NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO—Moen Incorporated’s Commercial Division, a leader in hands-free flush- valve technology, introduces a new line of easy-to-operate FreeHand High Efficiency flush valves. These valves promote water and energy savings by using an infrared sensor beam to activate a flush cycle when a user is in range, ensuring efficient water use and sanitary protection. FreeHand High Efficiency flush valves also help to promote water savings with new low flow rates. Water closet flush valves feature a flow rate of 1.28 gallons per minute (gpm), a 20 percent savings from the industry standard of 1.6 gpm. FreeHand High Efficiency Urinal...

SCHAUMBURG, ILL.—Aero-Tech introduces its Evolution-Bulb compact fluorescent. It is now available in Candelabra “Small-Base” for decorative bulb applications. It is ideal for ceiling fans, wall sconces, chandeliers and more. The bulb is available in 11 watts and 14 watts, and 2700K (warm white), and 5,000K (full-spectrum) color temperatures. Go to Aero-Tech.

PHOENIX—With a focused eye towards being more environmentally conscious, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel has planted a 120-square-foot seasonal garden on the fourth-floor deck of the 31-floor hotel. In addition, the hotel is working with a vendor to determine possible CFL or LED technology for custom lighting fixtures that currently only work with traditional incandescent bulbs. These two initiatives are amongst many eco-friendly practices of the new hotel, others of which include a comprehensive banquet recycling program, installment of a water filtration system to purify water and reduce waste, and an internal green team that regularly meets to proactively...

ATLANTA—Most of us know the fuel efficiency of our cars, but what about our buildings? ASHRAE is working to change that, moving one step closer to introducing its building energy labeling program with release of a prototype label at its 2009 Annual Conference in Louisville, Ky. A prototype label for the ASHRAE headquarters in Atlanta was unveiled. The Building Energy Quotient program, which will be known as Building EQ, will include both asset and operational ratings for all building types, except residential. ASHRAE is working with major real estate developers to implement the label prototype this fall with a...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., has been awarded the Florida Green Lodging Program One Palm designation from The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the first hotel/casino in the State of Florida to earn this distinction. This designation directly supports Hard Rock International’s “Save the Planet” global philanthropic initiative to make the Earth a safer, healthier and...

BURBANK, CALIF.—A new UVC Kit for Air Handlers from Steril-Aire, Inc. may be used in a wide range of HVAC applications to destroy microorganisms including flu viruses, bacteria and mold. The easy-to-install kit delivers Steril-Aire’s proven UVC technology to fan coil units, unit ventilator systems and indoor air handlers with coils up to 84" (213.4 cm) with dual access. It delivers energy savings on retrofit installations, maintains factory design efficiency on new units, and improves indoor air quality and infection control in all systems. Applications include air handlers serving patient rooms, classrooms, hotel/motel rooms, apartments and condominiums, and offices in...

WASHINGON, D.C.—World Energy Solutions, Inc., an operator of online exchanges for energy and green commodities, announced that Great Addresses, a leading independent hotel management company in Washington, D.C., has successfully greened the energy portfolios of its flagship properties through transactions on the World Energy Exchange and World Green Exchange. Great Addresses worked with World Energy to first secure a 36-month electricity contract, with 10 percent green power, for its premiere D.C. lodgings, The Carlyle Suites Hotel and The Savoy Suites Hotel. Then, spurred by the savings from that transaction, Great Addresses invested in a three-year strip of Renewable Energy...

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Hyatt Regency New Brunswick recently flipped the switch to dedicate its newly installed SunPower solar power system, marking the hotel’s initial step towards generating clean, renewable solar power. The hotel partnered with SunPower Corp., a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, panels and systems, to design and install the 32,000-square-foot, 421-kilowatt system over the top floor of the hotel’s garage. At a dedication ceremony, Hyatt Regency New Brunswick celebrated the completion of the new photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system. General manager Adrian Hughes and director of engineering Scott Stahl addressed a group of attendees, including New Brunswick Mayor James...

ATLANTA—Recommendations on achieving 30 percent energy savings over minimum code requirements are contained in the newly published “Advanced Energy Design Guide for Highway Lodging.” The energy savings guidance for design of new hotels provides a first step toward achieving a net-zero-energy building. “The recommendations allow the building industry to create more energy-efficient hotels while maintaining the quality and functionality of the space to provide a pleasant guest experience,” said Ron Jarnagin, chair of the committee that wrote the book. The book, published by ASHRAE, gives guidance to architects, engineers, contractors and other building team members on how to easily achieve...

ATLANTA—When NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas opens in late July 2009, it will run on 100 percent renewable energy. The loft-style boutique hotel brand has signed an agreement with TXU Energy to become the supplier’s first hotel customer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to purchase 100 percent Renewable Energy Certificate-based electricity. “This is a huge initiative as we look to become an even more eco-friendly brand,” said Patrick O’Neil, executive vice president of operations for NYLO Hotels, which already incorporates renewable energy in all of its other locations. “TXU Energy is our neighbor in Las Colinas, and we are proud to work...