NIANTIC, CONN.—INNCOM International, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of guestroom automation systems for the international lodging industry, has unveiled a new design-centric energy-management solution made of recyclable glass that controls room temperature, lighting and more. The e4 Glass Series Smart Digital Thermostat and Switch, developed with design team tonychi and associates and lighting design partner Arc Light Design, were introduced at the Hospitality Design Expo and Conference last week. “The INNCOM e4 Glass Series finally gives designers the much needed flexibility to work in-room electronics into the overall guestroom design scheme,” said Arc Light designer Alejandro Bulaevsky. “The...

PARK RIDGE, N.J.—Following an increase of nearly 5 percent in 2007, the average price of electricity for industrial or large commercial entities in the United States rose another 3.9 percent over the past year. The annual survey by an independent consulting company, NUS Consulting Group of Park Ridge, N.J., found the average price of electricity in the United States was 9.44 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of April 1, 2008 compared with 9.08 cents per kWh in April 2007. The survey sampled 24 investor-owned electric companies in the country using a sample model of monthly usage totaling 450,000 kWh...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—Florida Governor Charlie Crist last week applauded Walt Disney Parks & Resorts for its achievement of 100 percent of its lodging properties earning the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging Program designation, covering all 24 of its resort hotels. “I applaud Disney’s compelling participation in the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said Governor Crist. “Through its commitment, Disney is demonstrating the importance of environmental stewardship to thousands of employees and millions of guests.” Launched in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural...

ROANOKE, VA.—The Best Western Sandman in Sacramento, Calif., has installed Lodging Technology’s (guestroom energy management) GEM System and GEM Stat digital wall thermostats in all 116 guestrooms, utilizing their existing General Electric (GE) PTAC units. GEM System is an innovative, infrared sensor-based guestroom energy management system that reduces room energy costs 35 percent to 45 percent. GEM Stat is a digital wall thermostat that connects to existing GE, or other air-conditioning units, providing more uniform, accurate room temperature while meeting Best Western’s brand standard for digital thermostats. “The justification was rather easy” said Chuck Sarti, owner/operator of the Best Western Sandman....

MILWAUKEE, WISC.—Perlick Corp. has surpassed Energy Star standards by an average of 23.7 percent on its products receiving the Energy Star award since February 2007. Continuing its commitment to green practices, Perlick has announced, after an extensive study, its usage of ecomate, a new blowing agent and family of polyurethane foam systems, as the best choice in its efforts to maintain eco-friendly manufacturing practices. This new blowing foam meets all current and future regulatory requirements and is both USA EPA and SNAP approved. As a leader in commercial and residential refrigeration, Perlick continues to address future environmental and energy concerns,...

ADDISON, ILL.—Hotel managers considering the pros and cons of switching to wireless monitoring of temperature conditions critical to patron comfort and energy savings can now make more informed technology decisions with the Wireless Savings Calculator offered by Dickson Company, manufacturers of the Wireless Wizard Temperature Data Logger. “Hoteliers need to monitor temperature conditions affecting patrons and energy costs but nobody wants to spend a lot of time doing so,” says Chris Sorensen, Dickson’s V.P. Sales and Marketing. “The benefit of wireless data logging is that you no longer need to spend time retrieving data. Temperature data—both trends...

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp., is launching the new Centurion rooftop “PD” series. Based on its award-winning Centurion rooftop product line with environmentally sound Puron refrigerant, the PD series provides single-zone, variable-cooling capacity and fan speed control in one, single-package rooftop. The new Centurion rooftops have Energy Star-certified efficiencies with up to 15.0 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and achieve design criteria outlined in ASHRAE 55, “Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy”, and ANSI S12.60, “Acoustic Standard.” The new series also supports LEED certification. Centurion PD series rooftops use variable-capacity scroll compressors and variable-speed indoor fan systems....

CHICAGO—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems for 70 years, will display its energy-saving equipment and technology at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show May 17-20, 2008 at McCormick Place in Chicago, booth No. 7213. “Master-Bilt recognizes the growing trend and demand for ‘green’ equipment solutions,” says Bill Huffman, vice president of sales and marketing for Master-Bilt. “We are always looking for ways to provide products that will help our customers reap the environmental and economical benefits of energy efficient equipment.” Some of the energy efficient equipment and technologies on display at the NRA show include: • Master-Bilt’s...

WYLIE, TEXAS—Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing, Inc. (CCW), a leading manufacturer of waterproofing and exterior protection products, introduces Barritech VP, a fluid-applied, vapor-permeable membrane air barrier. Barritech VP provides a continuous, monolithic air and water barrier, which enables improved building energy efficiency, indoor comfort and building envelope durability. The molecular structure of Barritech VP allows passage of moisture vapor while eliminating the penetration of liquid moisture. This chemistry allows Barritech VP to keep rainwater out of the building envelope, while allowing indoor moisture to escape. Barritech VP is installed into building exterior wall assemblies, often at the same location...

As the manager of your property, you know every inch of it. That’s helped you identify key areas where green practices can be employed to save the facility in expenses and create a better feeling for guests staying on the property. Now be honest, have you taken a close look at your laundry? Have you talked with your chemical company representatives and equipment distributor to assess how the laundry’s setup and practices mesh with your green focus? Take a moment to think about how many hours your laundry operates. I suggest even stopping in and taking a look at the...