COPENHAGEN—InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first hotel in Denmark with the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers. The 366-room Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers stands 85 meters tall and offers views of the entire Oeresund region. The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers is one of the world’s greenest hotels with EU Green Building and Green Key certification. The hotel is a member of the U.N. Global Compact. The hotel building is on a journey to becoming carbon neutral. Environmentally responsible technology is used throughout the hotel, including the first groundwater-based cooling and heating system in Denmark, expected to reduce the energy...

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF.—Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), the utility which provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 15 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California, is giving away money through rebates and owners of hundreds of lodging establishments have been more than happy to take it. Through its four-year-old LodgingSavers program, PG&E has made it easy and affordable for hoteliers to update lighting, install guestroom energy management systems, replace packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), and install new showerheads, faucet aerators and pool pumps. How does LodgingSavers work? It is implemented by Ecology Action,...

DALTON, GA.—The Carpet and Rug Institute has expanded its Seal of Approval testing and certification program by adding two new testing categories and expanding the existing extractors and deep-cleaning systems testing programs. Introductions to the program include a new Pet Odor and Stain Category, a Platinum Level for Extractors and Systems, and an Energy Efficiency Rating Option for Vacuums. A new Pet Odor and Stain Category has been added to the Seal of Approval Solutions program, joining the existing spot remover, pre-spray and in-tank solutions testing categories. The new protocol will test products marketed specifically for pet stain and odor...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Philips Electronics announced its 2010 hospitality TV range, which includes new lines of commercial televisions for the Free-to-Guest (FTG) and Pay-Per-View (PPV) segments of the hospitality market. The Philips FTG Series, available in Harmony and Lavish ranges, and the Philips PPV Series, available in Synergy and Indulgence ranges, both include attributes that have come to be expected from Philips Hospitality. The launch of the Free-to-Guest ranges demonstrates Philips’ understanding of a hotel industry increasingly moving away from traditional pay-per-view systems, instead offering more high definition content free of charge, as well as guests bringing their own content...

ATLANTA—A standard set to be a game changer in the industry was introduced at ASHRAE’s 2010 Winter Conference, while work continued on other programs and standards that will help the organization build a more sustainable future. Some 2,500 people attended the conference, held late last month in Orlando, Fla. Also taking place in conjunction with the meeting was the Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, which attracted nearly 45,000 registered visitors and exhibitor personnel. The expo featured an 8 percent registered visitor increase from the last show in Orlando in 2005 and a new record for the Southeast. Other highlights included...

KAANAPALI NORTH BEACH, MAUI—The newest full service hotel development on Kaanapali Beach, the Honua Kai Resort & Spa, has unveiled details of its comprehensive sustainability program—in line with the traditional Hawaiian concept of “malama aina,” (caring for the land). Honua Kai’ practices begin with the ocean, protect the surrounding beach, and extend to every room at the property. Honua Kai, which opened in January 2009, has its own director of sustainability, Lance Gilliland. “We call it ‘Eco-nomics,’—practices that are ecologically sound and economically feasible,” Gilliland says. “It just makes sense to conserve energy, re-use, recycle and protect the beautiful natural...

SAN FRANCISCO—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program, which authorizes $350 million in rebates for businesses and individuals that install solar thermal systems. The program will energize the state’s solar thermal market by making it cheaper and easier for businesses and property owners to purchase solar thermal systems. “These systems can be cost-effective for ratepayers, while helping to displace both electricity and natural gas usage in new and existing homes and businesses,” said Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich of the CPUC. “Thus a focused, cost-effective program to improve the market for this technology...

ZIONSVILLE, IND.—Integrating art glass with energy saving technology, FANIMATION introduces The Mariano, an Energy Star rated ceiling fan with an art glass lighting fixture for hotels, restaurants and resorts. With more than 25 years of experience, FANIMATION is a manufacturer and marketer of ceiling fans featuring high profile designs and energy saving technology. The Mariano features a White Swirl Glass lighting shade, complemented by a pewter finish and all-weather composite fan blades. The blades offer a unique upward curved design for a dramatic look. The fan includes two energy efficient 13-watt compact fluorescent bulbs to illuminate the lighting fixture. ...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has introduced four new multi-way wall switch occupancy sensors for code-compliant lighting control in commercial spaces with more than one entrance or switch location. The sensors provide convenient full-function multi-way control and install easily using traditional three- and four-way wiring. The product offering includes the industry’s first dual relay multi-way occupancy sensors, facilitating economical control of bi-level lighting or multiple loads. Multi-way sensors are available in passive infrared (PIR) and WattStopper’s patented dual technology models. An addition to WattStopper’s PW/UW/DW line, the multi-way sensors are equipped with the same features as previously introduced products. They include...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the creation of the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network. This network is meant to help states achieve maximum cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in homes, offices, buildings and industry by 2020. Strengthening energy efficiency initiatives across the country helps to save money and protect the environment at the same time. “In the clean energy future, energy efficiency is action number one,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We can cut...