LAS VEGAS—Bartech, a provider of automatic minibar solutions, will debut its new Green Automatic Minibar (G32 model) at HITEC 2012. It uses advanced compressor technology that consumes 70 percent less energy than typical absorption minibars. Thanks to a new and improved insulation known as cyclopentane, that is thicker and more environmentally friendly, the G32 minibar stays cool longer. Once its target temperature is reached, a eutectic plate mounted in the rear of the unit provides more than 12 hours of cooling without consuming additional electricity.Bartech’s green technology extends to a remote digital component as well. A standard feature on...

NIANTIC, CONN.— INNCOM will unveil its new, programmable switch series to complement its Integrated Room Automation System (IRAS) at the 2012 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC). Built on the same core as MODEVA, the EVORA Switch allows hotel guestroom designers to create lighting scenes and provide a pleasing light control environment and combine it with the ability to also control temperature, drapes and shades and guest annunciation functions without the expense of horizontal wiring within the room.“EVORA was developed to extend INNCOM switch capabilities beyond those offered in the well-established S-Series and the innovative MODEVA series,” said...

SAN MATEO, CALIF.—BuildingIQ, a provider of energy efficiency and demand response software, announced an exclusive agreement with NV Energy to trial a new energy efficiency program concept for commercial customers. As part of its long standing Market and Technology trials program, NV Energy will roll out the program concept to leading commercial customers in Las Vegas. The program concept leverages at its core the BuildingIQ technology platform to offer dynamically optimized HVAC operations in pursuit of significant energy savings. NV Energy will also be working with BuildingIQ to identify and deliver other significant opportunities for energy savings and peak...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Tourism Vancouver’s recent appointment of a tourism energy specialist is believed to be a worldwide first among destination marketing and management organizations. The role was made possible through sponsorship from BC Hydro with the mandate to guide member hotels, restaurants and attractions in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.The new tourism energy specialist role will enable Tourism Vancouver to more actively support the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan and goal to be the world’s “greenest” city by 2020. The services of the tourism energy specialist will build on the BC Hydro partnership and further assist Tourism Vancouver’s...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has launched new universal dimming room controllers for line voltage lighting loads. The versatile devices can control virtually all load types including LEDs, and are part of the company’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) suite of intelligent controls. Applications include daylight harvesting, lumen maintenance and scene control in areas from classrooms to offices, conference rooms, restaurants and galleries. As more jurisdictions adopt new energy codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2010 and IECC 2012), professionals must comply with multi-level control mandates. WattStopper’s universal dimming room controllers provide multi-level control solutions while also accommodating a variety of lighting types within each space. When...

MILWAUKEE—Eighty-five percent of building owners and operators globally depend on energy management to drive operational efficiency, according to a survey released by Johnson Controls, a provider of solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings. This represents a 34 point increase in the last two years. Energy cost savings and financial incentives are leading this shift, but more than half say they are also looking to improve their public image and increase the value of their buildings. The 2012 Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator, a global survey of 3,500 building owners and operators, was released at the 23rd Annual North...

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.—Marriott International, Inc. announced the first hotel to open as part of its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment) Volume Program—The Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River in Arizona. The hotel is also the first Marriott-branded property built on U.S. tribal land in cooperation with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, creating nearly 30 jobs.“This partnership is a symbol of Marriott’s commitment to working with diverse business partners,” said Eric Jacobs, chief development officer, North American Lodging, Marriott International. “Our business thrives on partnerships with organizations that share similar philosophies and values. We believe that we have found a great...

COLUMBIA, MD.—A high-efficiency, high-visibility solar-powered car-charging system made by a Maryland company is giving electric vehicle owners a means to refuel their vehicles with clean energy—and just as important, a way for businesses to attract and serve this new class of consumer: the EV driver.Advanced Technology & Research Corp., an engineering and manufacturing firm based in Columbia, Md., recently installed its first high-efficiency, small-footprint Sun-Tracking Solar EV Charging Station at an auto-related business, Win Kelly Chevrolet/Buick/GMC of Clarksville, which sells the Chevy Volt. A ribbon-cutting gave business owners from several different fields—including automotive, hospitality and real estate—the opportunity to...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau Inc. recently released the new Express Flatwork Ironer line, a team of waxless ironers capable of finishing up to 50 feet of linen per minute. Available in 13- and 20-inch roll diameters and up to 125-inch finishing widths, Express Flatwork Ironers boast new conveniences, including significantly enhanced processing speeds; an easily accessible lint cleanout; a wide, metallic feeding tray; reinforced lateral bearings; and multiple heating systems and types. All models are available in natural gas or electric heating, and the 20-inch is also available in steam heating. Making the most of available space, these return-to-feed ironers...

MORRISTOWN, N.J.—Honeywell International Inc. said Monday that it has acquired INNCOM, a Connecticut-based, privately held manufacturer of advanced software-based energy management solutions and in-room controls for lodging, healthcare and educational institutions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Honeywell said the acquisition will enhance its existing building management control systems offerings and broadens its customer base into the high-growth global lodging industry, particularly in the Middle East, India and Asia Pacific. INNCOM’s lodging customers include leading global brands ranging from mid-scale hotels to five-star luxury properties, including Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt, St. Regis, Four Seasons, Radisson, Kimpton, among many others. INNCOM had...