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...

YOUNTVILLE, CALIF.—Bardessono has just received the highest level of official recognition possible for its sustainable and environmentally friendly design. The hotel has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, an achievement reached by only two other hotels in the world, on the first anniversary of its opening. Phil Sherburne built Bardessono with the intention of creating a hotel that provides guests with a luxurious experience while simultaneously protecting the environment. “I believe it is critical for the development community to be a leader in the effort to preserve a healthy planet,” Sherburne says. “We can’t just continue to talk about environmental...

WILMINGTON, DEL.—American Hometec, Inc. introduces its patented coilless technology for electric tankless water heaters. American Hometec’s innovative coilless technology heats water indirectly with a patented space industry quality quartz tube technology with a semi-conductor coating for increased efficiency and water conservation. With American Hometec’s coilless gechnology, the electric components are never in direct contact with the water being heated, preventing accumulation of lime scale inside the unit. Other electric heaters on the market immerse coils in water to directly heat the water, which causes heat spots, and over time, lime scale builds up and causes a decrease in heating...

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.—Reinforcing its “responsible lighting” commitment, WAC Lighting introduces LEDme Recessed Downlights. WAC Lighting, a leading manufacturer and designer of track, recessed, undercabinet, monorail and decorative lighting, develops nearly all of its responsible products in the family owned, ISO 9001-certified manufacturing campus with in-house UL approved testing labs. Developed for both residential and commercial applications, WAC’s new LEDme Downlights utilize the latest energy efficient LED technology, and offer a potential LED life of 50,000 hours. The fixtures are dimmable and available in 2-, 3- and 4-inch apertures. Designed with a clean, architectural look, LEDme Recessed Luminaires are engineered for...

PARK CITY, UTAH—The 56-suite Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City’s only 100 percent wind powered and 100 percent carbon-neutral “eco-tique” hotel, has taken an additional step towards sustainability by adding solar power to its host of green initiatives. The 18-panel system was appropriately launched on the first day of winter, the darkest day of the year, and is now generating green power for the lodging property’s spa and courtyard. Andy Beerman, Treasure Mountain Inn’s co-owner and general manager, said the solar system cost about $35,000. The inn’s owners were unable to obtain tax credits for the installation because the inn is...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes ClearEdge Power as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. With facilities in California and Oregon, ClearEdge Power is a privately held technology company leading the way for smarter, cleaner on-site energy systems focused on commercial, institutional and residential buildings. The company designs, manufactures and markets the ClearEdge5 system, a unique, proven fuel cell appliance that cleanly converts natural gas to electricity and heat, offering a significant financial savings as well as a greatly reduced impact on the global environment. The ClearEdge corporate management systems are certified...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International and the World Environment Center (WEC) announced the launch of an innovative partnership to further strengthen the environmental commitment of Marriott’s Costa Rican suppliers by reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste and raw material usage, and lowering operating costs. The partnership between WEC and Marriott was officially launched at the Costa Rica Marriott. This initiative is part of a program called “Cleaner Production Private Sector Partnerships” supported by the United States Department of State. Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment and addressing climate change through...

COOPERSBURG, PA.—In effort to fill the gaps that currently exist between utilities and their customers in the burgeoning “smart grid” demand response arena, Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. announced an initiative to broaden the use of its existing technologies that are used today in many “whole home” and “whole building” lighting systems. The company hopes to move quickly to help connect power utilities “smart metering” to the electrical infrastructure in both residential homes and commercial spaces. The initiative will also include focused, new technology development efforts led by a newly-formed Energy Solutions Business Unit. The long time leader in electronic...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart’s new patent-pending Energy Star qualified AM Select Ventless warewasher not only cleans and sanitizes dishware and heavily soiled pots and pans, but it also can save more than $5,000 in energy recovery, reduced HVAC use and the elimination of a vent hood and fan installation. Using only .74 gallons of water per rack, the new AM Select is the first ventless door-type warewasher featuring energy recovery. Operators can save up to $792 per year in energy recovery (based on 200 cycles/day, 360 days per year at an energy cost of $0.011—or 1.1 cent—per cycle). Additionally, the elimination of...