ATLANTA—Acuity Brands, Inc. announced the launch of its DC2DC architecture, a distributed low-voltage DC power and digital controls platform. The architecture eliminates the need to convert AC to DC power at the luminaire, resulting in efficiency gains and increased reliability of the lighting system, leading to reduced maintenance and operation costs. The platform relies on Class 2 cabling to provide power and communications to each luminaire, eliminating conduit, junction boxes, and power packs, while providing greater lighting controls design flexibility with individually addressable luminaires. The DC2DC architecture can also facilitate direct connection to renewable energy sources, supporting buildings converting to...

I have green design on the mind this week for two good reasons. First, I will be attending the HD Expo + Conference in Las Vegas (May 2-4). I wrote about the event in a previous column that highlighted some of the products that will be featured and the conference sessions that will address sustainability and wellness in one form or another. Be sure to watch for coverage of this event that will feature more than 600 suppliers in more than 25 product categories. HD Expo is truly one of the best marketplaces on the planet for products and...

DOMINICA—One of the planet’s most outstanding examples of a modern, off-the-grid eco-luxury resort is Coulibri Ridge. It is in Dominica amid 285 acres. The 14-suite property is powered by sun and wind and is the result of more than 20 years of research, environmental testing, infrastructure building, and community engagement to ensure the highest degree of sustainability, respectful development, and community collaboration. Coulibri Ridge is the brainchild of Quebec-born entrepreneur Daniel Langlois. Langlois traveled the globe throughout his career in software technology, and the contrast between wealthy and poor communities in many places left him pondering why sustainable practices like...

IRVINE, CALIF.—KSL Resorts announced it has launched a new sustainability program—“On Purpose”—to be rolled out amongst its portfolio of 11 world class destination hotels and resorts, among them Camelback Resort (Pocono Mountains, Pa.); Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Calif.; Fairmont Grand Del Mar (San Diego; Silverado Resort and Spa (Napa, Calif.); and Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. While the name and framework are new, the program reinforces existing companywide sustainability initiatives. “All of our properties have increasingly adapted green practices in recent years—making dramatic improvements—but we are thrilled to make it official by introducing this forward-thinking new platform,” said...

Evaporative cooling towers play an important role in green buildings by significantly reducing energy consumption when they supplement or replace traditional air conditioning systems, thereby reducing carbon footprint and operating costs. Although evaporative cooling is great at saving energy, it does consume some water but the benefits on energy savings outweigh the water usage, which in some places is a scarce resource. Water conservation is therefore a high priority in designing and operating water-cooled equipment and plays an important role in USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and other sustainability programs. LEED assigns credit points to reduce...

PHOENIX—Recognizing the importance for the hospitality industry to take the lead on addressing its most significant global challenges and on establishing sustainability programs that meet evolving guest expectations, BWH Hotel Group is doubling down on its commitment to environmental and social responsibility across its expansive global portfolio. Alongside its engagement with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, BWH Hotel Group has created a new global sustainability strategic initiative, called “Because We Care,” which will focus on three important pillars: Earth, People and Community (EPC). BWH Hotel Group is celebrating the significant efforts its hotels across nearly 100 countries have already undertaken...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Building on its long heritage as a leading sustainable hotel group, Radisson Hotel Group had a successful 2022 in which the Group committed to Net Zero by 2050, published approved near term Science Based Targets and pioneered key milestones and innovative Responsible Business initiatives aligned with its three pillars of People, Community, and Planet, as outlined in its 21st Responsible Business Report. Last year was a strategically important year for Radisson Hotel Group’s sustainability program. With approved science-based carbon emission reduction targets for 2030 by SBTi, Radisson Hotel Group is placed amongst the leading companies aligning their targets with...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—Since 2018, Orlando-based Legacy Vacation Resorts has been relentless in their pursuit of purpose. Committed to using travel as a force for good, LVR has taken impressive measures to become not only one of the most responsible travel options in the world, but also one of the most regenerative for the environment and their local communities. This is thanks to their status as a Certified B Corporation, a high-standard business certification representing a company’s commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact, from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. Originally...

VIENNA, VA.—Attune, an industry leader with the most comprehensive and flexible sensor platform delivering needed real-time data for digital transformation, announced that it has received the SOC 2 Type 1 compliance standard certification. The SOC 2 compliance certification distinguishes organizations as leaders in cybersecurity industry standards and data protection. Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the SOC 2 compliance report is a voluntary compliance for companies that adhere to the highest standard of security confidentiality. Through extensive auditing procedures, SOC 2 aims to monitor companies’ internal security controls and data privacy continuously. Additionally, SOC 2 provides assurance of...

CROSSVILLE, TENN.—Crossville Inc. announced aggressive carbon reduction goals affecting its tiles’ global warming potential with a goal of achieving a 30 percent reduction in manufacturing embodied carbon by 2030. The company’s short-term goal is equally aggressive as it seeks to achieve an additional 10 percent reduction by 2024 as compared to its 2019 measurements. From its founding, Crossville has recognized that a product that comes from the earth should have minimal impact on the earth. In 2014, Crossville completed its first energy usage assessment, which led the company to develop its Environmental Product Declarations. Five years later, Crossville achieved a...