NATIONAL REPORT—It is odd that the most-recognized graphic symbol for a good idea is a lit incandescent bulb, but that’s been the case for at least a century. It’s getting to be common knowledge, however, that the incandescent is likely to go the way of its immediate successors in commercial lighting, the High-Intensity Discharge (HID) and conventional fluorescent varieties, which are also likely to rapidly disappear soon. Part of this change has been underway in the hospitality industry for some time now, of course, thanks to the screw-in compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) that now seem to be the rule rather...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hotel owners now have more energy efficient choices when shopping for televisions. Since November 1, televisions meeting EPA’s new, more comprehensive energy efficiency specification have been available. Televisions that meet the new Energy Star specification will be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional models. If all televisions sold in the United States met the new Energy Star requirements, the savings in energy costs would grow to be about $1 billion annually and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by the equivalent of about 1 million cars. “EPA encourages consumers to look for the Energy Star label...

ADELPHI, MD.—More than three years after earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification—it was the first hotel in the United States to do so—Marriott’s University of Maryland University College Inn and Conference Center (UMUC ICC) is continuing its efforts to reduce its impact on the environment. The property, which includes 237 guestrooms and 11 suites, has recently stepped up its recycling efforts and has pledged to pursue Green Seal certification to ensure its continuous commitment to operational improvements. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, which manages the LEED program, UMUC ICC earned LEED certification for its 127-guestroom,...

NEW YORK—Philips Electronics announced the signing of an exclusive three-year agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Inc. to provide Philips’ latest range of SmartPower energy efficient televisions to Starwood’s 460 properties across North America. The deal, which could be worth up to $100 million with existing opportunities and expected growth, will see industry-leading energy efficient televisions installed in new hotels and existing Starwood properties looking to convert to LCD TV technology for the first time. In what is believed to be the biggest ‘green TV’ deal to date, this agreement is also expected to save the premier global hotel company...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Seven4one in Laguna Beach, Calif., is setting a new green standard with its new hotel in Orange County. It features a list of more than 35 green infrastructural and operational elements that enhance virtually every aspect of its daily operations. With this green approach—from bamboo-blend bath towels and green-certified mattresses to card-less door locks, a largely organic kitchen, lighting sensors, and Energy Star appliances—Seven4one differentiates itself from other hotels in the region with a forward-thinking approach to traditional hotel operations. “It’s not that difficult to think green, plan green, and operate green,” says Seven4one general manager, Julia Cattaneo....

MALVERN, PA.—USA Technologies announced that six more energy utilities have signed on to its EnergyMiser Rebate and Turnkey Program to help their customers lower energy consumption and cost. As part of their conservation efforts, 55 energy utilities in the United States are now offering USA Technologies’ EnergyMiser energy conservation technology to their customers for free, or at reduced cost through rebates. Thirty-three utilities had joined in just the past year. “Energy costs are forecasted to rise by as much as 20 percent this winter, and our EnergyMiser energy conservation technology has the capability of reducing energy consumption by as much...

NIANTIC, CONN.—The luxurious Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has become the first Hyatt property to upgrade its energy management system with the environmentally-friendly ecoMODE option from INNCOM. Niantic-based INNCOM develops, manufactures and markets integrated room automation systems for the international hospitality industry. Situated on 40 acres along a three-mile stretch of the Ka’anapali Beach coastline, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa features guest suites accentuated with plantation-style wood furniture and Hawaiian elegance, and 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The property is on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” of Best Places to Stay in 2008...

GERMANTOWN, MD.—Telkonet, Inc., a leading provider of innovative, centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation and proactive support services, has won a contract with Columbia Sussex, a leading national developer and manager of more than 70 hotels and casinos across 30 states. Approximately 1,300 guestrooms in the Doubletree in Rochester, New York, the Sheraton in Philadelphia City Center, and the Westin in St. Maarten have been equipped with the versatile Telkonet SmartEnergy (TSE) in-room, occupancy-driven energy management system, with additional properties scheduled for TSE implementation by the end of the year. After a comprehensive analysis of competitive...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The Peabody Orlando announces the rollout of its green initiative entitled, “The Greener Peabody—C.A.R.E. (Conserve and Recycle for our Earth). “Many of these initiatives have already been in place for some time, but we have significantly stepped up our efforts to go even greener,” said Marshall Kelberman, director of rooms for this landmark, luxury hotel on International Drive. Kelberman also heads up the hotel’s Greener Peabody committee. “Frankly, it’s everyone’s responsibility to design—and then execute—practical green initiatives for our planet’s sake and for our children and grandchildren,” said Kelberman. “Ours is a hotel-wide initiative in which all associates are...

ALSIP, ILL.—Litetronics International, Inc. introduces its Spiral-Lite GU24 CFLs. GU24-based lamps are designed for use in GU24 sockets. This special base is only used on energy efficient light sources, such as CFLs. Fixtures with GU24 bases guarantee energy savings over the life of the fixture because inefficient incandescent and halogen lamps are not manufactured with GU24 bases; therefore, they can never be used in the fixture. GU24 fixtures and lamps may be eligible for utility rebates. Available in 13-watt, 18-watt, and 23-watt models, Spiral-Lite GU24 CFLs are Energy Star qualified, and they save up to 80 percent on energy costs...