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...

ATLANTA—ASHRAE’s newly renovated headquarters effectively serves as a laboratory without walls to extend the society’s knowledge and information worldwide. ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. “Our Living Laboratory provides value to ASHRAE members and the industry by allowing for evaluation of the ongoing energy and operational performance of the building at a level that is unprecedented in current commercial buildings,” Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president, said. “The lab allows ASHRAE to contribute significantly to reducing energy use in buildings via future development of research and educational materials.” Completed in July, the $7.65 million renovation includes a...

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,...