SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—Watt Stopper/Legrand has developed lighting control solutions designed to enhance high-end, modern construction. The company’s newest commercial occupancy sensors incorporate sophisticated design details that make them aesthetically pleasing as well as easy to operate. At the same time, each package is manufactured to withstand the rigors of commercial use; both the robust housing and the control electronics are engineered for longevity. Watt Stopper/Legrand’s ceiling occupancy sensors sport a low profile design that virtually disappears into the ceiling tile to be as unobtrusive as possible. Wall switch occupancy sensors, featuring soft curves and an extremely low profile, are now...

NIANTIC, CONN.—When the Sandpearl Resort opened last August in Clearwater Beach, Fla., its developer had already determined that the property would serve as a prime example of how new developments can be built and equipped to be more energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Today, with substantial help from INNCOM international, Inc., that vision is becoming reality. Niantic-based INNCOM develops, manufactures and markets room automation systems for the international lodging industry. INNCOM’s product line ranges from programmable digital thermostats to fully integrated energy management, lighting control and communication systems—all designed to enhance guest comfort, safety and satisfaction while increasing bottom-line profits and being...

LAS VEGAS—Philips’ Eco FlatTV took home top honors recently at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show with the overall “Best in Show” in CNET’s “Best of CES” awards. The Eco TV (42PFL5603D) is a high-definition LCD television that delivers superb picture quality while minimizing power consumption. To qualify for “Best in Show,” the Eco TV won the television category for the “Best of CES” awards. The Eco TV is designed with power-saving features such as a proprietary dimming technology that is designed to lower the LCD panel backlight to reduce power consumption without compromising the picture quality. A built-in light...

RANDOLPH, VT.—LEDdynamics announced that it has received the Popular Science “Best of 2007 Innovation Award”—in the Green Tech category—for the EverLED-TR product line. The EverLED-TR is a fluorescent tube replacement which utilizes existing fluorescent ballasts while achieving the equivalent light output of the tube it replaces, making it the world’s first true LED replacement for linear fluorescent lighting. “While the LEDdynamics team is honored to win this award, we feel that it is really a victory for the entire LED industry,” said William McGrath, president and CTO for LEDdynamics. “Popular Science has recognized the environmental cost of disposing of 680...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to EPA’s nationwide challenge issued in December 2006, 53 Fortune 500 corporations are now collectively purchasing more than 6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually. These purchases surpassed the goals set by EPA’s Green Power Partnership by 130 percent and equal the avoided carbon dioxide emissions of more than 570 million gallons of gasoline each year or the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power nearly 670,000 average American homes annually. Aramark Parks & Resorts is among the top purchasers of green power. “EPA applauds our Fortune 500 partners for protecting our environment by...

TOBERMORY, ONTARIO—With its six suites, the E’Terra Inn here serves as one of the best examples of sustainable building in Canada and the United States. Ninety-five percent of products and materials used throughout the inn were made in North America, and the property is one of the first in the world to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status. It was awarded that designation in 2005 by the Canada Green Building Council. E’Terra sits within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula separating Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. The luxury property...

CELEBRATION, FLA.—The Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, the new 240-room all-suite luxury hotel scheduled to open next month in Celebration, Fla., revealed the steps it is taking to make the hotel a leading choice for guests who seek luxurious, high-touch accommodations while minimizing their impact on the environment. To validate its dedication to being environmentally friendly, the hotel will seek certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Green Lodging Program. According to hotel executives, the move is part of the hotel’s commitment to serving the best interests of hotel guests, the neighboring community and other stakeholders. ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. —EPA has announced a revised Energy Star specification for televisions. Effective Nov. 1, 2008, TVs that carry the Energy Star label will be up to 30 percent more efficient than conventional models and will save energy while they are on and when they are off. The new modifications are expected to prevent greenhouse gas emissions while offering U.S. consumers the very best in terms of feature-rich, high-quality TVs. “Energy Star’s new specifications for televisions are turning the channel on energy guzzling sets—making them go the way of rabbit-ears and the black and white TV,” said EPA Administrator...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—A new guide offer hotels simple energy-saving tips that can cut costs while increasing aesthetics and comfort. Flex Your Power, California’s energy efficiency marketing and outreach campaign, has released its Hotels Best Practices Guide. Tips come from all aspects of hotel operations, covering lighting, water, HVAC, windows, roofs, restaurants, laundry, vending and ice machines, office equipment, exercise rooms, pools, saunas, hot tubs and demand response programs. The guide was designed with the easiest and most cost-effective strategies in mind, providing information on how hotel operators can make changes on their own or with the help of experts. Aside...

SAN DIEGO—The management from Solar Gard window films, a Bekaert product, announced it has teamed up with the Clinton Climate Initiative to reduce energy consumption in public and commercial buildings. Installation of Solar Gard window film is included under the Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, which was designed to help public entities lower their energy consumption. Solar Gard window film can be sized to fit any glass door or window, making it an essential measure for government buildings that are often historic and frequently characterized by oversized windows. Now, all public organizations that have committed to reducing their carbon footprint...