SALT LAKE CITY—Control4, a leader in IP-based hospitality control systems, announced that the Control4 platform is running in 154 deluxe guestrooms and 66 suites at the Montage Deer Valley, which opened in Park City, Utah in December 2010. The Control4 implementation includes lighting control, advanced temperature control, fireplace control, remote controlled privacy settings and energy saving features. “The Control4 hospitality solution represents an excellent balance in providing in-room automation services for our guests’ enjoyment and convenience, coupled with an integrated energy management tool to operate our business,” said Bill Claypool, vice president, development services at Montage Hotels & Resorts. “Hotel guests...

TROY, OHIO—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that ITW Food Equipment Group–North America (ITW FEG) has been honored with a 2011 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award. This is the second consecutive year for ITW FEG to receive Energy Star’s highest honor, after earning back-to-back Energy Star Partner of the Year awards in 2008 and 2009. The Sustained Excellence award is given to a select group of organizations that have consistently exhibited leadership across the Energy Star program. ITW FEG is the first and only commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer that has received the Sustained Excellence award.  With 368 Energy Star...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring 111 Energy Star partners who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in protecting American’s health and the environment through energy efficiency achievements. Energy Star award winners include one hotel company, manufacturers, retailers, public schools, hospitals, real estate companies and home builders. Organizations are recognized in one of three award categories: Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence. HEI Hotels & Resorts was recognized as a Partner of the Year. “Year after year, Energy Star award winners reflect American ingenuity at its highest level,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The innovations...

MEMPHIS, TENN.—Memphis-based Cooper Hotels, the largest multi-unit operator of hotels in Tennessee, announced the completion of the installation of a solar thermal system at the company’s Hilton Knoxville Airport hotel. The emissions-free, completely silent system provides energy to heat almost 2,000 gallons of water per day for the five-story, 238-room hotel. In addition to being pollution-free and helping to reduce global warming, the new system also helps to preserve natural gas resources. “Cooper Hotels is committed to creating more sustainable lodging in Tennessee,” said Pace Cooper, Cooper Hotels’ president and CEO. “In addition to the Hilton Knoxville Airport solar project,...

CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association recently announced the recipients of the annual 2011 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award, an honor recognizing groundbreaking kitchen equipment in the foodservice market. An independent panel of judges comprised of internationally recognized food facilities consultants, multi-unit executives and design experts selected KI Award recipients for their innovations that provide new solutions to restaurant and foodservice operators. KI products will be showcased in the interactive Kitchen Innovations Pavilion area of the 2011 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place from Saturday, May 21 through Tuesday, May 24. The KI products will enable foodservice operations to run faster and...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing updated standards for light fixtures to qualify for the Energy Star label—an efficiency program that has saved consumers money on their energy bills while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health since 1992. Effective October 1, 2011, to qualify for the Energy Star label light fixtures will need to increase efficiency 30 percent above currently qualified fluorescent-based fixtures. In 2013, performance requirements will increase further, providing 40 percent higher efficiency compared to currently qualified models. Light fixtures that earn the Energy Star save consumers money on their energy bills and...

STATE COLLEGE, PENN.—Ameresco, Inc., a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced that it has entered into a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) with Penn State University. As part of the GESC, Ameresco will provide viable energy conservation measures to the Nittany Lion Inn and the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, located in State College, Penn. The project will include new energy conservation measures such as lighting and lighting control system improvements, domestic water reduction measures, weatherization improvements, and an updated and expanded energy management system. Collectively, these measures are expected to reduce annual utility consumption by more...

TORRANCE, CALIF.—Continuing to add to its line of energy-efficient LED replacements for incandescent and halogen light bulbs, LEDtronics announces its new series of PAR-style high-power, high-efficacy lamps with highest-grade LEDs and Fresnel lens. Operating either in 120VAC dimmable or in a wide voltage input range of 90-290VAC, the line of Edison medium screw-base and GU24 bi-pin base bulbs come in various PAR20, PAR30 and PAR38 styles. With energy consumption ranging from 7 watts (PAR20) through 12 watts (PAR30) and up to 15 watts (PAR38), the lamps directly replace incandescents and halogen lamps that consume up to 100 watts, and even...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper announced it has received a 2011 Building Operating Management Top Product Award for its PW-103N multi-way wall switch occupancy sensor with LED nightlight. The sensor provides code-compliant lighting control in a wide variety of applications. The factory default setting is for manual-on operation, to ensure that optimal energy efficiency is available. Lighting remains on as long as any one of the connected sensors detects occupancy. When the space is no longer occupied, lighting will automatically turn off following a time delay that begins when the last sensor ceases to detect occupancy. Lighting can be turned off manually...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—XLERATOR high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers are now available with ADA compliant stainless steel paper towel dispenser retrofit kits. The new kits provide a simple, cost-effective solution for replacing built-in paper towel dispensers with XLERATOR hand dryers. A stainless steel panel allows the dryers to mount where dispensers existed. 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 hygienic restroom. “XLERATOR hand dryers and retrofit kits are being specified by facility managers who are...