NATIONAL REPORT—After two years of declining revenues and profits, U.S. hotels turned the corner in 2010. According to the 2011 edition of Trends in the Hotel Industry published by PKF Hospitality Research (PKR-HR), the average hotel in the nation achieved a 4.8 percent increase in total revenue during 2010. While 70 percent of the properties in the Trends sample enjoyed an increase in total revenue in 2010, only 60 percent were able to convert that into more money on the bottom line. Previous analysis conducted by PKF-HR has found that hotel managers struggle to control costs during the initial stages...

NATIONAL REPORT—Confused about changing light bulb technology and new regulations affecting the types of bulbs stores sell? The American Lighting Association (ALA) offers information to help simplify the process of selecting efficient, economical and effective light bulbs. Are Certain Types of Light Bulbs Being Banned? The word “ban” is incorrect. While it is true that the 100-watt incandescent bulb will no longer be manufactured after January 2012, it is not a ban as much as it is a replacement. Products in every industry go through a similar process where something that is no longer efficient is replaced in the marketplace by...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer, Inc. announced that BUILDINGS Magazine has selected its XLERATOR high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryer as a Top Money-Saving Product for 2011. Finalists were based on the money-saving qualities offered to building owners and facility managers in areas such as energy consumption, water savings, lighting, productivity, maintenance, and more. After reviewing more than 125 submissions, BUILDINGS’ editorial staff selected an elite group of products. XLERATOR completely dries hands in 10 to 15 seconds—three times faster than conventional dryers. It uses 80 percent less energy and delivers a 95 percent cost savings versus paper towels, while creating a more...

DETROIT—Lighting Enterprises (LEI), a leading maker of decorative lighting and energy saving LEDs for hotel and resort guestrooms and public spaces, has introduced a new line of exclusive hand stitched faux-leather wrap arms for their series of headboard-mount LED flexible reading lights for hotel guestrooms. LEI has been testing this leather feature for a year with a select group of key luxury hotel brands including Grand Hyatt, prior to presenting to the entire hospitality market. The launch at HD Boutique earlier this month showcased Taupe Faux-Leather fixture samples and include black or white options. New literature accompanying the fixture introduction...

TORRANCE, CALIF.—LEDtronics announces its latest generation of direct incandescent-replacement R16 LED Reflector Lamps with standard 26mm medium screw base. The bulbs operate on 120VAC and provide a concentrated 40-degree beam of light from a cluster of 40 LEDs. The energy-efficient R16-40-SIW-120AM (3,000K warm white) and R16-40-TPW-120AM (5000K natural white) draw just 1.7 watts each and provide up to 140 lumens. They provide an up to 90 percent savings in energy costs over incandescent and halogen bulbs, and have an operating lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. The lamps are ideal for architects, retail store display creators, entertainment designers and other...

TORONTO—As part of its ongoing climate change strategy, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced that it has cut its CO2 output by 8.4 percent. As a member of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers program, Fairmont has pledged to reduce its operational CO2 emissions by 20 percent below 2006 levels by 2013, and was the world’s first luxury hotel group to commit to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The more than 8 percent decline, based on 2010 year-end data, means the hotel company is almost halfway to its ambitious reduction target. “Everyone can agree that the debate on climate...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—The Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront announced it has received Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The hotel scored 43 points higher than the average hotel and 18 points higher than the Energy Star requirements. In a study conducted by California Travel & Tourism Commission and San Francisco State University, 37 percent of travelers specifically seek out green service providers and one in four travelers stated they use green service providers. The Oakland Homewood Suites is only the second hotel in Oakland to earn Energy Star certification from the EPA. “Creating a thread between team members...

LIVONIA, MICH.—The San-O3-tyzer by Hamilton Engineering and Aquawing Ozone Systems is a new system that uses a blend of heat and ozone in every wash cycle. Adding ozone to the wash allows for less chemicals and the use of lower temperature wash water, which will substantially lower utility bills and reduce the carbon footprint of a laundry operation. Additionally, there are San-O3-tyzer models designed to fit in the space of and function as a folding table. San-O3-tyzer systems come in more than 20 standard sizes that can accommodate up to 4,000 pounds of hourly wash capacity. Every San-O3-tyzer is factory...

MADRID, SPAIN—The Hotel Energy Solutions (HES) e-toolkit, the main output of the Hotel Energy Solutions project, provides hoteliers with a report which shows their current energy use and recommends appropriate renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and actions. It further sets out what kind of savings on operational expenses hotels can expect from their green investments through a return on investment calculator. Testing of the toolkit was finalized in August in more than 100 European properties in four different pilot destinations: Haute-Savoie, in France, Palma de Mallorca, in Spain, Bonn, in Germany, and Strandja, in Bulgaria, with very positive feedback...

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.—Reinforcing its Responsible Lighting brand standard with ongoing improvement of the company’s programs for environmental protection and conservation, WAC Lighting received an ISO-14001 Certification for its effective environmental management system of designing and producing luminaires and components. The company operates a clean, wholly owned manufacturing campus with zero landfill status, recycling capabilities and in-house UL authorized labs. “We are proud to be awarded this latest ISO certification,” stated Shelley Wald, president of WAC Lighting. “Our environmental management system is precisely aligned with our ‘Responsible Lighting’ philosophy that provides a holistic, strategic approach to our organization’s environmental policy, plans...