SALT LAKE CITY—RoomEnergy announced a fundamental commitment to protect the environment by becoming an Energy Star partner. RoomEnergy, through its voluntary partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program, will work to improve energy efficiency and fight global warming. RoomEnergy is the maker of a keycard-based energy conservation system. Using a guest’s room key, RoomEnergy’s wireless keycard switch can reduce energy consumption by up to 25 percent. Using patented, proven technology, RoomEnergy’s wireless switch produces its own power and does not require wiring or batteries. This communicates with the HVAC equipment to indicate occupied or unoccupied, much more...

CHICAGO—On Thursday, October 16, Mayor Richard M. Daley acknowledged the efforts of 25 Chicago hotels that are currently striving for an environmental designation. The Green Hotels Initiative challenges hotels to obtain Green Seal certification, an environmental lodging standard with requirements in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste water management and green procurement. The program also offers resources, best practices and recognition to the hotels going green. “Whether you are working to install energy efficient equipment in your kitchens and laundry facilities, installing water-saving plumbing fixtures, or planning for a green roof, like the one we have on top of...

INDIANAPOLIS—The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis, a hotel owned and operated by Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, Inc., has requested a grant from the Indiana Department of Energy and Defense to install solar panels on the roof of the hotel. Taking the next step in environmentally-friendly business practices, the initiative would make way for alternative energy use at the property. The proposed 4,050 kW solar array will be deployed on the top of the 16-story hotel building, making it one of the largest arrays in Indianapolis. The solar panels will also offer guests the opportunity to see first-hand a real-time...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—According to the latest “Monthly Electricity Review” issued by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (October 3, 2008), net U.S. generation of electricity from renewable energy sources surged by 32 percent in June 2008 compared to June 2007. Renewable energy (biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, wind) totaled 41,160,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) in June 2008, up from 31,242,000 MWh in June 2007. Renewables accounted for 11 percent of net U.S. electricity generation in June 2008 compared to 8.6 percent in June 2007. Compared to June 2007, wind power grew by 81.6 percent in June 2008 while solar and conventional hydropower experienced increases...

ATLANTA—CQ Construction and CQ Capital Partners, both parts of the Clarkston, Ga.-based Charania Group of Companies (CGC), are completing construction of a new Cambria Suites property that is located less than one-half mile from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The 143-room hotel, which includes a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and meeting space, is well on its way to earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. According to Rahim Charania, president of CGC, the Choice Hotels International franchised property will open in the first quarter of 2009 and is expected to...

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Prescolite has introduced watts per square foot optics to its LiteFrame line. The new fixtures feature more lumens per watt, offering energy-saving benefits while increasing efficacy for retail, hospitality and design-build projects. LiteFrame’s new innovative optical design offers much more light than the typical 45-degree cutoff and opens up the opportunity to illuminate more space with fewer fixtures. With a slightly wider cutoff and broader light distribution, LiteFrame provides uniformity to increase safety and minimize distractions. Additionally, Prescolite’s patented watts per square foot optics controls brightness and glare at all lateral viewing angles, offering an even brightness control for...

ROANOKE, VA.—The Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center in Syracuse, N.Y., has installed Lodging Technology’s GEM System Energy Management in all 236 guestrooms. At the Sheraton, GEM System is interfaced directly to their existing SIEMENS Apogee Building Automation System to further enhance energy savings. GEM System, an infrared sensor-based guestroom energy management system, reduces room energy costs 35 percent to 45 percent. “We are very excited to start utilizing the system and begin to realize (increased) energy savings”, said David Heymann, hotel general manager. The SIEMENS Apogee system allowed the Sheraton to maintain setback temperature levels in unrented rooms,...

NEW YORK—Thanks to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), hotels throughout the state of New York can receive low cost building energy audits, and incentives on kitchen equipment ranging from reach-in solid door refrigerators to insulated holding cabinets. Incentives run as high as $500 for freezers and ice makers and as low as $30 for pre-rinse spray valves. The services are paid through the System Benefits Charge that many owners and operators in the hospitality industry cover through their electric utility bills. According to Ed Smyth, manager of the Troy, N.Y. office of RLW Analytics,...

GREENSBORO, N.C.—Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels announced that The Proximity Hotel and Print Works Bistro have been awarded LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC’s rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings. Opened in late 2007, the Proximity is the first hotel and Print Works is the first restaurant to obtain the USGBC’s top level of certification. “When we started the design process four years ago, I would have never believed that we could use 41 percent less energy and 33 percent less water without...

ATLANTA – Chicago, with one of the most recognizable skylines in the world, has long-standing status as a livable urban center. That the city has stood the test of time makes it the perfect backdrop for ASHRAE’s 2009 Winter Conference. The theme will be “Sustainable Urban Design: Engineering Tomorrow…Today.” With a focus that resources must be conserved and environments respected even in urban settings, the ASHRAE Conference takes place January 24 to 28 at the Palmer House Hilton. Held in conjunction with the meeting is the ASHRAE co-sponsored AHR Expo, January 26 to 28 at McCormick Place. Meeting highlights include...