on the website noted, adding that the company also works with a wide selection of light bulb suppliers, including top brands like GE, Satco, Bulb Rite, Sylvania, and Philips.Category tabs at the top of the home page help shoppers find some of the most popular types of light bulbs;...

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Collaboration between technology partners Zeno Controls LLC and ILLUMRA has resulted in the development and release of a new hotel network solution called InnPoint. The new software/hardware configuration is designed to remotely facilitate the control of room lighting, heating and cooling for improved energy savings.  Zeno Controls provides wireless gateways and integrated solutions for small-to-medium size buildings that require control of lighting and HVAC. ILLUMRA manufactures wired and wireless HVAC and lighting control devices for commercial buildings.ILLUMRA has developed an upgraded firmware that has enabled the use of the ZENO Gateway, built on the Can2Go Platform from Schneider...

TORRANCE, CALIF.—LEDtronics, Inc. announces the newest members in its series of high-brightness, energy-efficient LED replacements for PAR38-style floodlight bulbs. The LED PAR38-style floodlight bulb is ideal for commercial applications, facilities, plant, hotels and resorts.The PAR38WF-18W-001A Series comes with a softly diffused, precision domed lens that directs a high-lumen, wide beam of light in an omni-directional illumination pattern. Operating in a wide voltage input range of 90-290VAC, the high-power lamps with high-grade LEDs are able to replace halogen lamps up to 90 watts while consuming only 18 watts, resulting in energy savings of up to 85 percent.The new PAR38WF-18W-001A Series...

OQUNQUIT, MAINE—A year after installing one of Maine’s largest solar thermal projects, The Cliff House Resort & Spa reports saving 20,000 gallons of propane, 82 percent more than originally projected. Owner Kathryn Weare anticipated saving 11,000 gallons of propane based on equipment specifications and is pleased with the nearly double first-year results. Located on a cliff abutting the Atlantic Ocean, the resort’s solar panels productivity benefits from the reflective surface of the water.The installation comprising 2,100 tubes on 70 collectors was initially estimated to provide solar-heated water for the 32 guestrooms in Cliff Spa, the spa building along with...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—ClearWater Tech, LLC has introduced a new website devoted solely to EcoTex—“The Cold Water Catalyst,” for on-premise laundering. “With the rising popularity and greater acceptance of ozone by companies involved in laundering, we felt now was the time to raise the awareness level another notch,” said Cameron Tapp, President and CEO of ClearWater Tech. “The test feedback we received was very positive, with high marks not only for educating the audience but for the depth of information this site provides. “Ozone is a very effective cold water solution with many across-the-board benefits,” Tapp added. “We organized...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International has launched a new supplier initiative in partnership with Ecodesk, a global sustainability data platform, that builds upon its commitment to environmental responsibility.MGM Resorts is joining a select group of the world’s most innovative organizations in an effort to bring supplier and customer sustainability information together through Ecodesk. The program seeks to create a better understanding of how energy use, carbon emissions and waste impact performance. This platform will allow customers and suppliers to evaluate possible opportunities for innovation, while offering the convenience of a centralized database available for suppliers and their customers.“Incorporating environmentally responsible...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Willard InterContinental and top D.C. property developers-owners including Carr Properties, joined with Silver Bullet, a water treatment company, to introduce a system that increases building sustainability. The new patented technology creates hydrogen peroxide (natural non-toxic biocide) when injected into water, killing all bacteria, removing scale and preventing corrosion. The technology cuts water usage, electricity and toxic chemical delivery, storage and removal.“We appreciate the opportunity to be among the first commercial entities in the nation’s capital to utilize this cost-effective and environmentally sound commercial technology,” said Patrick Birchall, general manager of the Willard InterContinental.Silver Bullet estimates the historic,...