DUBAI, U.A.E.—The Grand Hyatt Dubai has converted its main water heating system from diesel oil-fired to solar powered in a bid to reduce climate change and running costs. With the UAE’s carbon footprint spiraling, causing the country to be one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide per capita in the world, the Grand Hyatt Dubai’s new solar panel heating system will reduce its own emissions dramatically. “This is the first commercial installation of its kind in the U.A.E., and probably the largest in the whole of Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” says Phil Barnett, Grand Hyatt Dubai’s director...

KINGWOOD, TEXAS—From the energy capital of the world in Houston comes a new and innovative software program to help individual users fight high energy costs and global warming. The software is TerraCuro, a Latin name-phrase which translates as “Earth Care” and is from a company of the same name. The company says the program is the most comprehensive of its kind, measuring more than two dozen energy and CO2 areas for household, travel and business uses, giving users powerful new insights to make better energy choices. The program then closely monitors improvements in energy use and CO2 generation. “It connects users...

DENVER—Xanterra Parks & Resorts announced that it will install one of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems in the country—and the largest system in the U.S. tourism industry—in Death Valley National Park, the sunniest place in the country. The one megawatt (MW) system will harness the sun’s energy to generate more than one-third of the annual electricity needs for Xanterra’s operations there, comprised of the Furnace Creek Inn, Ranch, golf course and employee offices and housing. Xanterra’s system in Death Valley will be one of the largest privately owned PV energy systems in the country, and easily the largest...

RIPON, WISC.—With its new IWF series of washer-extractors, IPSO continues to produce not only high-quality equipment, but machines that take a more environmentally friendly approach to laundry. This new energy- and water-efficient line includes 14-, 18-, 25-, 30-, 40-, 55- and 75-pound models. “We couldn’t be more excited about the IWF series and what it brings to the market,” says Dan Bowe, North American sales manager of IPSO USA. “From high-speed G-force extraction to inverter drives, these IWF models can help on-premises laundries save money. Best of all, laundries that add the washer-extractors are adopting a greener approach to operations.” The...

CHICAGO—For hotel developers in search of everything necessary to build smart, high performance buildings, Greenbuild was the place to be this week. Approximately 850 vendors offering everything from environmentally friendly cinder block to roofing materials to carpeting were on hand. The event, sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, was held here in Chicago at McCormick Place. Here are just a few of the vendor announcement highlights: • As a part of its continued commitment to sustainable practices, Osram Sylvania announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program. By participating in Climate Leaders, Sylvania has pledged...

GREENSBORO, N.C.—Built to use 40 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than a comparable hotel, Proximity Hotel offers a glimpse of the future while celebrating the past. Sustainable practices, custom-designed furnishings, commissioned art and innovative design await guests in every corner of the 147-room luxury hotel and the adjacent Print Works Bistro. Proximity Hotel’s sustainable design and construction follows the guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. With the goal to attain Platinum...

SOLON, OHIO—Energy Focus, Inc., a global leader in energy-efficient lighting technologies, announced that W Hotels has signed contracts to install Energy Focus, Inc.’s energy efficient EFO lighting systems at properties in Chicago and New York City. The W Hotel Brand is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Luxury Brand Division. The installations, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, come after an extensive test by the W Hotel in Times Square. The systems will be installed throughout the public common areas of the hotels and will replace traditional MR-16 halogen lamps. “All told,...

NATIONAL REPORT—No matter what size your facility is, chances are great that it can benefit from the latest window film advancements. In fact, some window films can help generate up to 30 percent savings in heating and cooling costs. Once questioned because of stories about bubbling or fading—mostly untrue according to experts—window film today is a reliable product that can provide many benefits. “Window film saves everybody money,” says Jeff Cohen, owner of Kustom Options, a window film installer based in Murrieta, Calif. The first benefit is energy savings. Window film, typically installed on the inside of window glass, rejects heat,...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The historic Heathman Hotel, Portland’s premier, full-service luxury hotel, was recognized by PacifiCorp recently for its efforts toward becoming a green hotel. PacifiCorp honored the Heathman as well as 14 other Oregon businesses that have worked with Energy Trust of Oregon on increasing energy efficiency and committing to sustainable practices. PacifiCorp (known as Pacific Power in Oregon) hosted approximately 100 Portland-area CEOs from their service territory in Oregon. Among the notable list of speakers talking about the future of energy were: Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power; Greg Abel, chairman and CEO of PacifiCorp and president of Mid American...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added its second case study to its new Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the Best Western Executive Inn and Best Western Loyal Inn, both in Seattle, and how they have successfully implemented Upland, Calif.-based Green Suites International’s EcoRoom® program. EcoRooms® feature more than a dozen different environmental products. They include: compact fluorescent light bulbs; low-flow showerheads and sink faucets; nightlights; digital thermostats; non-toxic cleaning chemicals; Nature’s Mist deodorizer; a linen reuse program; and lotion and liquid soap products dispensed from refillable containers in the shower and at the sink. A pre-installation analysis...