SAN METEO, CALIF.—Outsource Development Software company Solve IT Labs has developed technology to help InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) hotels achieve their environmental goals. The software allows management to track and manage hotel energy, water and waste consumption for the world’s largest hotel group. Green Engage software enables hotel owners to reduce energy costs by operating more efficiently. It measures energy and environmental metrics across eight areas of hotel operations. Hotels can measure, manage and report on environmental benchmarks. Using the program, general managers at individual properties can enter facility data on site, and compare that data with information entered from similar...

NATIONAL REPORT—Over the past several years public awareness of climate change has lead to a significant shift in the way we all live our lives. This public awareness has also lead to a groundswell of support for green facilities design that supports the desire to save the planet by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and natural resources like forest timber. One integral component in green facilities design is the method of construction, and the method of construction that is the greenest is insulated concrete forming (ICF). ICF is widely used and recognized and has been used successfully for both...

ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS—Concrete modular, pre-greened, luxury hotel guest suites were recently topped off at the Florida Keys’ Cheeca Lodge, reopening December 15. “The precedent was set for luxury construction in multimillion dollar homes, and now we’ve brought this innovative construction to the hospitality industry, as a first in the United States and possibly a first in the world,” said Jerry Johnson, owner of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. “We have been able to put up a guestroom wing in an unheard of 90 days, from pilings to topping off, and with a quality superior to that of conventional construction.” The...

COOPERSBURG, PA.—Lutron Services Company has announced the introduction of the Lighting Energy Audit, a new program designed to help facility managers and building owners reduce lighting-associated costs, implement creative energy-saving strategies, and enhance their reputation as leaders in environmentally responsible initiatives. As commercial buildings across the United States continue to age, facility management teams are increasingly being faced with issues ranging from inefficient light sources to outdated control strategies. The growing focus on sustainability has prompted many of these teams to re-examine their lighting systems when looking for new ways to save energy while lowering operating and maintenance costs....

TORRANCE, CALIF.—LEDtronics announces the latest additions to its series of energy-efficient replacements for PAR30-style light bulbs. The high-power Dimmable PAR30 is available in Halogen Warm White (2700 to 2800 Kelvin) and Warm White (3200K). These Dimmable PAR30 LED bulbs offer long-lasting durability, low power consumption and money savings. They run on standard 120 volts AC, requiring no special adapters, while only consuming 12 watts to a maximum of 15 watts. These Dimmable LED PAR30 bulbs work with most standard 120 VAC dimmer units, offering a full, smooth dimming range and directly replace standard halogens and metal halide bulbs up to...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes FLS Energy, Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. FLS Energy is a solar energy generation company providing planning, design, installation and financing solutions for clients seeking clean energy alternatives and a hedge against rising energy costs. The company’s portfolio includes some of the largest solar hot water systems in the country in addition to utility scale solar electricity farms. Notable FLS Energy hotel installations include the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C., and the Hilton Asheville (N.C.). In Tennessee, two installations include the Hilton Knoxville Airport...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau, Inc. recently introduced the 55-pound capacity E-Series, a soft-mount washer-extractor engineered to reduce operating costs at on-premise laundries through decreased gas, water and electricity consumption. The E-Series line of high-speed, soft-mount washers previously included 20-, 30- and 40-pound capacity models. But, the market’s demand for a larger option spurred the addition of the new 55-pound capacity machine, according to Joel Jorgensen, Continental vice president of sales and customer services. “On-premise laundries demand high-speed, soft-mount washers in order to improve productivity using less labor and utilities,” Jorgensen said. “Continental’s 55-pound machine is just the next step in the...

ATLANTA—“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” is often used to explain the less-than-comfortable temperatures in Florida. With that in mind, there seems to be no better place to discuss ASHRAE’s winter’s conference theme: “Building Sustainability from the Inside Out.” Whenever the temperatures outside are too hot or humid to handle, ASHRAE ensures that indoor environments are comfortable and, most important, sustainable. ASHRAE’s 2010 Winter Conference will be held in Orlando from January 23 to 27 at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel. The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Expo, held in conjunction with the Conference, will run January 25 to 27....

AUSTELL, GA.—YKK AP America, a leader in manufacturing high quality architectural products, introduces enerGfacade, its new family of energy-efficient products, as part of the YKK Group’s 50 year anniversary in the architectural products business. The family includes several products, such as Luminance, ThermaShade and YOW350T. These flagship products are currently available on the market, and new products will be added soon. “Sustainability is—and always has been—a core philosophy for us,” said Oliver Stepe, senior vice president of YKK AP America. “YKK president Tadahiro Yoshida first wrote the Environmental Charter in 1994. Since then YKK AP has continued that...

MOONACHIE, N.J.—Designed with a unique, shimmering, flame-like movement effect, BULBRITE unveils the energy efficient and versatile LED Retrofit Candle. Ideal for a variety of applications including churches, theaters, pubs, hotels, historic homes and buildings, the LED Retrofit Candle is a replacement for 120V lighting fixtures. Its patented electronics create a shimmering flame-like movement that simulates the flickering flame of a real wax candle. The LED Retrofit Candle provides the same realistic ambient light as a traditional candle, but is more economical and safer to use. It fits any standard candelabra-based socket (E12) and enhances the beauty of chandeliers and sconces...